Anil Arora has a message: Canada needs to improve its innovation performance and productivity, stat

In particular, we need to invest in innovation and build a new generation of large Canadian firms that have scale and scope for global success, with high-paying jobs for workers and wealth generation to sustain and improve public services.

Canada's former chief statistician Anil Arora says the reason we should be so focused on improving our poor performance in innovation and productivity is quite simple: it’s all about enabling us to live better. 'Productivity is not about an abstract indicator.'Handout photograph

Opinion

BY DAVID CRANE

May 18, 2026

WATERLOO, ONT. – For Anil Arora, Canada’s former chief statistician, the reason we should be so focused on improving our poor performance in innovation and productivity is quite simple: it’s all about enabling us to live better. And with today’s affordability cris...

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