The Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) is an independent, non-profit research organization based in Ottawa, Canada.
Founded in 1995, we contribute evidence-based research that informs policy-making and public dialogue for a more prosperous and equitable society.
Award-winning research based on rigorous empirical analysis.
Addressing economic issues of critical importance.
Open-access research that is freely available to everyone.
Objective, non-partisan, evidence-based analysis.
Research that informs better policy and contributes to public debate.
For over three decades, CSLS research has influenced public policy, economic debate, and decision-making in Canada and internationally.
Commissioned by more than 70 organizations over 30+ years
Featured in The Economist, The Globe and Mail, Financial Post, Bloomberg, CBC, and much more, reaching audiences beyond the policy community and across the world.
CSLS work is conducted by a small team of economists with extensive experience in applied research and policy analysis. Drawing on diverse backgrounds in academia, government, and the non-profit sector, our team produces rigorous, evidence-based research and actively engages with policymakers, researchers, and the public.
CEO and Chief Economist
Stephen is the CEO and Chief Economist at CSLS. He previously served as Chief Economist and SVP of Research, Data, and Analytics at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, where he launched and managed the Business Data Lab.
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Economist
Ali has led several research projects at CSLS, including work on early childhood educator wages and studies of productivity performance in Canada’s construction and transportation sectors.
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Our Board of Directors is composed of former senior public servants and prominent academic economists, providing strategic oversight and ensuring the organization’s independence, integrity, and long-term direction.
Chair
Former Deputy Minister of Finance
Treasurer
Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management, Former Clerk
Board member
President and CEO, Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement
Board member
Professor of Economics, University of Calgary
Board member (on leave)
Professor of Economics, University of Toronto
CSLS gratefully acknowledges the support of a broad community of research partners, including federal and provincial government departments and agencies, non-profits, think tanks, foundations, universities, business associations, individuals, and international organizations.
