Diversifying Canada’s trade will be one of the most significant policy challenges for Canada over the coming decade. The extent to which we can successfully diversify will determine the trajectory of our country’s economic growth, the resilience of our sovereignty and the prosperity of our local communities.   

In economics, the gravity model predicts that countries trade more with large, nearby economies. The gravitational pull of the U.S. – the world’s largest economy and Canada’s neighbour – is strong, which means government policy tools that help Canadian businesses defy gravity and expand into new markets will be increasingly important.  

Those tools need to be carefully designed and grounded in rigorous analysis and evidence. Our research project aims to provide that analysis and evidence through collaborations with leading experts, and a series of research papers, commentaries, data dashboards and events.