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Tariffs, Trade, and What’s Ahead for Canada: A Conversation with John Nicola and David Frum

A timely discussion on shifting U.S. policy, global uncertainty, and what it could mean for Canadians.

By John Nicola, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer
April 9, 2025|47 min watch
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As U.S. trade policy evolves, Canada’s relationship with its largest trading partner is being tested in new ways. Understanding the bigger picture behind these shifts is critical for Canadian investors and business leaders. 

In this on-demand webcast, Nicola Wealth’s John Nicola joins political commentator David Frum to unpack the factors behind Trump’s recent tariff announcements, global responses, and how these developments may shape Canada’s economic outlook. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • The psychology behind Trump’s approach to Canada—and why it falls outside traditional negotiation strategies 
  • Impacts on key sectors such as steel, aluminum, and the automotive industry 
  • How shifts in tone and policy are influencing global trust and diplomacy 

Access the Webcast

This webcast is part of Nicola Wealth’s commitment to helping our clients navigate an evolving global environment with clarity and perspective. 

David Frum

Social & Political Commentator, Staff Writer at The Atlantic

David Frum is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, including TRUMPOCALYPSE: Restoring American Democracy. A former speechwriter and special assistant to President George W. Bush (2001-2002), Frum is renowned for his incisive analysis of U.S. politics, foreign policy, and global affairs. He appears regularly on MSNBC, BBC, CBC, and CNN.

Drawing from his extensive experience in Republican politics since 1980, Frum provides thought-provoking insights on elections, global energy markets, international trade, and geopolitical tensions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History from Yale and a Law degree from Harvard, where he served as President of the Federalist Society. He divides his time between Washington DC and Wellington, Ontario.

John Nicola

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer

John, a veteran of the financial services industry since 1974, provides strategic leadership to Nicola Wealth, driven by his passion for innovative client solutions. His expertise spans investment management, estate and financial planning, and business planning, with a focus on wealth building, exit strategies, and shareholder agreements.

Throughout his career, John has earned numerous awards, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2011, 2022), B.C. CEO of the Year (2015), and Canada’s Most Admired CEO (2016). In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Wealth Professional and was recently announced as a 2025 Business Laureates of B.C. Hall of Fame inductee. John currently serves as Chair of the Nicola Wealth Board of Directors and is a Founding Member of CALU (Conference for Life Underwriters).

He has also used his business acumen to help develop and grow several not-for-profit organizations, including Covenant House, The Pivot Law Society, and Bulembu International.


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