About the Institute
#1 Awarded Think Tank in Canada
The C.D. Howe Institute is a registered charity, and an independent not-for-profit research institute whose mission is to raise living standards by fostering economically sound public policies. Widely considered to be Canada’s most influential think tank, the Institute is a trusted source of essential policy intelligence, distinguished by research that is nonpartisan, evidence-based and subject to definitive expert review.
William B.P. Robson, President and CEO
President and CEO’s Message
For more than 60 years, the C.D. Howe Institute has researched and published on policy challenges and potential solutions aimed at improving the performance of Canada’s economy and raising Canadians’ living standards. We are independent and nonpartisan. We are a registered Canadian charity: the generosity of our members and supporters makes our work possible.
Among the highlights of the C.D. Howe Institute’s work over the years are liberalization of trade and investment in North America, the development of inflation targets, putting the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans on a sustainable footing, and reforms to personal, business and sales taxes. Improvements in areas as diverse as immigration policy, healthcare, fiscal accountability, and retirement saving show how the Institute’s work continues to help Canadians and governments at all levels address key challenges. With the most rigorous expert review process in the industry, the Institute consistently attracts top-calibre academics and leaders from both the public and private sectors as contributors.
Beyond its written output, the C.D. Howe Institute’s efforts to support good policy extend to our forums for informed discussion. Our policy councils, roundtable luncheons and special events bring leaders from business, government, academia and the professions together to exchange facts, analysis and different points of view. Here too, the Institute both thrives in, and contributes to, Canada’s tradition of open and civil debate.
The Institute takes great pride in its contribution to Canada’s standing as a top-ranked country in which to live, work, invest, and innovate.
Welcome to the C.D. Howe Institute.
William B.P. Robson
Quality, Independence and
Nonpartisanship
Impact
- The development of continental free trade;
- Ending the unsustainable deficits of the 1970s and 1980s;
- The development of rigorous inflation targets and tactically effective monetary policy;
- The reform of the Canadian and Quebec pension plans;
- Lower and more competitive tax rates; and
- Innovations in vehicles for saving and drawing down income.
Awards
2023 Purvis Prize
Canadian Economics Association
2014 Purvis Prize
Canadian Economics Association
2012 Purvis Prize
Canadian Economics Association
2012 John Hanson Memorial Award
Actuarial Foundation, United States
2011 Donner Prize Runner-Up
The Donner Canadian Foundation
2010 Purvis Prize
Canadian Economics Association
2005 Donner Prize Runner-Up
The Donner Canadian Foundation
2004 Donner Prize
The Donner Canadian Foundation
2002 Purvis Prize
Canadian Economics Association
2001 Donner Prize Runner-Up
The Donner Canadian Foundation
2001 Policy Research Initiative Award
Government of Canada
1995 Purvis Prize
Canadian Economics Association
1994 Purvis Prize
Canadian Economics Association
Diversity & Inclusion
The C.D. Howe Institute is committed to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for everyone. We strive to give employees, regardless of race, gender, disability, country of origin or sexual orientation, the opportunity and support needed to succeed.
The Institute supports diversity and inclusion in its hiring, events, ideas and affiliations. It provides a safe, inclusive and accessible physical office space that ensures everyone is able to participate and work to their full potential.
The Institute reviews its policies and procedures regularly to ensure they effectively promote diversity and inclusion.