Industrial policy is back on the agenda in Canada.

In this series, Policy Options explores how targeted public action can strengthen Canada’s sovereignty, bolster key industries, and prepare the economy for structural transitions driven by climate change, new technologies, and global competition.

The series examines lessons from Canada’s past approaches, showing both the risks of poorly designed programs and the potential of well-governed industrial strategies. We look at how intellectual property policy affects innovation, why critical minerals are central to Canada’s role in the global economy, and the broader case for industrial policies that are strategic, transparent, and accountable.

Emerging priorities are clear: building resilient supply chains, accelerating housing solutions, and positioning Canadian companies to succeed through global economic change. We highlight the growing link between industrial policy and defence spending, and what that means for Canada’s security and international partnerships.

Together, these contributions underscore that industrial policy is not a panacea, but – if done well – it can be a powerful tool for shaping a stronger, more resilient future.