Global disruption in 4D:
Exploring intersecting forces impacting Canada’s future
Four converging disruptions.
Four intersections redefining how we see the world around us. Global disruption in 4D isn't a glimpse into the future—it's the gateway to understanding Canada's new reality. A new dimension awaits—are you ready to step in?
Uncertainty about the future of the world has deepened in recent years. Numerous events with global ramifications—from pandemics and destructive weather events to lengthy, violent conflicts and technological revolutions—have left leaders with more questions than answers. While Canada possesses enduring advantages, it will have to confront and adapt to this environment of volatility to ensure a secure and prosperous future for all of us who call it home.
Complex issues need sophisticated responses
We see four, interconnected disruptions at the global level that are having a significant impact on life in Canada: the talent transformation, the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, the race to net-zero, and geopolitical uncertainty. These forces are deeply intertwined, with each influencing the others. For instance, capitalizing on the immense opportunity of AI requires first equipping workers with the skills to use it effectively. Similarly, making progress on net-zero emissions goals means also being aware of the potential for geopolitical conflict to rupture the supply chains that bring in the goods critical to the energy transition.
To build a better future, Canada must address these disruptions not only individually but also by recognizing the trade-offs and interdependencies between them. This calls for systems-level thinking, greater collaboration, and a willingness to think innovatively. We believe we have both a calling and a duty to drive positive change for Canada. We aspire for these insights to shift the perspectives of our country’s leaders, prompting them to examine these disruptions in relation to each other and separately as they map out for a thriving future together.
We define a disruption as a recent global phenomenon that has a significant impact on Canada.
- It is global in nature.
- It has emerged, substantially changed, or intensified since 2020.
- It has significant, far-reaching, and pressing implications for Canada:
- It is significant enough to considerably affect national economic and societal well-being.
- It is far-reaching enough to be felt across multiple sectors and regions.
- It is pressing enough to require urgent response by business leaders and policymakers.
The intersection of
GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY
&
AI REVOLUTION
A conversation with:
Jaimie Boyd, Partner, National Digital Government Leader
Aisha Greene, National Sales Director of the Office of Generative AI
Intensifying geopolitical competition and uncertainty are complicating the AI landscape, creating three key challenges for Canada. There’s the strong competition for strategic AI resources, including data, software, and hardware. The race to govern AI adds another competitive element, as nations seek to be first to establish rules for the digital world. And the evolving risks associated with AI—including misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation enabled by technology—are threatening democracy and institutional trust at home and around the world.
| IMPACT ON CANADA | RECOMMENDATIONS |
|---|---|
| Harm from the global pursuit of AI sovereignty |
|
| A need to catch up on AI governance |
|
| AI-enabled misinformation is undermining trust and democracy |
|
The intersection of
TALENT TRANSFORMATION
&
THE RACE TO NET-ZERO
A conversation with:
Andrew Swart, Managing Partner, Energy, Resources & Industrials
Jodi Baker Calamai, National Managing Partner, Human Capital, Consulting
Canada has made significant commitments to and investments in the transition to net-zero emissions, but our ability to meet our targets is being hindered by the lack of a comprehensive national workforce strategy to ensure Canadians are prepared for a clean energy economy. As the new jobs necessary for the transition are created, we have a chance to ensure that demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sector are able to share in the net-zero career opportunities.
| IMPACT ON CANADA | RECOMMENDATIONS |
|---|---|
| Workers are unequipped to work in the net-zero economy |
|
| The benefits of net-zero opportunities aren’t evenly distributed |
|
The intersection of
THE RACE TO NET-ZERO
&
GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY
A conversation with:
Andrew Swart, Managing Partner, Energy, Resources & Industrials
Gavin McTavish, National Strategy & Business Design Leader
As global power dynamics shift, geopolitical uncertainty is impacting Canada’s path to net-zero in two important ways. The uncertainty facing Canada’s future energy mix is one, as geopolitical conflicts grow. The second is the threat of trade tensions and supply chain disruptions to Canada’s access to the critical minerals needed for net-zero solutions—yet, simultaneously, this threat presents an opportunity to capture a competitive position in the critical minerals value chain.
| IMPACT ON CANADA | RECOMMENDATIONS |
|---|---|
| Uncertainty about Canada’s future energy mix is complicating efforts |
|
| An opportunity to supply critical minerals |
|
The intersection of
AI REVOLUTION
&
TALENT TRANSFORMATION
A conversation with:
Benoit Hardy-Vallée, Director, Human Capital
Jas Jaaj, AI and Data (including Omnia AI) Managing Partner
A skilled workforce is vital for capitalizing on the full potential of AI, but Canadian organizations face two challenges in this regard: fierce global competition for the highly skilled talent needed to deploy AI, and barriers to preparing their current workforce to use AI effectively.
| IMPACT ON CANADA | RECOMMENDATIONS |
|---|---|
| A battle to hire Canada’s world-class AI talent |
|
| A struggle to prepare workforces for AI-driven change |
|
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