DR. JACK MINTZ
President’s Fellow at the School of Public Policy,
University of Calgary

Discover why pinning a country’s future on a handful of “star” sectors is a risky shortcut. While flagship industries – such as oil and gas, tech hubs, or aerospace – can generate headline‑grabbing growth, they also create fragile economies that swing wildly with global cycles. By concentrating policy incentives, tax breaks, and public‑sector support on a privileged few, you inadvertently crowd out emerging businesses, stifle innovation in other parts of the economy, and widen regional disparities. Adopting a broader, diversification‑first strategy is key: nurture a resilient ecosystem of small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises, invest in workforce development, and build infrastructure that benefits all sectors. In doing so, you lay the groundwork for sustainable, inclusive prosperity – rather than betting the nation’s fate on a single industry that may someday lose its shine.

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