David Dodge

David Dodge is one of Canada’s most distinguished economists and public-policy leaders, renowned for his clarity, integrity, and real-world impact. A native of Toronto, he earned an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Queen’s University and completed a PhD in Economics at Princeton University in 1972.

Over his illustrious career, Dodge held senior roles in the federal public service—including at the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Anti-Inflation Board, and the Department of Employment and Immigration—before serving as Deputy Minister of Finance (1992-1997) and Deputy Minister of Health (1998-2001).

In 2001, he was appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada and served a full seven-year term (2001-2008), guiding Canadian monetary and financial policy through turbulent global events, including the post-dot-com era and early-2000s global instability.

Dodge has also served in academia—teaching economics at Queen’s University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University—and in leadership roles outside government, including as Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP and board member of several major Canadian institutions.

Today, his speaking engagements draw on decades of insight into economics, finance, public policy, and change leadership. With a reputation for delivering accessible, actionable messages to corporate and policy audiences alike, David Dodge is sought after for his ability to translate complex macroeconomic trends into strategic guidance.

The Canadian Economic Outlook: Risks, Opportunities and Strategy for Business and Government

In this keynote, David Dodge offers a timely review of Canada’s economy—covering inflation, debt levels, demographics, global trade shifts, and productivity challenges. He equips business leaders and policymakers with a clear framework to navigate uncertainty, identify strategic growth areas, and position their organisations for long-term success.

Fixing Productivity and Growth: Why Canada Lags and What to Do About It

Canada’s long-term prosperity depends on lifting productivity, yet the country has struggled to keep pace. Drawing on his deep experience in economic policy, Dodge identifies structural constraints, frames evidence-based reform pathways, and helps executives translate macroeconomic insights into competitive business strategy.

Public-Sector Reform and Sustainable Governance

With his leadership in government and public-service reform initiatives, Dodge explains how public institutions and large organisations can adapt to fiscal pressures, streamline operations, and preserve public trust. Ideal for audiences in the public, not-for-profit, and regulated sectors.

Global Forces and Fiscal Realities: Leading Through Economic Disruption

From low-interest-rate environments to shifting global power dynamics and debt pressures, this session explores how business and government leaders can respond actively to macroeconomic change. Drawing on his tenure as Bank of Canada Governor, Dodge offers strategies to turn risk into leadership advantage.

The Future of Finance: Banking, Regulation and the Next Economic Era

Leveraging his finance and policy credentials, Dodge examines the evolving banking landscape in Canada and globally—covering regulation, fintech, consumer behaviour, and competitive strategy. This topic is especially relevant for financial services, institutional investors, and boards seeking forward-looking insights.