Calgary economist and author Todd Hirsch says Canadians are more resilient than they may realize, despite growing anxiety over economic uncertainty, political instability and relentless negative news cycles.
Speaking in an interview with Canada’s Entrepreneur Managing Editor Mario Toneguzzi, Hirsch discussed an upcoming Calgary event titled By The Way, We’re Not Doomed, which will focus on resilience during periods of volatility and change.
The free June 17 event will feature Toronto-based speaker and former BBC journalist Melanie Marshall, whose keynote draws on her experience reporting from conflict zones in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Hirsch said the discussion is designed to help Canadians better understand how resilience applies not only to global crises, but also to everyday personal and business challenges.
Hirsch, who will host the event, said resilience involves adapting to adversity without losing one’s identity or sense of direction. He suggested that while resilience may be rooted in human nature, it can also be strengthened through experience and learning.
Drawing on Calgary’s history of economic booms and downturns tied to the energy sector, Hirsch said the city’s business community has developed a collective ability to recover from recessions and market shocks. Having lived in Calgary for nearly four decades, he noted the city has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to rebound from economic setbacks.
Hirsch also pointed to Alberta’s economic diversification as a factor helping reduce the severity of downturns compared with previous decades, even as energy remains central to the provincial economy.
On the broader Canadian economy, Hirsch said he has been surprised by the resilience of both Canada and the United States amid ongoing uncertainty. While Canada’s economy remains weaker than the U.S., he said recent economic indicators have been stronger than expected, though youth unemployment continues to be a concern.
Hirsch also encouraged Canadians to limit constant exposure to negative news coverage, arguing that managing media consumption can help reduce anxiety and improve resilience.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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