“Rising consumer spending shows people still have confidence in the economy, however for a second quarter in a row, business investment in inventories has fallen, signalling firms may be less optimistic than consumers about future economic conditions,” says Colin Mang, assistant professor of economics.

The labour market slowed but continued to evolve. Canada added 159,000 jobs in 2025, well below the previous year, with notable losses in manufacturing and construction but strong gains in health care, financial services and other service industries. “In the face of global trade uncertainties, the Canadian economy has been shifting gears, with the already dominant services sector becoming an even more important source of economic activity,” he says.

Looking ahead, Canada’s shrinking population poses a growing challenge, says Mang. The population declined 0.2% in the third quarter, and 1.4 million temporary resident visas are set to expire this year. Most are expected to leave due to limited permanent residency spaces.

“As our population shrinks further, this will put significant downward pressure on consumer spending and slow economic growth over the next six months to a year.”

Colin Mang can be reached at [email protected].

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Dylan Kobsar, associate professor of kinesiology, uses motion capture systems and sensor technologies to study movement patterns and force production related to athletic performance, injury risk, and return-to-play decision-making. His lab collaborates with McMaster Athletics and external apparel and technology companies, to support athlete training and performance optimization. [email protected] 

Colin Mang, assistant professor of economics, can discuss the economic impact of the Games on local economies, including infrastructure investments, tourism and long-term economic legacies, both positive and negative. [email protected]

Hanna Tervanotko, associate professor of religious studies, can offer insight into how sports fandom intersects with ritual, community, and collective belief, helping explain why major sporting events like the Olympics evoke powerful emotions and social cohesion. [email protected]

Stuart Phillips chair of the Department of Kinesiology, is an expert on the use of steroids,  strength training, athletic performance and exercise physiology. [email protected]

Kinesiology professor Martin Gibala, can discuss the impact of exercise training and dietary manipulation on sport performance. His research on interval training and muscle physiology provides insight into how elite athletes optimize conditioning leading into major competitions. [email protected]   

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McMaster experts are available to provide context and analysis.

Henry Giroux, chair for scholarship in the public interest, can speak about how recent U.S. actions in Venezuela undermine international law and national sovereignty and offer insight into the broader consequences for Canada and global stability.

He can be reached at: [email protected]

Colin Mang, assistant professor of economics can comment on the consequences for Canada’s energy sector including how shifts in Venezuelan output could influence pricing, affect competition with Canadian oilsands and impact investment.

“Venezuelan oil is a close substitute for Canadian oil in terms of its quality, so U.S. refiners are already set-up to be able to process it. However, transport costs from Venezuela to the US are higher than transport costs from Canada, so Canadian oil will still have a small competitive advantage,” he explains.

He can be reached at: [email protected]

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After shrinking in the spring and stumbling through July and August, the economy grew in September, giving the country a small but important boost and provided just enough momentum to keep Canada out of a technical recession.

“This GDP report shows how fragile Canada’s recovery remains. While September growth helped us avoid a technical recession, weak business investment and soft consumer spending signal ongoing challenges,” explains Colin Mang, assistant professor of economics.

“The next few months will be critical to see if interest rate cuts and job gains can sustain momentum.”

Colin can be reached at [email protected]

What’s behind the numbers?

• Canadians buying local: Months of “Buy Canadian” campaigns seem to have worked. Imports dropped by 2.2 per cent, the biggest decline since 2022, as families shifted toward Canadian-made products

• Spending slowdown: Household spending fell for the first time since 2021, thanks to higher unemployment and trade uncertainty over the summer

• Signs of recovery: Two Bank of Canada interest rate cuts and a stronger job market this fall should help turn things around heading into the holiday season

• Business caution: Investment in machinery and equipment fell for the second straight quarter – the lowest since early 2021. Manufacturers want to wait to see what happens with Canada-U.S. trade relations

• What kept us afloat: Government spending, more homebuilding and a better trade balance helped offset weak consumer spending and business investment. Overall, GDP grew 0.645 per cent in Q3 (2.6 per cent annualized).

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The loss of the status is a significant setback in public health, and Canada can only re-establish its measles elimination status once transmission is interrupted for at least 12 months. 

EXPERT AVAILABLE:  

Dawn Bowdish, professor with McMaster University’s Department of Medicine and executive director of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health. 

• Bowdish is a vocal infectious disease expert who can speak on what losing the elimination status means and how misinformation and gaps in vaccine administration has exacerbated the problem. 

• Bowdish can be reached directly at [email protected]. Please note her availability on Monday, Nov. 10 starts after 1:30 p.m. ET. 

• WATCH: Measles Explained: What you need to know about this highly contagious virus 

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It will be a critical test for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s minority government, which faces sluggish economic growth, persistent inflation, and an ongoing tariff crisis.

“To diversify and grow our international trade, Canada will need new investments in ports, roads, and rail infrastructure and that doesn’t come cheap,” says Mang.

He notes that the budget signals a potential shift in Canada’s economic direction.

“With this budget, the Government of Canada is charting a new course. Instead of focusing on public employment and service provision, the government is instead looking at investments that will grow the private sector, boost productivity, and improve the Canadian economy over the long term. That’s exactly what you would expect from a Prime Minister whose previous career was as an economist,” he says.

To set up an interview, Colin Mang can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 416-434-3592.

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Hanna Tervanotko, associate professor of religious studies, examines ancient religious practices and their modern parallels. She sees striking similarities between sports fandom and religion and says the Blue Jays’ playoff run reveals the power of ritual, community and collective belief.
She can be reached at: [email protected]

Iris Baloda, associate professor with the department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, researches addiction. She can discuss how sports betting, now an increasingly popular and integrated aspect of major sport leagues, influences fan engagement.
She can be reached at [email protected].

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McMaster University experts are available to provide insight and analysis on the implications – from economic policy and trade relations to political leadership.

Andrea Lawlor, associate professor of political science and can speak to the political issues at play for the Carney government, both internally and externally, including party dynamics and opposition backlash.
[email protected]

Pau Pujolas is an associate professor of economics. He specializes in international trade, macroeconomics and productivity. He can provide insight into how Carney’s economic agenda may affect Canada’s trade relationships, long-term growth and fiscal sustainability.
[email protected]

Colin Mang, assistant professor of economics, can discuss the implications of Carney’s proposed investments and fiscal policies on inflation, interest rates and monetary policy as well as how these measures could impact Canadian households.
[email protected]

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Erin Reid, Professor of Human Resources & Management is available to comment on these policies, including:

• Why two to three days in-office may be optimal for productivity, retention, and employee well-being in white-collar roles
• The lack of evidence supporting improved productivity with full-time in-office policies
• How rigid mandates may exacerbate inequities, particularly for caregivers, people with disabilities, and those with long commutes
• What employers should consider when designing flexible, evidence-informed workplace policies

“Even when you set aside well-being and retention, the data simply doesn’t support the idea that five days in-office leads to better performance,” she says.

She can be reached at [email protected]

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The meeting could shape the future of Canada-U.S. trade relations ahead of the review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

McMaster University experts are available to provide analysis on the economic and political dimensions of this development.

Colin Mang (assistant professor, economics) – Economic impact of Trump-era tariffs on Canada’s businesses and consumers.
[email protected]

William Huggins (assistant professor, finance & business economics) – Tariffs’ effect on Canada’s economy and evolving trade relationship with the U.S.
[email protected]

Pau Pujolas (associate professor, economics) – International trade, trade wars, and macroeconomic impacts.
[email protected]

Don Abelson (professor, political science) – Canada-U.S. relations and diplomatic context.
[email protected]

Andrea Lawlor (associate professor, political science) – Canadian public policy and political implications of trade measures.
[email protected]

Francois Neville (associate professor, strategic management) – Economic strategy, “Buy Canadian” policies, and broader tariff effects.
[email protected]

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