Stephen Poloz O.C.

Stephen Poloz O.C.

Special Advisor

Ottawa

(613) 787-1013 

[email protected]

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Areas of Expertise

International Trade and Investment

Stephen is a widely recognized economist with nearly 40 years of experience in financial markets, forecasting, and economic policy, including 35 years in the public sector.

Prior to joining Osler, Stephen was the ninth Governor of the Bank of Canada, Canada’s central bank. Stephen was Governor of the Bank for seven years after having previously spent 14 years there during 1981–95 occupying a range of increasingly senior positions.

An Officer of the Order of Canada, Stephen has made significant contributions to the country throughout his career and continues to do so. In 2024, Stephen led an economic working group created by the federal government to help find more opportunities for Canada’s largest pension funds to drive economic growth here at home. Outcomes from the consultation were published in the Fall Economic Statement of December 2024.

In October 2025, Stephen was appointed as an expert advisor by the Ontario government to the Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE). This panel will support the government’s long-term plan to deliver reliable energy in Ontario.

Stephen is also the author of the book titled The Next Age of Uncertainty: How the World Can Adapt to a Riskier Future that maps out the powerful economic forces that are shaping our future and the ideas that will allow us to master them.

Prior to joining the Bank of Canada, Stephen spent 14 years at Export Development Canada, as Chief Economist (1999–2008), Head of Lending (2008–2011) and finally as President and CEO (2011–2013). He also spent four years at BCA Research, where he was Managing Editor of the International Bank Credit Analyst, one of their flagship publications.

Stephen is an Honorary Certified International Trade Professional and a graduate of Columbia University’s Senior Executive Program. He has been a visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., and at the Economic Planning Agency in Tokyo, Japan. He is a frequent speaker and writer and has taught economics at the University of Western Ontario, Concordia University and Queen’s School of Business.

He has received honorary Doctoral degrees from Trent University, the University of Western Ontario, and Ontario Tech University.

At Osler, Stephen provides clients with his significant expertise and strategic guidance regarding the financial system, trade, and economic policy both domestically and on a global scale.

Areas of Expertise

International Trade and Investment

Media Mentions

  • Osler News October 31, 2025

    Stephen Poloz appointed to Ontario electricity distribution expert panel

    Special Advisor Stephen Poloz has been appointed as an expert advisor by the Ontario government to the newly-created Panel for Utility Leadership and...

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  • Media Mentions September 26, 2025

    Poloz says more going on with Canada’s labour market than just trade impacts – Financial Post

    Canada’s struggling labour market is facing pressure on several fronts, says Special Advisor Stephen Poloz in a Financial Post article, reporting...

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  • Media Mentions September 10, 2025

    Former Bank of Canada governor warns both Canada and the United States headed towards a recession – CTV News

    With the implementation of tariffs now firmly in place, their impact on the Canadian economy is beginning to take shape.

    Read more
  • Osler News July 30, 2025

    Solutions to Canada’s housing crisis: practical pathways for a resilient market

    Canada’s housing market is facing a critical juncture, with persistent affordability challenges, supply shortages, and regulatory complexity...

    Read more
    Solutions to Canada’s housing crisis: practical pathways for a resilient market
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Credentials

Education

  • University of Western Ontario, PhD (Economics)
  • University of Western Ontario, MA (Economics)
  • Queens University, BA (Honours Economics)

Languages

  • English
  • French

Professional Affiliations

  • Enbridge Inc., Board Member
  • CGI Inc., Board Member
  • Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management, Advisory Council Chair

Osler is a leading business law firm practising internationally from offices across Canada and in New York. Our clients include industry and business leaders in all segments of the market and at various stages in the growth of their businesses. We have built our reputation on our commitment to our clients' success and the experience, expertise and collaborative approach for which we are recognized. We believe that our success is a reflection of our clients' success.