Canadian CEOs Break from Global Optimism, Lag in AI Scaling

Event summary

  • 47% of Canadian CEOs expect global economic growth to improve in the next 12 months (vs. 61% globally), while only 27% expect Canada's economy to improve.
  • 53% of Canadian CEOs are concerned about the impact of U.S. trade policy and tariffs, with 35% expecting reduced profit margins in the next year.
  • 94% of Canadian CEOs use AI to some extent, but only 29% have scaled it across their business (vs. 43% globally).
  • 56% of Canadian CEOs have entered new sectors in the past five years, with 64% planning to expand into at least one new sector in the next three years.

The big picture

Canadian CEOs are diverging from global optimism, citing trade tensions and slower AI adoption as key concerns. Despite short-term economic uncertainty, they are betting on reinvention strategies, including AI scaling and sector expansion, to drive long-term growth. This shift highlights the need for bold, decisive moves to build resilience and competitive advantage in a challenging economic landscape.

What we're watching

AI Scaling
How Canadian companies will accelerate AI adoption beyond pilots to unlock new revenue streams.
Sector Expansion
Whether Canadian CEOs can successfully navigate new sectors, particularly industrials, energy, and technology.
Trade Policy Impact
The pace at which U.S. trade policy and tariffs will affect Canadian profit margins and economic growth.

Related topics

Technology