Season 3, Episode 7 - Business as Unusual: Risk, Research and Rethinking Productivity with Dave Angus 

In the wake of Canada’s federal election—and amid renewed U.S. trade tensions—Canada is at a crossroads. How do we grow an economy that’s more resilient, more innovative, and more productive? In this timely episode, Dave Angus, President of Johnston Group, former head of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and UM's incoming Chancellor, joins President Benarroch to discuss the big ideas we need now. From smarter regulation to bolder partnerships between business and post-secondary institutions, we explore how risk-taking, research, and rethinking old assumptions could help Canada meet this moment—and thrive beyond it.
 
About Dave Angus 

• Member of the Order of Manitoba 
• Named Canada’s top Chamber of Commerce Executive in 2012.  
• Through his involvement with the United Way, Angus rallies local businesses in furthering their adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, specifically Call to Action #92, which focuses on youth employment.  
• Chair of the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights 
• Past-chair and sitting member of the Joint Public Advisory Committee of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation; 
• Co-chair of the Board of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg;  
• Co-chair of the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council;  
• Board member of the Manitoba Museum;  
• Board member of Winnipeg’s Downtown Council;  
• Canadian representative on the Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives;  
• Co-chair of the Council of International Trade; 
• Member of the City of Winnipeg’s Red Tape Commission;  
• Member of the Mayor’s Trade Council;  
• Board Chair of the Prairie Theatre Exchange;  
• Board member of the YM/YWCA. 

About What’s the Big Idea? 

What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts. 

Links and Resources 

• University of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunities. 
• Alumni Relations: Stay connected with UM. 
• UM News: Read more about UM events and research. 

Sources 

What’s Next for the U.S.-Canada Relationship? The Atlantic, April 30, 2025 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbwxQFuh3zQ  
 
'It's not true that we will go through this psychodrama every 30 days': Minister Joly on trade war, CTV News, March 5, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWKzzf4bUNU 

Newly elected Canadian PM Mark Carney holds press conference, moneycontrol, May 3, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq3JBhQHElk 
 

Music 

Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music. 

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What’s the Big Idea? is a University of Manitoba production, created in partnership with Everything Podcasts. 

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