There are signs that the Canadian economy is adapting well to the ongoing trade tussle with the U.S. and to higher energy prices. Ottawa’s drive to rapidly reorient the economy by strengthening internal trade, finding new markets, spending heavily on defence and infrastructure, and supporting major natural resource projects appears to be bearing some fruit. Still, growth remains somewhat sluggish, while inflation remains somewhat sticky. Meantime, the U.S. economy has remained resilient, and financial markets have been strong, both powered by the AI buildout. What does this mean for the Canadian dollar, housing, and domestic markets and inflation? Douglas Porter, Chief Economist of BMO Financial Group, will address these issues in his outlook, with a particular eye on food prices.

Presented by Canadian Grocer, the Generation Next Awards recognize emerging leaders — innovative thinkers (under forty) — who are having an impact on the grocery industry not only today, but in the years ahead. Join us as we reveal the 2026 GenNext award winners.

From Value to Values: Why Today's Shifts Are Tomorrow's Norms

Consumers aren't adapting to disruption anymore. They're building their lives around it. Drawing on NIQ's latest research, Carman will unpack the biggest shifts shaping the future of grocery, from the disappearance of the middle to the rise of AI and purpose-driven spending, helping leaders prepare for what's next.