RBC’s chief economist to speak on the state of the local economy at Laurier’s Economic Outlook

Feb. 5, 2020
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Craig Wright, chief economist and senior vice-president at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), will speak about the state of the economy in Waterloo Region as part of this year’s Economic Outlook, hosted by Wilfrid Laurier University’s Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (LCERPA).  

Wright’s keynote address, “Uncertain and Underwhelming,” will take place Feb. 19 in the Senate and Board Chamber on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Tickets are available online.

“It’s critical for every business leader to understand where the economy is heading so they can set the right company targets and strategies,” said Edda Claus, director of LCERPA and associate professor of economics. “We are incredibly fortunate to have a major bank’s chief economist travel to Waterloo Region to deliver a forecast of our economy.”

Every year, LCERPA, an association of economists based at Laurier’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, invites an economist to shed light on the wellbeing of the local economy. In this year’s talk, Wright will provide insight into how rising protectionism and elevated policy uncertainty are holding back exports and investment. Additionally, he will address how global growth and trade flows are posing challenges for Canadian exports and commodity prices, given that they are posting some of the slowest growth rates since the global financial crisis.

“The topics discussed at Economic Outlook are important for economic growth in our Region,” said Logan McLeod, chair of the Department of Economics in Laurier’s Lazaridis School. “When growth rates are low, it often means there are fewer opportunities for companies to grow. Firms may decide to delay investment decisions and consumers may reduce their spending.

“In short, if I were a business leader, I would want to know if another recession is coming, the economic pressures affecting growth, and how I may be able to lead my business forward. Our Economic Outlook event is a great opportunity for business leaders in the Region to get an inside perspective on our economy from Chief Economist Craig Wright.”

Wright, who is also an alumnus of the undergraduate Lazaridis Economics program, leads a team of economists providing economic, fixed income and foreign exchange research to RBC clients. He is a regular contributor to numerous RBC publications and is a key player in delivering economic analysis to clients and the media.

Wright joined RBC in 1994 and was appointed chief economist in 2001. He is a member of the CD Howe Monetary Policy Council, the British Columbia Economic Forecast Council and the Lazaridis School’s Dean’s Advisory Council.

Economic Outlook: Uncertain and Underwhelming

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Registration 11 a.m. | Luncheon 11:30 a.m. | Keynote Noon | Event Ends 1 p.m.

Senate & Board Chamber, Wilfrid Laurier University
75 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON
$49.50 (includes HST, lunch and on-campus parking)
Buy your ticket 

Members of the media who wish to attend are asked to contact Patrycja Gadomski directly at: 519.884.0710 x3280 or pgadomski@wlu.ca.