Conference Board of Canada

Conference Board of Canada is a prominent, not-for-profit applied research organization dedicated to building a better future for Canada by fostering economic and social prosperity. Established in 1954, it operates as an independent, evidence-based institution providing trusted insights to leaders in both the public and private sectors. Its work encompasses a wide range of policy areas, including macroeconomic forecasting, health care, education, innovation, and sustainability. The organization is widely known for its influential reports, economic forecasts, and indices such as the Consumer Confidence Index.

History

The organization was founded in 1954 as a subsidiary of the American-based Conference Board, aiming to provide Canadian-specific economic analysis to business and government leaders. Its early work focused heavily on productivity and industrial relations within the Canadian economy. In 1979, it became a fully independent Canadian entity, a move that solidified its national focus and autonomy. Throughout the late 20th century, it expanded its research scope under leaders like James K. Stewart to address emerging issues like technology adoption and global trade. A significant milestone was the 2012 relocation of its headquarters from Ottawa to the central business district, symbolizing its continued evolution as a key policy influencer.

Research and publications

The organization produces a vast array of research products, most notably its national and provincial economic outlook forecasts, which are closely watched by Bank of Canada officials, Finance Canada analysts, and corporate planners. It publishes regular reports on health indicators, education performance, and innovation metrics, including the well-known How Canada Performs benchmarking series. Other signature publications include in-depth studies on infrastructure investment, Indigenous economic development, and climate change adaptation. Its data and analysis are frequently cited in media outlets like The Globe and Mail and CBC News, and presented at major events such as the World Economic Forum.

Governance and structure

The organization is governed by a Board of directors composed of senior executives from major corporations, academic institutions, and public sector organizations. Day-to-day operations are led by a President and CEO, a role held since 2021 by Susan Black. Its research staff includes economists, policy analysts, and subject-matter experts organized into distinct centers, such as the Centre for the North and the Canadian Alliance for Sustainable Health Care. It maintains collaborative relationships with numerous think tanks, including the C.D. Howe Institute and the Institute for Research on Public Policy, and its findings are often utilized by federal agencies like Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Funding and independence

The organization operates on a non-partisan, not-for-profit basis, funded through a combination of membership fees, commissioned research projects, and the sale of its publications. Its members include a wide range of Fortune 500 companies, Crown corporations like Canada Post, provincial governments, and university libraries. This diversified revenue model is designed to safeguard its analytical independence and prevent undue influence from any single funder. The organization adheres to a public disclosure policy regarding its funding sources and maintains strict editorial control over all its research outputs to ensure methodological rigor and objectivity.

Impact and criticism

The organization has had a significant impact on public policy in Canada, with its forecasts and recommendations informing debates on fiscal policy, pension reform, and skills training programs. Its benchmarking reports often catalyze national discussions on health care performance and educational attainment. However, it has faced periodic criticism from some trade union groups and left-leaning think tanks like the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, who argue its corporate membership base may create a pro-business bias in its research framing. Despite this, it remains a primary source of economic intelligence for many Parliamentary committees, Premiers' offices, and international bodies like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Category:Research institutes in Canada Category:Economic research institutes Category:Organizations based in Ottawa Category:Organizations established in 1954