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.
Our research is grounded in sound methodologies and empirical evidence.
Our work focuses on issues of critical importance to economic policy, public debate, and living standards.
Our research is freely available, our journal is open-access, and we communicate our findings to policymakers, researchers, media, and the public.
CSLS maintains full editorial independence and conducts research free from political or external influence.
Our analysis and policy recommendations are not aligned to any specific ideology or political party.
CSLS work is conducted by a small team of dedicated professional economists and researchers with deep expertise in applied research and policy analysis. Team members bring diverse expertise from academia, government, and the non-profit sector and are actively engaged in research dissemination and public dialogue.
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.
Read full bio
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.
Read full bio
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.
