Open Scan on Feb 26th: Futures of American Tariffs
Join Creative Futures with economic expert, Sean Mullin on February 26th to explore the futures of an American trade war, and what it could mean for cities.
What are the near and long term implications of being in a trade war with the USA? On February 1st, the US imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, sparking Canada to respond with a matching tariff. This lead to an agreement to revisit in 30 days, suggesting room to avoid a trade war. However, during this time, the US announced sweeping global tariffs on products such as steel and aluminium, creating new questions for the futures of Canada’s economy. While national leaders acknowledge the economic strain tariffs could place on Canadian businesses and consumers, the ripple effects will reach far beyond trade.
What does this mean for cities?
Local governments are on the frontlines of economic shifts, and these tariffs could have far-reaching consequences for municipal operations, infrastructure, and residents. As cities navigate this new economic landscape, key questions emerge:
How will municipal budgets and financial planning be affected?
Could tariffs disrupt local supply chains, infrastructure projects, or procurement?
What challenges might arise in maintaining essential services for residents?
How can cities adapt and build resilience in an uncertain economic climate?
On February 26, 2025, we’re bringing municipal innovators from across Canada to unpack the potential long-term implications of this tariff war on urban economies, governance, and city planning. This session will explore both the immediate and future impacts of shifting trade policies—and what cities can do to prepare.
To explore this critical topic, we’ll be joined by economic and public policy expert, Sean Mullin. Sean is a seasoned leader in economics, technology, and public policy, with extensive experience at the highest levels of government and founding and running one of Canada's most innovative think tanks. Learn more about Sean.
Please note: This session is highly interactive and not a webinar.
What is Open Scan?
Open Scan is a virtual gathering of Canadian municipal* innovators who are interested in applying their strategic foresight knowledge and learning with peers.
At each session, Creative Futures shares the latest emerging trends, and facilitates a series of foresight activities to explore long-term implications.
This is a highly participatory session, not a webinar. At each session expect to:
Learn about the latest emerging changes that may impact the municipal context;
Discuss implications of emerging changes with fellow foresight practitioners; and,
Join a broader group of municipal innovators and foresight practitioners to learn from each other and support your work.
*Open Scan is designed for municipal innovators, from government, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations, who have some knowledge of strategic foresight. However, it is open to everyone.
About Creative Futures
Creative Futures helps municipal, post-secondary, health care, nonprofit, and socially-minded leaders plan and prepare for their futures. Using applied futures research, we help organizations navigate complexity and embrace uncertainty, arming them with the tools to think beyond present-day issues and imagine, plan, and prepare for multiple potential futures.