EFC’s annual virtual Economic Forecast returns on September 18, featuring leading economists Maureen Farrow, Economap Inc. and Donald Leavens, NEMA. They will each deliver sessions offering clear and candid insights into the key forces shaping Canada’s economic outlook.Â
This year’s Economic Forecast will explore global and domestic economic forces shaping Canada’s outlook, with a focus on trade, inflation, and regional trends across the provinces. The session will also examine shifting conditions in the US electrical manufacturing sector, including increased demand for grid technologies driven by AI and energy policy.Â
This presentation is especially relevant for senior executives and management professionals responsible for budgeting, strategic planning, and trend forecasting.Â
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About Maureen Farrow, Economap Inc.Â
Maureen Farrow is President of Economap Inc., a strategic economic advisory consultancy service for businesses and government. The firm specializes in interpreting the impact of global economic trends on financial markets to assist portfolio managers with asset allocation decisions. During her career, Maureen has specialized in applied economics, forecasting and policy development.Â
Maureen currently serves as a member of the Investment Committees of the WCB of British Columbia and the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario. In 1991, Maureen was made a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, in honour of her contribution as an economist to the business community. In 1996, Maureen received the Commemorative Medal marking the 125th Anniversary of Confederation.Â
Consensus Economics out of London UK has awarded Economap Inc. with the Forecast Accuracy Award 2023 for Canada. Read more.Â
Session Description: Economic Outlook 2025/2026Â
The presentation will discuss the key geopolitical and geoeconomics factors now shaping the world economy and Canada. The focus will be on the Trump agenda, trade, inflation, monetary policy and currencies. The outlook for Canada will discuss the Liberal Governments agenda to address U.S trade relations along with the domestic policy to build a stronger domestic economy. The implications for Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, the Prairie and Atlantic regions will be discussed.Â
About Donald R. Leavens, Ph.D
Donald R. Leavens, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, holds a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University. He also received a master’s degree in economics from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Virginia.Â
At NEMA, he heads a quantitative analysis division known as NEMA Business Intelligence, which provides econometric modeling, macroeconomic forecasting, market research, economic analysis, and industry data collection services to a wide range of businesses including many of the world’s largest companies. He is a frequent speaker at industry and company events where he focuses on the economic outlook and business trends. Â
In addition, he serves as an observer on the board of the Industry Data Exchange Association, IDEA, which operates an industry data warehouse and EDI services for the electrical industry.Â
Prior to joining NEMA, he served as Director Tax Policy Research for the National Association of Realtors and Director Federal Budget Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and has held academic appointments at George Mason University and Virginia Tech. He has also written articles on public choice and public finance economics that have appeared in academic journals and has contributed articles to several books. In addition, he has served as a member of the Governor of Virginia’s Advisory Board of Economists.Â
Session Description: The US Electroindustry Economic Outlook Â
The US electrical manufacturing sector is cooling at the broadest level after several years of growth driven by data center construction, grid modernization, and manufacturing reshoring. Supply chain risks tied to trade and tax policies, and ongoing labor shortages are weighing on investment plans. At the same time, policies aimed at ensuring AI and energy dominance are magnifying demand for grid sector products and systems. In this presentation we will discuss the outlook for key electroindustry sectors amid a rebalancing global economy.Â