The School of Public Policy appoints Dr. Trevor Tombe Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy

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The School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Trevor Tombe as the School’s Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy. 

Dr. Tombe is one of the most cited economists in the country. His research focuses on the intersection of international trade and macroeconomics, with a particular focus on the factors influencing productivity within and between countries.

He was the driving force behind Canada’s Productivity Summit held in Calgary in October 2024 that spurred follow-up sessions across Canada in 2025 to address the national productivity crisis.

Dr. Tombe, who is also a professor in the Department of Economics in the university’s Faculty of Arts, has been published in leading academic economics journals including, the Canadian Journal of Economics, the American Economic Review and the Journal of Monetary Economics. He also co-authored the textbooks Public Finance in Canada and Macroeconomics, and was co-editor of the recent volume Fiscal Federalism in Canada. He is co-director of  Finances of the Nation and is a Fellow of the Public Policy Forum. 

In addition to his academic work, he advises various governments on a range of issues and contributes to policy development and discussions through regular op-eds, articles, and media engagement, including as a regular contributor to The Hub. 

“It’s an incredible opportunity to carry on the work of Dr. Jack Mintz, Dr. Robert Mansell and many others who established The School of Public Policy’s reputation for outstanding economic analysis and policy insights. I look forward to working with my colleagues at the School to provide practical solutions to the economic challenges facing our country,” said Dr. Tombe, who received his MA and PhD in Economics from the University of Toronto and an undergraduate degree in finance from Simon Fraser University.  

Economic growth and prosperity are key areas of focus for the School, supporting research aimed at providing pragmatic solutions to major societal challenges.

“Trevor has become one of the most trusted voices on the state of the Canadian economy and advancing the public policy options that support economic growth and prosperity for Canada. His work leading the successful Canada’s Productivity Summit last fall showcased his ability to bring people together to take on major challenges,” said Martha Hall Findlay, Director and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair of the School of Public Policy.