The Hunter Prize

How does this work?

Entrants are asked to consider our inaugural topic and challenge below, then provide a short synopsis of their policy proposal. All entries will be adjudicated by an esteemed panel of judges, including Theo Argitis, Lisa Raitt, Frances Donald, Jack Mintz, and Alicia Planincic. The judges will select 10 finalists to further refine and develop their ideas before vying for $50,000 in cash prizes and the chance to translate their idea into actionable public policy. The Hunter Prize is open as of August 3, 2025.

The Problem

A “wicked problem” is an issue or challenge that is difficult to solve for three reasons: (1) it involves interconnected economic, cultural, and social factors, (2) it tends to be long-term in nature, and (3) its possible solutions can be contentious due to entrenched thinking and interests.

One of the biggest wicked problems for Canada is its stagnant living standards.

In recent years, Canada has experienced a significant demographic shift, with its population growing at an unprecedented pace. Between 2016 and 2023, the country welcomed an average of over 600,000 newcomers annually, nearly double the average from 2001 to 2015. This surge outpaced Canada’s own historic norms and positioned the country as having the fastest-growing population in the G7.

However, this rapid population growth has not been matched by a commensurate increase in economic output. Canada’s GDP per capita—a key indicator of average living standards—has stagnated and even declined in recent quarters.

Growth in average Canadian living standards has also been poor relative to peer countries. For instance, from 2015 to 2024, Canada’s real GDP per capita grew by 1.7 percent, the second slowest in the OECD, while the United States saw an increase of more than 18 percent during the same period. Moreover, in 2010, average Canadian living standards sat at 87 percent of those in the U.S. Yet by 2030, the IMF projects that Canada’s real GDP per capita will be less than 73 percent of the U.S.’s. This divergence raises concerns about the country’s long-term living standards and economic competitiveness.

If we do not take serious action, the problem is bound to get worse. The OECD is projecting to experience the slowest growth in real GDP per capita among its members between now and 2060.

Several factors contribute to the trend of stagnant real GDP per capita. Productivity growth in Canada has been sluggish, with limited advancements in sectors that drive high-value economic activity. Business investment is weak. Entrepreneurship rates are in decline. Additionally, infrastructure and housing development have not kept pace with population growth, leading to increased costs and reduced affordability. Fiscal constraints compound these challenges, as governments need to maintain discipline in public spending.

Addressing this “wicked problem” requires innovative policy reforms that can enhance GDP per capita without compromising fiscal responsibility. Potential areas of focus include boosting productivity through investment in technology and skills development, improving infrastructure to support economic activity, and creating an environment conducive to private sector growth. The goal is to ensure that Canada’s economic growth translates into tangible improvements in individual prosperity, securing the nation’s long-term well-being.

The Challenge

That is why we are challenging Canadian policy thinkers, scholars, and practitioners to answer the question:

In recent years, Canada’s population has been growing at a faster rate than its economy. The result is that Canada’s GDP per capita has stagnated relative to peer countries, raising concerns about long-term living standards and national prosperity. What policy reforms could sustainably increase Canada’s GDP per capita over the next decade, while maintaining fiscal discipline?