Opportunities in Canadian Economics Scholarship
The Canadian Journal of Economics, the flagship publication of the Canadian Economics Association, has issued a call for a new co-editor specializing in international economics. This three-year appointment begins July 1, 2026, and represents a significant leadership role within one of the country's most respected academic outlets for economic research.
Established as the primary economics journal based in Canada, the publication maintains a strong international reputation by featuring rigorous theoretical and empirical work across all areas of the discipline. The addition of expertise in international economics underscores the journal's commitment to covering global trade dynamics, cross-border capital flows, and policy interactions that are particularly relevant to Canadian scholars and institutions.
Background on the Journal and Its Role in Canadian Academia
The Canadian Journal of Economics publishes high-quality research that advances understanding of economic phenomena, with a particular emphasis on issues affecting Canada and its place in the global economy. As the official journal of the Canadian Economics Association, it serves as a vital platform for faculty members, researchers, and advanced graduate students at universities across the country.
Canadian economics departments at institutions such as Queen's University, the University of Toronto, and Université du Québec à Montréal regularly contribute to and benefit from the journal's visibility. The managing editor, Steven Lehrer of Queen's University, oversees operations alongside a team of co-editors who handle submissions in their areas of specialization.
The Specific Call for a Co-Editor in International Economics
Applications and nominations are now open for a co-editor with demonstrated expertise in international economics. The successful candidate will join the editorial team for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2026. Interested individuals should submit their curriculum vitae directly to Steven Lehrer at lehrers@queensu.ca. Nominations of qualified colleagues are also encouraged.
Review of materials begins March 1 and continues until the position is filled. This timeline allows the Canadian Economics Association and current editors sufficient opportunity to identify a candidate who can strengthen the journal's coverage of topics such as trade policy, exchange rate determination, foreign direct investment, and international macroeconomic coordination.
Current Editorial Leadership and Institutional Connections
The journal's editorial structure reflects the collaborative nature of Canadian higher education. Steven Lehrer serves as managing editor from his base at Queen's University. Co-editors include Marie-Louise Leroux at Université du Québec à Montréal, Peter Morrow and Joseph Steinberg at the University of Toronto, and Hanzhe Zhang at Michigan State University. This mix of Canadian and international affiliations highlights the journal's global reach while remaining firmly rooted in Canadian academic networks.
These editorial appointments often draw from faculty who have established strong records of publication and service within Canadian universities. The new co-editor will contribute to manuscript decisions, help shape special issues, and mentor emerging researchers in the field.
Why International Economics Expertise Matters Now
Canada's economy is deeply integrated with global markets through trade agreements, supply chains, and financial linkages. Recent developments in international trade policy, supply chain resilience, and cross-border investment have heightened the need for rigorous analysis in these areas. A co-editor with specialized knowledge can ensure that submissions on these topics receive expert evaluation and reach the journal's readership effectively.
PhD students and early-career academics in Canadian economics programs frequently target the journal for their research on international topics. Strong editorial leadership in this subfield supports the pipeline of high-quality work emerging from departments nationwide.
Implications for University Faculty and Researchers
Faculty members at Canadian universities view editorial roles at the Canadian Journal of Economics as prestigious service contributions that enhance promotion and tenure cases. The position offers opportunities to influence the direction of scholarship while building networks across institutions.
Departments may encourage applications from tenured or tenure-track faculty who have published extensively in international economics. The role also provides insight into emerging research trends that can inform curriculum development and graduate training programs.
Opportunities for PhD Students and Job Seekers
For PhD-track candidates and recent graduates seeking academic positions in Canada, familiarity with the journal's editorial processes can be advantageous. Understanding the standards applied by co-editors helps aspiring researchers prepare stronger submissions and navigate the peer-review system.
Academic job markets in economics value evidence of engagement with leading journals. Service as a referee or, eventually, an editor signals commitment to the profession and can strengthen applications for faculty roles at institutions across the country.
Broader Context of Canadian Economics Research
The Canadian Economics Association plays a central role in fostering research excellence through its annual meetings, awards, and publications. The journal complements these efforts by providing a consistent outlet for peer-reviewed work. Strengthening the editorial team in international economics aligns with national priorities around trade diversification and economic resilience.
Universities and research councils in Canada continue to emphasize interdisciplinary and policy-relevant scholarship. Expertise in international economics supports these goals by connecting domestic research to global debates and data sources.
Photo by British Library on Unsplash
How to Apply and Next Steps
Candidates should prepare a current curriculum vitae that highlights publications, editorial experience, and contributions to the field of international economics. Nominations can be submitted by colleagues who recognize strong potential in others.
The open review process ensures transparency and allows the association to consider a diverse pool of applicants from Canadian universities and beyond. Successful candidates will work closely with the managing editor and existing co-editors to maintain the journal's high standards.
Future Outlook for the Journal and Canadian Higher Education
As the Canadian Journal of Economics enters this new editorial phase, it continues to serve as a cornerstone of economics scholarship in the country. The addition of a co-editor focused on international economics will help sustain its relevance amid evolving global challenges.
Academic administrators and department chairs may monitor the outcome of this search as an indicator of the profession's health and the opportunities available for faculty advancement. The process also underscores the value of service roles that strengthen the research infrastructure supporting Canadian universities.
