In this episode, host Munir Haque welcomes Phil DeMont, a seasoned journalist, broadcaster, and expert in economics and public policy, to The Boardroom 180. Phil DeMont is known for simplifying complex business topics for diverse audiences across various broadcast platforms. Munir explores Phil’s career journey, his insights into the evolving media landscape, and the interplay of governance, business, and policy.
In this episode, Phil highlights systemic governance issues, like those contributing to the 2008 financial crisis, and he highlights the importance of independent oversight and diverse boards. In discussing trends like ESG initiatives and the backlash against DEI efforts, he points out the risks inherent in neglecting governance and environmental accountability. He and Munir examine examples such as Macy’s recent accounting scandal. Philip’s insights reflect a nuanced perspective on how regulatory environments and cultural shifts work to shape corporate behaviour and decision-making.
About Phil DeMont
Phil DeMont is a long-time print and broadcast journalist with a specialty in economics and public policy. He’s been a familiar voice to many across the country as a CBC contributor, tackling business and economics topics with clarity and depth. Beyond radio, Phil has made his mark in both print and television. He’s a former on-air personality for RoBTV, which was the precursor to BNN Bloomberg, and he’s written extensively for notable publications like the Financial Post and the Toronto Star. With graduate degrees in economics and political science, Phil brings a unique perspective to the intersection of business, policy, and communication. His ability to simplify complex topics and present them in engaging accessible ways has made him a trusted voice to audiences across Canada.
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Contact Munir Haque | ActionEdge Executive Development:
Contact Phil DeMont:
Podcast Production:
- Recording: PushySix Studios
- Production Assistance: Astronomic Audio
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Transcript
Phil DeMont: [00:00:02] We’ve got a problem up here to be honest about it, with money laundering and these kinds of issues. It’s not a less developed country in that kind of situation, but we’re going to have to get after this a lot more than we do. Part of that is the national regulator thing. You’ve got an Alberta stock exchange, you’ve got a BC stock exchange and Nova Scotia Securities Commission, a bunch of rules. Some of them are lax, some of them are not lax. Then all you do is go jurisdiction surfing. It’s not going to work for the OSC in Ontario, let’s see what Alberta thinks. Let’s go to BC. It becomes a problem. I don’t know if it’s the national regulator idea, but something more comprehensive has to be done than what we’ve got now.
Munir Haque: [00:00:46] Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Boardroom 180 podcast. I’m your host Munir Haque, an executive coach and senior board strategist. I have partnered with Action Edge Executive Development to lead their governance and political acumen division. In each episode, we meet with governance leaders and step into their boardrooms, where decisions shape the world around us. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome a distinguished guest whose career has been defined by storytelling, insight, and a sharp focus on economics and public policy, Mr. Phil DeMont. Phil is a longtime writer and broadcaster with an impressive portfolio. He’s been a familiar voice to many across the country as a CBC contributor, tackling business and economics topics with clarity and depth. Beyond radio, Phil has made his mark in both print and television. He’s a former on-air personality for RoBTV, that’s precursor to BNN Bloomberg, and he’s written extensively for notable publications like the Financial Post and the Toronto Star. His ability to simplify complex topics and present them in engaging, accessible ways has made him a trusted voice to audiences across Canada. Today we’ll explore a bit more of his journey, how he got to where he is now, his take on the evolving media landscape as it intersects with the business news, and the crucial role governance plays in the world of business. Welcome to The Boardroom 180, Phil DeMont.
Phil DeMont: [00:02:13] Hi Munir, how are you?
Munir Haque: [00:02:14] Not too bad, yourself?
Phil DeMont: [00:02:16] Good. I’m glad for that introduction. I should get you to introduce me to everything.
Munir Haque: [00:02:22] You’re joining us today from the East Coast, so where exactly are you?
Phil DeMont: [00:02:26] I’m in Halifax. I was, for a long time, in Toronto, but then I sold my house in Toronto. I moved to Halifax where it’s cheaper to live, where I grew up. I’m from a little place on Gottingen Street, across from the second largest military base in Canada.
Munir Haque: [00:02:41] I lived in Halifax for a little while, and my oldest child was born in Halifax at the Grace Hospital there. Fond memories of Halifax, a beautiful place.
Phil DeMont: [00:02:52] Great place.
Munir Haque: [00:02:54] I talked a bit about you being a trusted voice to Canadians across the country. I’ve heard you countless times on the CBC morning show here in Calgary. Presumably that’s across Canada as well?
Phil DeMont: [00:03:06] Yeah, when I show up on the CBC, I will do morning shows from Halifax to Vancouver. You show up a couple of times a day in Calgary, a couple of times a day in Edmonton, that kind of stuff. Always on business topics not quite ripped from the headlines, but the kind of stuff that would give listeners some insight into a headline that they read. But at the same time not quite down the level of where you think The Wall Street Journal would be, because you’re trying to keep it on a level where people can understand it, but get an insight into what’s going on.
Munir Haque: [00:03:40] I just want to start out a little bit about, we know you as a freelance broadcaster, we hear you on the radio here. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about how you got to where you are right now? Like you said, you started out with degrees in economics and political studies.
Phil DeMont: [00:03:55] I had gone to school at Dalhousie, and my dad had been a long time stockbroker in the city. I was thinking that might be where I ended up, but I ended up going to Queens to take graduate degrees up there. That led me to, I don’t want to say a bigger world, but the idea that I didn’t have to follow my dad’s footsteps, to be honest. Although my first job, I’ve had every job that people usually hate. I worked for the Toronto Star, if you know that paper. I worked for the Senate of Canada. My first job was with a Calgary senator, Earl Hastings. He had been appointed by Pearson, so he was a Liber…