Varcoe: 'Growth is possible' — a long-term economic aim amid chaotic upheaval today

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeBusinessEnergyPoliticsColumnists Varcoe: 'Growth is possible' — a long-term economic aim amid chaotic upheaval today 'A future world that's going to be abundant for everybody has to have a massively bigger economy,' Chris Bradley, co-author of the book A Century of Plenty, said at the opening of the Global Business Forum Author of the article: By Chris Varcoe  •  Calgary Herald Published Sep 24, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Chris Bradley, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, speaks at the Global Business Forum held in Banff, west of Calgary, on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. Brent Calver/Postmedia Article content BANFF – When economists, business leaders and policymakers consider future cycles, they usually look out months and years, not centuries. Article content But the next 100 years could be one of growth and prosperity around the world — if steps are taken to embrace economic growth, boost investment and enhance productivity, says a prominent global strategy consultant. Article content Article content “A future world that’s going to be abundant for everybody has to have a massively bigger economy,” Chris Bradley, co-author of the book A Century of Plenty, said at the opening of the Global Business Forum on Thursday. Article content Article content “It doesn’t matter what metric you choose, GDP (growth) per capita is more good, and less bad. And when I talk to any politician or any government leader, I say, please . . . have one objective: GDP per capita. It’s the solution to everything.” Article content FP West: Energy Insider SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE: FP West: Energy Insider brings you behind the oilpatch’s closed doors with exclusive insights from insiders every Wednesday morning. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Bradley’s speech examined a world that, by the end of this century, could provide a level of prosperity for everyone that only a few countries — think of Switzerland — can offer today. Article content The global economy would need to be 8.5 times larger to pull that off — averaging an annual growth rate of 2.6 per cent — but it is possible, even with potential limitations, said Bradley, a senior partner with McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting…