Empire Club of Canada: Recent Episodes
Empire Club of Canada
The Empire Club of Canada is Canada’s go-to forum for conversations that matter.
Established in 1903, as a response to Canadian political unrest, the Empire Club of Canada quickly became a leading speakers’ forum. Beginning with speeches to address Canada’s relationships with the British Empire and the United States, the ECC continues to tackle issues that affect the lives of Canadians.
With more than 700,000 new jobs created in Ontario since 2018, manufacturing employment at its highest level in 15 years, and $11 billion in new investments attracted last year alone, the province is witnessing record growth across a variety of key industries, including the automotive, life sciences, tech and manufacturing sectors.
Join Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Hon. Vic Fedeli, for a keynote speech and fireside chat, where he will share insights into how the province has been supporting the revival of Ontario’s auto manufacturing sector and birth of a fully integrated EV supply chain, supporting transformation in the life sciences sector, and creating the climate for job creation in every region of the province.
Our energy system is undergoing extraordinary change.
We are working to move from fossil fuels to renewables and more sustainable power systems in electricity generation and in our use of products, such as EV cars. We are doing this at a time when the demand for energy is only growing.
By any estimation, the transition in generation alone – moving from coal and natural gas to renewables such as wind, solar and nuclear – is an Industrial Revolution-level undertaking. Even in a perfect world, this transition was never going to be easy, and it is only going to be made more complicated by the realities of cyber threats, geopolitical realities, and a world-wide supply chain crunch.
Please join The Empire Club of Canada on June 12th for The Great Energy Transition event featuringthis curated panel of energy insiders – as they discuss how we will build out our new reliable and greener energy supply against these unprecedented headwinds.
Featuring special remarks by IESO’s President and CEO, Lesley Gallinger
Shelley Babin
In the last provincial election, the people of Ontario gave Premier Ford and the Ontario PCs a historic mandate to build.
Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, has been tasked with delivering the government’s plan to invest almost $100 billion over the next decade in new roads, highways, public transit, and other critical transportation infrastructure. From generational projects like Ontario Line and Highway 413, to first-in-Canada legislation, hear Minister Sarkaria’s vision for a better, faster, safer transportation future in Ontario.
Guest Speakers:
Skylar Park | Olympian and Pan American Champion, Team Canada
David Shoemaker | Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General, Canadian Olympic CommitteeBruny Surin | Chef de Mission, Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Devin Heroux (Moderator) | CBC Reporter, CBC News and Sports
What does it take to qualify for the biggest multi-sport event on earth? How do you prepare to perform in front of four billion viewers? How do you balance the priorities of 206 National Olympic Committees? And how does Team Canada move more than 350 athletes, with all their equipment and hundreds of support staff and fans around the world every two years?
Join David Shoemaker, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee and Bruny Surin, Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, alongside Olympian, Pan American Champion, and Paris Qualified Taekwondo athlete Skylar Park, for a peak behind the scenes of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games moderated by veteran CBC Sports anchor Andi Petrillo.
Don’t miss this event at the Empire Club of Canada to experience this moment of patriotism in celebration of Canada’s Olympic achievements and our athletes.
Ontario’s energy sector is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation, which Hydro One is uniquely positioned to enable. Getting it right is critical given the significant current and planned economic development in the province.
Join us as Hydro One’s President and CEO David Lebeter, in his inaugural address to the Empire Club, shares how Hydro One is thinking and acting differently to meet evolving customer expectations and how its industry-leading 50-50 equity partnerships with First Nations are reshaping the future.
Event: Where Online Harms Have Real World Consequences: The Case for Legislating Against Harm and Hate
Speaker: Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Government of Canada
We expect to live in safe communities. We should expect the same thing in our online world, especially when it comes to protecting our kids and ensuring that everyone is able to express their opinions without being exposed to hate.
Please join Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as he lays out the federal government’s plan to tame some of the worst excesses of life online, and protect the rights of all Canadian who wish to express themselves without fear
Speaker: Blake Hutcheson, President and CEO, OMERSOMERS President and CEO Blake Hutcheson, recent recipient of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award and the Order of Ontario, will highlight how this Canadian success story is positioned to deliver for its members in the years to come and the positive impact that their pension promise is having on our provincial and national economies.
What are the practical and executable solutions needed to simultaneously grow the economy and address the realities of climate change? This question is at the very core of the work of the Green Ribbon Panel – a collection of environmental and economic leaders from across Canada that have come together to mobilize business and civic leaders to participate in climate and economic policy discussions and provide a forum for sharing ideas, lessons and best practices.
In 2022, the Green Ribbon Panel released More Clean Power: How Ontario can build a clean economy that works. Since the release of this report, and its accompanying recommendations, the policy landscape in Ontario and across Canada has shifted fundamentally. Join James Scongack (Chair of the Green Ribbon Panel) about advancements being made in Ontario and across Canada to implement panel recommendations from 2022 as well as new and innovative policy recommendations that underscore key priorities for the Green Ribbon Panel in 2024.
Serving as the official launch event for the Green Ribbon Panel’s latest report Preserving Progress & Maintaining Momentum, this event will provide attendees with a first-hand account of the panel’s latest policy recommendations.
In the current global climate of geopolitical uncertainty and an ever-growing demand for clean, renewable energy balanced with the need for lower carbon, more responsible oil, Newfoundland and Labrador has a unique position in Canada and indeed the world.
The Empire Club of Canada is excited to host Hon. Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador to share a look at the momentum across sectors in his province, and his government’s ongoing work to position Newfoundland and Labrador to fully maximize its potential.
Through ongoing engagement with fellow Premiers, the federal government, the private sector, and all stakeholders, the Premier is celebrating the province’s assets nationally and on the world stage. With everything from critical minerals to wind and hydrogen, a beautiful, safe place to live, work, and raise a family, and a tourism industry that can offer bucket list adventures for visitors of all ages, Newfoundland and Labrador is writing a new chapter in its storied history.
The state of our mental health affects how we move through life and experience the world every day. It touches not only on our relationship with ourselves, but also with our family, friends, and colleagues.
A significant portion of our society spends most of their day at work. Structural and interpersonal barriers create challenges on the path to mental health in the workplace, which means that despite best efforts, it is not always easy or possible to leave our internal struggles at home. In recent years, there has been increasing discourse and action taken to promote mental health in the workplace, which leads to the question: have we done enough, yet?
Join the Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin, a judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, as she opens up a conversation about mental health in the workplace. Drawing on years of experience as General Counsel for the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, she discusses the progress made so far and offers solutions on the pathway forward.
Grit. Vision. Abundance.
At a time of uncertainty in Ontario – the path to economic abundance for people and businesses in the province requires clear vision and hard work.
Join Bonnie Crombie, leader of Ontario’s Liberals, for a conversation about moving the province forward. Crombie will discuss her bold, ambitious vision for change in Ontario – high-quality healthcare and education, reliable transit, affordable homes and the growing economy to finance it. Ambitious change that will take tenacity, grit and a refusal to accept things as they are.
The Empire Club of Canada is honoured to host Ms. Crombie on April 4th, 2024 following Ontario’s provincial budget in her first major speaking appearance as Ontario’s new Liberal leader.
As we near the halfway point of Premier Doug Ford’s second mandate, it’s time for a stock take on his achievements and challenges – and what it means for the Spring sitting of the Ontario legislature.
With the election of Bonnie Crombie as the Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in December, the main protagonists of the next Ontario election are now set. Ms. Crombie is a brand name in the vote rich GTA, and while she will not have a seat in the legislature, she will be a new force for Doug Ford to reckon with, while also setting up a “progressive primary” with Marit Stiles’ NDP.
- How has Marit Stiles fared in her first year on the job as Leader of the Official Opposition?
- Will the Ford government need to recalibrate policy to respond to the recent changes in political leadership?
- Will Bonnie Crombie’s election finally dig the Ontario Liberals out of their multi-year funk?
Our political experts will debate these hot topics – and more.
In Conversation with Ontario’s Minister of Finance
Amid record population growth and the challenges of an uncertain economy and global instability, Ontario is delivering on its Plan to Build.
Join Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, for a keynote speech and fireside chat, where he will share more about how the province is investing in the critical infrastructure needed for the future while keeping costs down for people today.
Getting It Done: The Women Who Have Thrived Against All Odds
A Celebration of International Women’s Day
Mining, Real Estate and Construction are some of the most important sectors driving Canada’s growth and future economic prosperity. They are also industries that consistently struggle to attract diverse talent at all levels, particularly women.
As Canada faces a labour supply shortage, now more than ever, we need competent women leaders to be empowered to drive Canada’s growth. We are seeing positive changes and that’s no accident. Meet the women who are rewriting the script in these traditionally male-dominated core sectors.
This conversation will be moderated by Dr. Deborah Rosati, Founder & CEO, Women Get On Board Inc. Come and hear the inspiring stories of Arlene Dedier, Principal & Executive Vice President, Canadian Practice Leader, Project Management Services, Avison Young; Julie Di Lorenzo, President, Mirabella Development Corporation and Chantal Gosselin, Director, Canadian Mineral Industry Education Foundation, who have overcome challenges and shattered barriers.
The Empire Club presents EMPIRE NIGHTS
Sarada Peri, in Conversation with Martin Regg Cohn, Political Columnist, The Toronto Star
Don Guy, Pollster of Pollara Strategic Insights: Presentation of special polling insights on democracy and Canadian attitudes toward the U.S. Election
A flurry of democratic activity will take place in 2024, with at least 65 elections taking place across 54 countries. At the same time, the frontiers of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies seem to expand every day. The influence of AI on the democratic process will be tested at scale for the first time as billions of people around the world head to the polls, posing concerns about the delicate balance between technological advancement and the resilience of democratic institutions.
Join Sarada Peri, expert communications strategist and former speechwriter to President Obama, as she uncovers the implications of AI for political campaigns and democracy.
The Empire Club of Canada is proud to present this special Empire Nights event with a senior U.S. based communications expert, a prominent journalist and a legendary pollster with the assistance, support and vision from the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
The Empire Club is excited to host keynote speaker Dr Wanda Costen, Dean, Smith School of Business Queen’s University, who will deliver an inspirational and thought-provoking address on themes of increased access, innovation, transformation and representation — followed by a call to action from our audience on how to support the next generation of black leaders.
Wanda will then be joined by successful executives Claudette McGowan, CEO of Protexxa and Jaqui Parchment, Board Director and recently Retired CEO of Mercer Canada, who will discuss their career journeys and how they obliterated the glass ceiling.
This conversation will be moderated by Lori Beausoleil, Corporate Director, Metro Foods, Brookfield Real Estate Income Trust, Canadian Apartment REIT and Slate Office REIT, focusing on the panel’s successes, achievements and how they overcame the challenges they faced.
The panelists will also provide their perspectives on what Martin Luther King Jr. asserts that we must do to realize “the dream of living in a nation where we will not be judged by the colour of [our] skin, but by the content of [our] character.”
“Top talent is diverse and if we do not start making changes now, we will have missed the opportunity for changing the mosaic of our nation’s leaders” – Lori Beausoleil
Join us on November 8th in honouring Indigenous veterans, as we pay tribute to their contributions to Canada’s military history. This event will feature two distinguished speakers who will shed light on the remarkable journeys of veterans and their enduring impact on our nation.
Tim O’Loan, a Sahtu Dene and military veteran, became an advisor to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, working closely with Hon. Murray Sinclair. Today, Tim is the founder of the Reconciliation Speakers Bureau, the first of its kind in Canada.
John Moses, Director, Repatriation and Indigenous Relations, Canadian Museum of History, will take us on a historical journey, exploring the theme of Indigenous contributions to Canada’s military heritage. His presentation will delve into the wartime service of his extended family members from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory near Brantford, Ontario. This moving narrative showcases the courage and resilience of Indigenous veterans who played a pivotal role in Canada’s military history.
Join us virtually for reflection and commemoration as we honour the invaluable contributions of Indigenous veterans. This event is an opportunity to celebrate their legacy and recognize the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation in Canada.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
Join Axel Schwan, president of Tim Hortons, Canada and U.S., and Duncan Fulton, Chief Corporate Officer at parent company Restaurant Brands International (Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, Firehouse Subs), for a fireside conversation about growing brand love, making quality improvements to its menus and accelerating openings at some of the world’s most iconic brands.
From introducing quality improvements to its menu, like freshly cracked eggs, to building market share in cold beverages and lunch and dinner menu items, Tims has driven positive momentum in the past few years through a journey of strengthening guest experience, food quality and franchisee relationships. 2024 promises to be another big year for the brand as Tims marks its 60th anniversary in Canada, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, and the 40th anniversary of Tim Hortons U.S.
Already operating in over 100 countries, RBI has had significant international growth across its four brands. Burger King France and Spain boast a bigger market share in the QSR space vs. its main competitor; Popeyes recently announced openings in five new countries; with over 1,000 international restaurants, this country’s beloved brand Tim Hortons is seeing Double Double growth globally; and Firehouse Subs opened its first restaurant outside of North America, in Zurich. RBI is also making inroads in its sustainability commitments related to its food, the planet, and people and communities. All part of RBI’s big dream to build the most loved restaurant brands in the world.
Jon Erlichman, Senior Anchor, BNN Bloomberg & Correspondent/Anchor, CTV National News, will moderate the discussion on topics including the progress Tims and RBI have made in recent years and their strategies for further growth in the quick service restaurant space.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
Canada’s housing crisis has been thrust to the top of the national agenda as rising rents and mortgage rates squeeze pocketbooks, and our growing population outstrips the supply of new homes.
While we are starting to see a glimmer of coordinated action at the federal, provincial and municipal levels, the enormity of this challenge can be daunting given the structural barriers preventing new home development.
Against this backdrop, the Empire Club has assembled a panel of housing experts for a discussion on the way forward, focusing on concrete steps policy makers can take to increase rental supply, affordable housing, and new builds alike.
Join us and be part of the solution as we gather housing experts to discuss actionable policies for increasing rental supply, affordable housing, and new construction, aiming to build a brighter future for all Canadians!
Polling Presentation: David Coletto, Chair & CEO, Abacus Data
Panel Discussion: Moderated by Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets
Tim Hudak, CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association
Jennifer Keesmaat, Managing Partner, Markee Developments / CEO, The Keesmaat Group
Mike Moffatt, Founding Director, PLACE Centre
Ene UnderwoodChief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity GTA
As the global economy evolves, Canada has continued to punch above its weight in the face of once-in-a-generation challenges and amidst ongoing international uncertainty. But how will Canada continue to compete and thrive? More importantly, what will this mean for Canadian businesses and workers?
Join Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Hon. Randy Boissonnault for a speech on how Canada’s workforce will lead the way as we respond and adapt in a changing world.
Join author Bradley Schurman and Kelly Jackson for a fireside chat to discuss the many challenges facing Canada as a result of demographic change.
Canada’s adult working-age population is shrinking, bringing new challenges around labour force demands, housing, healthcare, technology adoption and traditional models of business and education. With Statistics Canada projecting that 25% of Canadians will be over the age of 65 by 2036, the country is in the midst of a profound transformation.
Canada is not alone, with this demographic shift happening across the developed world. From changes to the tax base to skills shortages to the need for new products and inclusive design approaches, the realities of population aging are upon us, and so are the opportunities for communities, businesses, and governments to respond in new ways to foster economic growth, inclusion and support for at-risk populations and the health of rural communities.
Bradley Schurman is an expert on demographic change and how it disrupts worldwide social, cultural, political, and economic norms. His deep understanding of population shifts, coupled with his grasp of emerging trends, makes him an authoritative voice in the future of us.
The Empire Club Present Olivia Chow with Hon. John Baird.
Cities like Toronto play an essential role in people’s lives and Canada’s future prosperity and progress. However, cities today face enormous challenges and budgetary pressures that put everything at risk.
Increasing national challenges such as the housing crisis, homelessness, refugees displaced by war, climate change, and mental health have Toronto stepping up to face them despite being constrained by frameworks from other orders of government that cannot meet today’s modern challenges. Change is necessary.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
In Conversation With Anna Fendi
A collaboration between ICFF and Empire Club of Canada
You will be taken on a journey within the life and success of the woman that together with her four sisters has brought the iconic Fendi brand to the forefront of global fashion, which further expanded its success after the acquisition of LVMH. Guests can expect to indulge in an evening of luxury, sophistication, glamour & style while having the opportunity to hear from Anna Fendi herself. As she once said, "I think good taste comes from curiosity", and we invite our audience to get curious and discover the world of Anna Fendi with cinema, design and art through her eyes.
Moderator:
Jeanne Beker, Iconic Fashion and Lifestyle Journalist
Speaker:
Anna Fendi, Iconic Fashion and Costume Designer
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Stories of a Caring and Sharing Canada
Is Canada still a substantially and sufficiently caring and sharing country, at home and abroad? This year has brought unprecedented needs for Canada to be one. Its governments, corporations, communities and people have responded in generous and innovative ways, based on the democratic values they have shown in the past and cherish today. But they are increasingly strained and stressed by the new economic and other difficulties that they now face and those that lie ahead. What has and can be done to meet the enormous Canadian and global need for a compassionate Canada today?
The cadence, causes, constraints and needs for a strongly caring and sharing Canada can be seen in our commitment to converting compassion into action, in the broad, multifaceted and effectiveness of our international development cooperation and partnership, and, in particular, in critical cases, notably, the historic story of South Africa and the current story of Canada’s and Canadians global leadership in supporting vulnerable people equally devoted to a sovereign, independent, democratic, safe Ukraine and in saving children on the front lines of war-torn regions in the world.
Moderator:
Bob Ramsay, President, Ramsay Inc.
Speakers:
The Right Honourable Joe Clark, Former Prime Minister of Canada
Dr. Samantha Nutt, Founder & President, War Child Canada
Katheryn Winnick, Actress, Director, Founder of The Winnick Foundation & Ambassador of President Zelenskyy, UNITED 24 Charity
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents: Ontario Premier Doug Ford: Building Ontario
Ontario’s economy and population are growing.
Whether it’s the all-seasons roads needed to unlock the full potential of the Ring of Fire, the new and expanded highways that will cut gridlock and bring goods to market sooner, or homes, hospitals and public transit for livable and vibrant communities, untapping the promise of a growing Ontario means that it has never been more important to build.Join us for an insightful discussion with Premier Doug Ford about the government’s ambitious plan to build Ontario and how he’ll continue to cut through red tape to deliver the infrastructure our growing province needs.
Moderator: Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)
Speaker: Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Addressing Mental Health in Young Adults: Implications for Workplace Leaders
Young adults are reporting mental health issues at a significantly higher rate than older adults. In fact, two thirds of women aged 18-34 report living with a mental health condition, according to a recent poll commissioned by the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Workplace leaders must confront these changes in order to recruit and retain young employees.
Our speakers will share their experiences in advancing mental health in the workplace, give tips on addressing the changing needs of young workers, and discuss the importance of building cultures that support mental health at work.
The panel discussion will shed light on the urgent need to address mental health in young adults, including racialized individuals, in the workplace. The discussion will provide workplace leaders with actionable solutions to destigmatize and improve mental health in the workplace, and provide relevant resources to employees, which will ultimately lead to better recruitment and retention of young employees in this new working environment.
Moderator:
Karena de Souza, Founder, Tilt The Future
Speakers:
Dr. Deepy Sur, CEO, Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
Denis Trottier, Chief Mental Health Officer, KPMG LLP
Stephanie Jones, Mental Health Facilitator, Speaker & Author, Jones Mental Health
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Indigenous Women in Business
Panellists aim to explore the best ways to invite First Nations women to become part of Canada's professional community. Attendees will hear from Indigenous women in business who have successfully navigated the landscape to build and advance their careers. The speakers will share their career journeys and highlight the networking, mentorship, and sponsorship opportunities they utilized. They will also discuss the barriers and challenges they faced and how they found fulfillment in their careers. Speakers will also examine solutions for hiring, developing, and promoting Indigenous women by simulating cultural change and establishing access through partnerships. Join us to learn from Indigenous women who have achieved success in their careers and explore ways to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Moderator:
Caitlin Tolley, Board Director, Empire Club of Canada
Speakers:
Tabatha Bull, President & CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Jenn Harper, Founder & CEO, Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc
Tammy Brown, National Industrial Markets Leader, KPMG
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents: Canada and the United Kingdom in a Troubled World
Brexit. Covid. The ongoing rise of China. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Populist extremism in America. Economic worries - the high cost of energy and food, slow growth, rising debt and taxes. Multiple strikes and service disruptions. The NHS under stress. Irregular migration. Turbulent change within the leadership of the British government. Big changes in the Monarchy, FTA negotiations and a looming election. These are a few of the issues that have preoccupied people in the United Kingdom over the past couple of years. Canada’s first-hand witness to these unfolding events is our High Commissioner to Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ralph Goodale. An experienced Canadian political figure, he has been on the job in London for just over two years now. Against a backdrop of complex and precarious global conditions, Ralph Goodale will offer The Empire Club his assessment of the Canada-UK relationship and why it matters in today’s troubled world.
Moderator: Omar Sachedina, Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor, CTV National News
Speaker:The Honourable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Permanent Representative of Canada, International Maritime Organization
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Housing Affordability and Supply: How Governments Can Help
With interest rates at the highest levels in more than a decade, Canadians are facing real challenges in the housing market. All levels of government can help ensure the dream of homeownership remains available to Canadians. We’re going to talk about how.
Join the Empire Club for a panel discussion with Lauren van den Berg, CEO and President of Mortgage Professionals Canada; Doug Porter, Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group and Tim Hudak, CEO and President of OREA on this issue that impacts all Canadians.
Speakers:
Tim Hudak, President & CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)
Douglas Porter, Chief Economist, BMO
Lauren van den Berg, President & CEO, Mortgage Professionals Canada
Moderator:
Elaine Taylor, President, Mortgage Alliance
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:For King and Canada: An Evening to Honour the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles IIIIn Partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of OntarioHost:The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of OntarioModerator:Heather J. Hiscox, Senior Host, CBC News NetworkSpeakers:Carolyn Harris, Author, Historian and Royal CommentatorAkaash Maharaj, Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy andAmbassador-at-Large, GOPACNathan Tidridge, Vice-President, Institute for the Study of the Crown in CanadaThe content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Leaving No One Behind: Building a Stronger Ontario
For far too long, the concerns of workers have been overlooked. As Ontario grapples with problems old and new, how can we ensure their concerns take centre stage?
Join the Empire Club for a discussion with Minister McNaughton on his Working for Workers bills and building an Ontario that leaves no one behind.
Moderator:
Sabrina Maddeaux, Columnist, National Post
Speaker:
The Honourable Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Government of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Sowing the Seeds to Our Low-Carbon Future
Partnerships and ‘system-wide’ solutions are key to reducing emissions from Canada’s transportation sector. More than ever, our country’s world-class agriculture sector, refining expertise, and infrastructure are collaborating to unlock the potential of low-carbon fuels and help position Canada as a world leader in clean transportation energy.
Fighting climate change and growing the economy go hand-in-hand. Already well established in terms of technology, infrastructure, and availability, Canada’s transportation fuels sector continues to innovate and leverage new feedstocks, improving biofuel quality while their overall emissions intensity declines. By leveraging our collective value chains and innovative solutions like waste-to-fuel technology, we can help put Canada ahead of the curve as we continue Driving to 2050 and decarbonizing transportation to help reach our climate goals.
Join us for an engaging discussion on Tuesday, April 11th, to learn more about ongoing collaboration and opportunities for Canada’s agriculture and transportation fuels sectors to continue working together to unlock the potential of Made in Canada low-carbon fuels.
Moderator:
Francis Drouin, Canada's Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Speakers:
Michelle Belisle, Regulatory Affairs and Planning Advisor, Imperial Oil
Jasmine Igneski, Vice-President, Policy, Sustainability and Government Relations, Parkland Corporation
Andrea Kent, Vice-President, Industry and Government Affairs, Greenfield Global
Chris Vervaet, Executive Director, Canadian Oilseed Processors Association
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Building a Strong Ontario
While the world continues to face economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability, Ontario has a plan to support businesses and people while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.
Join Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, for a keynote speech and fireside chat on Ontario’s 2023 Budget, where he will share more about how the province is building a stronger Ontario for families, workers, and businesses.
Moderator:
Sal Rabbani, President, Board of Directors, Empire Club of Canada
Speaker:
The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, Government of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Isotopes for Hope: Canadian Leadership Needed Now More Than Ever
For over a half-century, Canada has been a World leader in the development and use of life-saving medical isotopes to enable modern health care, sterilization of medical equipment and the diagnosis and treatment of Cancer. The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council is a national organization focused on asserting the Country's leadership role globally to ensure the World is supplied with these critical Isotopes that Canada is uniquely positioned to provide. With growing geo-political tensions and Russia historically being a large supplier, along with growing demand for and uses of Isotopes the World needs Canada's leadership now more than ever. Lives depend on it.
Moderator:
Kumutha Ramanathan, Financial Markets Reporter/Fill-in Anchor, BNN Bloomberg
Speaker:
James Scongack, Chair, Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Addressing Canada’s Labour Shortages
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will speak to business leaders, NGOs and civil society organizations about how Canada’s immigration measures will help employers across a wide range of sectors and industries address labour shortages.
Moderator:
Sal Rabbani, President of the Board of Directors, Empire Club of Canada
Speaker:
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Women Who Lead: Celebrating Our Progress Toward Gender Parity on Boards and Charting the Path Forward
The Empire Club of Canada’s annual Women Who Lead International Women's Day event will be a celebration of significant milestones reached in our work towards achieving equal representation of women on corporate boards. According to Osler's annual Diversity Disclosure Practice report (2022), women now occupy one-quarter of board seats across TSX-listed corporations and for the first time in the report's history, S&P/TSX Composite Index companies have no all-male boards.
As we celebrate and recognize the halfway point to gender parity on boards, join our panel discussion with those who are leading the way, sitting on boards with 50% or more women. Hear their insights and thoughts on how we made it this far, progress yet to be made on board diversity and the future of women’s representation on boards.
Moderator:
Lori-Ann Beausoleil, Board Director, Empire Club of Canada and Corporate Board Director, retired PricewaterhouseCoopers Partner, Strategic Advisor, Wildeboer Delellce
Speakers:
Stephanie Coyles, Non-executive Board Director, Sun Life Financial Inc. , Metro Inc. and Corus Entertainment
Jennifer Reynolds, CEO, Women Corporate Directors (WCD)
Qi Tang, CFO, Skyservice Investments Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Critical Race Theory: The Case For Evaluating What We “Know” and How We Teach
Critical Race Theory (CRT) challenges us to understand and address the social, economic, political, and legal conditions that contribute to racial power disparity and inequality in our society. Yet, despite being in an era where we know we must think critically about what we hear and what we’ve learned, a basic lack of agreement on its scope and purpose has caused a questioning of CRT’s value in Canadian classrooms, and society generally. Further, debates around this topic that filter to us from the United States bias our judgment about the role “race” plays in Canadian society.
Join us on February 21, 2023 for a moderated discussion on Critical Race Theory, where our panelists will challenge us to reconsider what we “know” about Canada and its values.
Moderator:
Nancy Simms M.A. ADR, Candidate Ed.D. Higher Education and Policy. OISE, University of Toronto
Speakers:
Kearie Daniel, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Parents of Black Children
Joshua Sealy-Harrington, Assistant Professor and Counsel, Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University and Power Law
Craig Wellington, Executive Director & CEO, Black Opportunity Fund
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Progress on Transit Expansion in the Greater Golden Horseshoe
Metrolinx is undertaking the largest transit expansion program in North America, delivering a $75-plus billion capital plan over the next 20 years. Metrolinx, while also operating GO Transit, UP Express and PRESTO, is building an integrated regional transit system that will create exciting new possibilities in the region and provide economic and environmental benefits for our communities.
As people are returning to transit to get where they need to go and we continue to build back ridership, Metrolinx, under the leadership of CEO Phil Verster, is transforming the transit system to connect communities and meet the expanding needs for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, which is expected to grow to 5 million people by 2051.
On February 13, 2023, the Empire Club is pleased to host Phil Verster, CEO of Metrolinx, in a sit-down discussion with esteemed journalist Anita Sharma. Phil will provide an update on Metrolinx’s capital and construction projects and discuss how Metrolinx is working together with communities to build and deliver a seamless transportation network, getting people where they need to go better, faster and easier.
Moderator:
Anita Sharma, Network News Anchor, Host, Moderator, CTV News
Speaker:
Phil Verster, President & CEO, Metrolinx
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Your Health: Helping You Connect to More Convenient Care Closer to Home
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones to provide a keynote address discussing the current state of Ontario’s health care system and how the Ontario government is putting you, the patient, back at the centre of health care. Ontario is preparing for the future by putting aside the ideas of the past and by being bold, innovative and creative. It is time to put you back in charge of your health.
Moderator:
Kulvir Singh Gill, 1st Vice-President, Empire Club of Canada
Speaker:
The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health, Government of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
2022 Nation Builder of the Year
The Nation Builder of the Year award recognizes Canadians who have made a positive, timely and lasting contribution to Canadian Society and are inspiring role models for Canadians.
The Empire Club of Canada is proud to announce the recipient of the 2022 Nation Builder of the Year Award is Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Canadian Olympic Ice Hockey Player, Assistant General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Resident Physician.
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser is best known as one of Canada's most accomplished hockey players and Olympians. As a consummate professional who unapologetically follows her passion, Hayley most recently shattered a glass ceiling for future generations when she became the first woman named Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Her dedication to the community as a medical professional throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and her advocacy for supporting access to sports for young Canadians are exemplary. Join us in celebrating with our partners in recognizing this year's award winner.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annual Investment Outlook 2023
Join our expert panel in a discussion to address the economic challenges many businesses and individuals face today. Inflation, a looming recession, and global unrest are reasons to be concerned and uncertain as we enter the new year.
In moments of economic downturn, what strategies can we employ to build financial resilience and lay the groundwork for more prosperous times to come? Our speakers will share their expertise in this year's 2023 investment outlook to help businesses and Canadians understand how to preserve and grow their wealth.
Speakers:
Thomas Caldwell, C.M., Founder & Chairman , Caldwell Financial Ltd
Genevieve Roch-Decter, CEO & Founder, GRIT
David Rosenberg, Founder & President, Rosenberg Research
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ring of Fire Progress Update
In Conversation with Minister Pirie, Minister of Mines, Chief Achneepineskum, Lawrence Baxter, Chief Wabasse, and Michael Fox
Unlocking the potential of the Ring of Fire is a key priority for the province and Indigenous Leaders, and will help to attract new investments, develop supply chains and build key infrastructure that brings prosperity to northern and Indigenous communities. In order to make this a reality, the province, Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation are working together to complete a series of road projects that would connect the two communities to the highway network and the area known as the Ring of Fire. In April 2022, Premier Ford joined Chief Wabasse and Chief Achneepineskum as they announced the submission of the terms of reference for the Northern Road Link – the road project that would connect the community road projects to the Ring of Fire.
Join us for this dynamic conversation as we discuss how the province, the two First Nations and the private sector are working together to make the Ring of Fire a reality, protect the environment, enable further regional partnerships and First Nations self-determination.
Moderator:
Sal Rabbani, President, Board of Directors, Empire Club of Canada
Speakers:
The Honourable George Pirie, Minister of Mines, Government of Ontario
Chief Bruce Achneepineskum, Chief of Marten Falls First Nation
Lawrence Baxter, Senior Community Advisor, Marten Falls First Nation
Michael Fox, President & CEO, Indigenous Community Engagement
Chief Cornelius Wabasse, Chief, Webequie First Nation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Opportunities and Challenges in the Era of Polycrisis
We are living through a new era of ‘polycrisis’ and uncertainty:
A climate emergency.
The socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The highest levels of conflict since WWII.
One hundred million displaced people.
A rising cost of living.
The war in Ukraine.
Despite this uncertainty, the future of people and the planet is not predetermined.
The world’s population will pass the eight billion mark for the first time in November 2022. It is a moment to reflect on the remarkable development and progress our global community has made – from lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty to expanding access to quality healthcare and education. If we have the power to create a new geological era- the age of humans- then we can harness humanity’s immense collective power to slow the climate emergency in its tracks, the defining challenge of our times.
Mr. Achim Steiner will explore what CoP27 achieved and critically analyze if it is enough. He will attempt to define what “leave no one behind” means and outline the opportunities and challenges in our complex and ambiguous environment. Finally, he will discuss a framework of potential pathways for a new form of development through decarbonization and review why the United Nations, including UNDP, still must achieve these overarching objectives.
Moderator:
Leslie Woo, CEO, CivicAction
Speaker:
Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Program
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Rethinking the Citizen Experience Online
As we enter a new digital age, what makes for an ideal citizen experience online? What does the future state architecture look like? A new industry survey highlights key trends and exciting findings that will enhance the citizen experience online, ensuring it is inclusive, accessible, secure and meets citizens’ needs. Our panelists will explore the survey findings, discuss the challenges and trends to get to the optimal citizen experience, and what the future state of government online services hold for citizens.
Moderator:
Jim Love, CIO & Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada (ITWC)
Speakers:
Victoria Abeling, Senior Director, Americas Commercial Security Sales, VMware Carbon Black
Craig McLellan, CEO & Founder, ThinkOn
The Honourable Kaleed Rasheed, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery, Government of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Building Strong Municipalities
With the October 25th Ontario municipal elections in the rear-view, the Empire Club of Canada will host an evening panel with current and former municipal leaders to debate the role of municipalities in the broader public service landscape and their influence on the public discussion. This comes at a time when commentary has been centred around the lack of participation in municipal public service, with one-fifth of races facing no contestants. The panel will explore some of the contributing factors to this lack of participation and has the role of the provincial government undermined or bolstered the role of municipalities with controversial legislation on council sizes, perspectives of regional governments and the power and influence of mayors at council.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
A Pragmatic Approach to Delivering on a Cleaner Energy Future
Join us to hear David Hutchens, the CEO of Fortis Inc. share his perspectives as the leader of this diversified North American electric and gas utility company. David will share his views on mitigating environmental impacts, adapting to climate change, and how we navigate the road to a cleaner energy future in the midst of macro-economic pressures and evolving public policy.
Speaker:
David G. Hutchens, President & CEO, Fortis Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada. Views and Opinions
Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Remembrance Day Reflection: Canadian Women in War
On November 10th, in honour of Remembrance Day week, the Empire Club of Canada will open the door to a chapter of our history that has for far too long been either unknown or misunderstood by the vast majority of Canadians. In conversation with philanthropist, business leader and decorated navy Dr. Wendy M. Cecil and Dr. Melanie Morin-Pelletier, Historian of the Canadian War Museum, will present through film clips, photographs, and images from those heroic and troubled times the extraordinary stories of Canadian Women at War during the two great conflicts of the 20th century, the First and Second World Wars.
The two great wars changed women's lives – and in some ways, there was no looking back. Almost everywhere, particularly in WW-2, women stepped in to perform "masculine" jobs. The changes for women and society were massive, but there was an expectation for women to return to more traditional roles at the end of both wars. After WW-2 and – pushed by government policies – women massively left the workforce – their participation sank to 24% in the late 1940s. It took decades for it to return. Now, women's participation in the workforce is well over 80% and virtually equal to male participation in the workforce.
The story of Canadian Women at War, as told by Melanie Morin-Pelletier in conversation with Wendy M. Cecil, is a glimpse into the past. Still, it also explains much about the present and perhaps about the future. It is time to better understand this aspect of our history and celebrate the fundamental role that women played in assuring the success of Canada's war efforts, leading to the social construct of Canadian society as we know it today.
Speakers:
Dr. Melanie Morin-Pelletier Historian, War and Society, Canadian War Museum
Dr. Wendy M. Cecil, CM, HCapt(N), Chancellor Emerita, Victoria University University of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Bridging the Diversity Gap
Despite being one of the most diverse regions in the world, leadership tables across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) lack racial diversity.
Join us for a conversation where our panel of established leaders will share their own leadership journeys and offer perspective on how to deepen inclusion for Indigenous, Black, and racialized leaders. You'll also have the chance to learn about CivicAction's new initiative — BoardShift — that addresses this lack of representation by preparing and matching rising racialized leaders with non-profit, charitable, and public board opportunities.
Moderator:
Sal Rabbani, President, Board of Directors, Empire Club of Canada
Speakers:
The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, Senator for Ontario, The Senate of Canada
Yulena Wan, Director, Finance & Operations, Hamilton Community Foundation
Leslie Woo, CEO, CivicAction
Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO, United Way Toronto & York Region
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
Keynote speech delivered by the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada.
Speaker:
The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
A Power Lunch with Energy Minister
Ontario has had incredible success in driving electrification and attracting new jobs, including unprecedented investments from electric vehicles, EV battery manufacturing and clean steelmaking. The province is rapidly building the electricity system needed to support this incredible growth.
Join Energy Minister Todd Smith on November 3rd to hear how Ontario is building on its clean energy advantage as a major opportunity to power up our industries, jobs and economy and lead the way!
Moderator:
Kelly Jackson, Past Board President & Board Director, Empire Club of Canada
Speaker:
The Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, Government of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
More Than A Plug: Canada's EV Opportunity
We are in the midst of a global energy transition. A major trend of the energy transition is improving the transportation sector and the electrification of vehicles. For Canadians, this transition will mean a change in how they experience refueling their cars – something that is done by millions of Canadians daily.
In addition to the physical charging, there are many ancillary opportunities for companies to innovate and enhance the customer experience when it comes to refueling these EVs and getting around. Join us on October 27, 2022, as we discuss the key opportunities to think about when it comes to EVs, what some of the top industry participants are doing now to help support the future electrification of the transportation sector and what this new way of getting around means for society.
Moderator:
Adrienne Batra, Editor in Chief, Toronto Sun
Speakers:
Bob Espey, President & CEO, Parkland Corporation
John Matovich, EVP, Energy Solutions and Growth, Alectra
Arcady Sosinov, Founder & CEO, FreeWire Technologies
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Update on the Status of Infrastructure: Building Ontario
The construction sector, worldwide, is experiencing changes and challenges. Despite ongoing pressures across industries, the provincial government, alongside their public and private sector partners, have continued to work together to persevere and expedite their efforts to build Ontario.
Please join us in a discussion with Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma and Infrastructure Ontario CEO Michael Lindsay on how an innovative and forward-thinking approach to building is helping to ensure that Ontarians have access to modern infrastructure, while also ensuring Ontario remains a global market of choice for industry partners.
Discussion to be moderated by Kelly Jackson, Past Board President & Board Director, Empire Club of Canada.
Moderator:
Kelly Jackson, Past Board President & Board Director, Empire Club of Canada
Speakers:
The Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, Province of Ontario
Michael Lindsay, President & CEO, Infrastructure Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Journey to Net Zero through Advanced Manufacturing
In February 2021, the Government of Canada made a commitment to move to net-zero emissions by 2050. In November, the world gathered in Glasgow for COP26, which ended with major commitments from Canada including an enhanced target of reducing GHG emissions by 40 percent to 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.
In order to achieve these ambitious targets, Canada must accelerate the decarbonization of its industries, including manufacturing and other energy intensive sectors. There needs to be coordinated efforts from across the ecosystem to develop, de-risk, and strategically integrate commercially viable solutions that are manageable and cost-effective for industry.
With the convergence of a world-class innovation ecosystem with a robust manufacturing footprint and service sector, Canada is well positioned, on both the supply and demand side, to catalyze new partnerships and help industry adopt innovative solutions to meet its GHG emission targets and become leading low-carbon competitors on the global stage. Canada is also home to a disproportionately high number of top-100 global clean technology companies. From carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies, to solutions that use biomass as feedstock or fuel, opportunities are ripe for Canadian industry to collaborate with domestic innovators.
The Empire Club panel brings together leading industry voices in Canada to discuss the opportunities and challenges to accelerate industrial decarbonization in Canada through advanced manufacturing and clean technologies – from both the manufacturer and technology developer’s perspectives.
Speakers:
Linda Hasenfratz, Executive Chairman of the Board & CEO, Linamar Corporation
Scott MacKenzie, Director, Corporate & External Affairs, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
Kiril Mugerman, President & CEO, Geomega Resources
Moderator:
John Laughlin, Chief Technology Officer, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March of 2020, one of the hardest hit industries was public transit. As an essential service, the TTC continued to operate with reduced ridership, as many people worked from home and non-essential businesses were shuttered.
As Toronto emerges from the pandemic and public transit ridership increases, find out how the TTC has taken advantage of the period of low ridership to make improvements and advance state-of-good-repair work to benefit the customer experience.
Hear directly from TTC CEO Richard J. Leary about how the organization remained agile and managed operations through the pandemic, and how the TTC has worked with Toronto’s business community to be prepared for the return of its customers.
Speakers:
Richard J. Leary, CEO, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
Anita Sharma, Network News Anchor, Host, Moderator, CTV News
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
Claiming Canada’s place on the global stage
Hopper is the fastest growing travel app in the world, ahead of Expedia and booking.com, and has even surpassed Airbnb as the market share leader for active users. OMERS Ventures is one of Canada’s most successful venture capital firms with around $2B in assets and a global portfolio of more than 60 early-stage tech startups.
Join Damien Steel, Global Head of Ventures and Managing Partner at OMERS Ventures, in conversation with Fred Lalonde, Hopper’s Co-founder and CEO. The two will discuss how venture investing has changed over the last decade (when OMERS Ventures was one of Hopper’s earliest backers), to how Hopper survived the travel industry meltdown brought on by the pandemic and has reinvented itself as a financial services company. The two will also cover the outlook for VC-backed businesses given the current economic climate.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Brand Canada: Celebrating Our Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship and ingenuity are the lifeblood of the Canadian business landscape but big questions are emerging about our economic future. Will Canadian brands of the future have any similarities with those of the past?
On June 29th we will dive into how some of the best are doing it right and whether the traditional models that have forged some of our iconic brands are still the path to success.
Moderator:
Kelly Jackson, President, Board of Directors, Empire Club of Canada
Speakers:
The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Tareq Hadhad, Founder & CEO, Peace By Chocolate
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Deputy Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address on the Canadian economy, with a focus on the global challenge of inflation and the steps the federal government is taking to make life more affordable for Canadians.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The World We're In: The Impact of Conflict, Energy and Climate Change on Canada
A Keynote Speech by Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, the Honourable Bob Rae
Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, the Honourable Bob Rae, will be giving a timely talk on the major factors affecting our world today.
The world is experiencing profound conflict from the war on Ukraine, to the flow of energy, to the necessity to achieve energy independence, while moving towards decarbonization. COVID-19 recovery plans can shape the 21st century economy in ways that must be clean, green, healthy, safe and more resilient. UN members must continue to focus on implementing SD13 on climate action.
These global events and how our country reacts will influence Canada profoundly.
Speaker:
The Honourable Bob Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Human Capital’s Role in the Canadian Economy: Investing in Canada’s Future
Leaders, decision-makers and experts from the Canadian business community and government form this Empire Club panel to discuss the vital importance of human capital on the Canadian economy. The panel will focus on how Canada can attract skilled workers to lead future economic development, growth, and innovation in Canada and unlock the economy’s full potential.
The pandemic severely disrupted immigration to Canada and worsened the country’s shortage of available skilled labour. This panel of thought leaders will discuss; how Canada can reverse this trend, what our economic and societal needs are across key sectors, and the role that public-private collaboration must play in filling these gaps.
The panel will assess and consider how human capital can contribute to diversity and inclusion goals, humanitarian assistance as well as labour force development and industry innovation. Panelists will share their sector-specific insights as well as their opinions on how Canada can improve its competitive advantage by boosting its population and luring highly-skilled immigrants from across the world.
Moderator:
Elena Cherney, Coverage Editor , Wall Street Journal
Speakers:
The Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Government of Canada
Kathleen Taylor, Chair of the Board, RBC
Mark Wiseman, Chairman, AIMCo
Senator Hassan Yussuff, Senate of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Fuel for Thought Speaker Series “Canadian Drivers and the Low-Carbon Future”
Reducing emissions and fighting climate change is important to Canadians. They also value the reliable and affordable movement of people and goods across Canada and beyond. Canadian consumers have an important role to play in our low-carbon future and the choices that they make will be critical to Canada’s plans to achieve net zero.
Join our panel of industry experts as they discuss how emerging policies will affect Canadians and how Canadians can influence the low-carbon future.
Moderator:
Jennifer Stewart, President & CEO, Canadian Energy Marketers Association (CEMA)
Speakers:
Jackie Forrest, Executive Director, ARC Energy Research Institute
Ian Jack, Vice-President, Public Affairs Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
Dan McTeague, President, Canadians for Affordable Energy
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
In the Thick of It: Unpacking the 2022 Ontario Provincial Election
Ontario’s 2018 election altered the province’s political landscape: Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives swept into power with a majority government, Andrea Horwath’s New Democrats became the Official Opposition, the Green Party won a seat for the first time in its history, and the Ontario Liberals were reduced to seven seats – the worst result in the Party’s history.
The ensuing four years featured a battle against a global pandemic, the exposure of the province’s fragile public health system, as well as increased concerns about the rising cost of living. Climate change, investments in infrastructure and transportation, federal-provincial relations also featured during the PCs majority mandate. As we approach the June 2 provincial election date, Ontario’s political parties will try to convince voters they have solutions to address these and future challenges. How will Ontarians respond?
Join us as veteran political strategists and pollsters provide insights on what we can expect during the 2022 Ontario election. How is each campaign strategizing to connect with voters and what issues do Ontarians care about? Will Ford’s Ontario PCs be able to move beyond covid concerns and focus on the economic recovery? Can Andrea Horwath and the NDP find a message that resonates with voters? Will Steven Del Duca reverse the Ontario Liberal’s 2018 election results?
A brief polling session will kick off the event with David Coletto from Abacus Data.
Followed by a political panel moderated by Martin Regg Cohn (Toronto Star) featuring:
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Colin MacDonald (Navigator Limited)
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Dennis Matthews (Creative Currency)
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Kim Wright (Wright Strategies)
Click here to download David Coletto's presentation.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Health Care Delivery to Ontario’s Northern Remote Indigenous Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has strained Ontario’s health care system over the past two years as hospitals and health care professionals struggled to support patients in every corner of the province, despite increase workloads and persistent staffing shortages.
As Ontario appears to be turning the corner with regards to this last Omicron wave, there remains an urgent and under-reported crisis in northern and remote communities in Ontario. Remote and indigenous communities continue to face challenges accessing basic and emergency medical care, and this problem has been worsened during the pandemic because of the burn out of health care professionals.
This panel will explore some of these stories and how these communities were supported during the pandemic. More importantly, this panel will reflect on the urgent need for improving health care delivery to these underserviced areas of the province.
Moderator:
Willow Fiddler Staff Reporter The Globe and Mail
Speaker:
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, Infectious Diseases Specialist, University of Toronto and Toronto General Hospital
Alvin Fiddler, Health Transformation Lead and Negotiator, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Homer Tien, MD, President & CEO, Ornge
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Canada’s Digital Economy: Creating a Shared Vision in a Fragmented World
Canada is emerging from the pandemic in a unique position. We have an advanced economy with some of the highest levels of digital connectivity, access, and usage in the world.
Still, there are challenges ahead, including an unpredictable global economic environment, growing mistrust in institutions and increasingly polarized market dynamics.
Creating truly lasting economic and social value will take a sustained, coordinated effort, including modernizing our key institutions, building trust in digital capabilities and supporting businesses and Canadians to meet the needs of the digital economy.
Both digital ID and digital payment capabilities will play a pivotal role in Canada’s ability to capture the economic and social benefits associated with ongoing economic trends. However, these transformations will not be fully realized unless they are widely available and delivered in a cohesive fashion from coast to coast.
From safeguarding data to ensuring backbone technology is inclusive and accessible, getting implementation right is no small feat. Meeting the challenges ahead requires collaboration between the private and public sectors to deliver trustworthy, secure, and frictionless digital products and services.
Throughout its history, Interac has prioritized the development of payment capabilities which are widely available and accessible to all Canadians. In this address, Mark will describe the opportunities and challenges ahead and will articulate a path forward that can unlock greater economic and social benefits for Canadians.
Speaker:
Mark O'Connell, President & CEO, Interac Corp.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ontario’s Economy is Getting Stronger – Here’s How
The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, will join the Empire Club for a discussion on the government’s long-term vision for prosperity, jobs and growth.
Speaker:
The Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
How OPG is Paving the Way for Ontario and Other Jurisdictions to Decarbonize
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is committed to becoming a net-zero carbon company by 2040, and a catalyst for a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
OPG is uniquely positioned to be a climate change leader because of our strong track-record of innovation, efficient operations and project delivery, which includes coal closure.
Join us for a conversation with Ken Hartwick, CEO of OPG to learn more about how OPG aims to address climate change in a way that will help create new jobs, nurture new industries that protect the environment and make our economy stronger for current and future generations through:
- Development of small modular reactors
- Advancing electrification initiatives in the province
- Completing the Darlington Nuclear Refurbishment Project
- Continued investment in our hydroelectric generation
- Focus on adaptation and resiliency of our assets
- Exploring opportunities in non-hydro renewables, energy storage and hydrogen
Moderator:
Anita Sharma, Network News Anchor, Host, Moderator, CTV News Channel
Speaker:
Ken Hartwick, President & CEO, Ontario Power Generation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Canada Needs a Revived Economic Council to Thrive in the 21st Century
21st century economic realities and the digital transformation have presented Canada with the imperative to create institutional capacity for the innovation-based economy. We need to capitalize on our potential with flexible, integrated, and forward-thinking governance and prosperity strategies. It is time to re-establish an Economic Council to make Canada more competitive in the global economy.
Jim Balsillie, one of Canada’s most prominent innovation, business and policy leaders will reflect on why: Canada needs a revived Economic Council to thrive in the 21st century global economy driven by innovation.
This event will be moderated by one of Canada’s foremost experts in technology and innovation investments, John Ruffolo, Founder & Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity.
Moderator:
John Ruffolo, Founder & Managing Partner, Maverix Private Equity
Speaker:
Jim Balsillie, Co-founder & Chair, Council of Canadian Innovators
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Beyond the Curriculum: Building Hope and Opportunity for Indigenous Youth
Join the Empire Club as it continues the conversation on the role of education in advancing reconciliation.
It is a stark reality that only 11% of Ontario’s Indigenous Youth go on to pursue higher education. The reasons for this are varied and complex – but one message is clear – we must do more to support students and teachers in Indigenous communities across the country to ensure we are tapping the full potential of these talented youth to build a better, more successful, and more inclusive Canada.
This calls for a greater understanding of how to work together to respect Indigenous ways of knowing and learning in the classroom – empowering communities to access and deliver education services and opportunities for meaningful outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic brought in-person learning to a halt, disconnecting students and redefining the delivery of education via virtual means. But for many communities, virtual resources are essential on an on-going basis to ensure that students in the north have access to same opportunities as other students nation-wide. With limited access to educational infrastructure, resources and mental health supports, Indigenous youth in northern and remote communities have been at a severe disadvantage. What are the long-lasting impacts of this reality? And how can we address this challenge through meaningful, collaborative approaches?
Please join us for a critical conversation with policy makers, education professionals and NGO leaders on building better and more dynamic pathways to success for Indigenous students. And why the moment is now.
Moderator:
Lisa Kimmel, Global Managing Director, Sector Specialty Agencies, Chair & CEO, Canada, Edelman
Speaker:
Heather Campbell, Director of Education, Rainy River District School Board
Dr. Marie Delorme, CEO, The Imagination Group
Serei Jeppesen, Connected North School Lead & Indigenous Student Engagement Coordinator, Taking IT Global
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Women Who Lead: Acquisitions, Transformations and IPOs, the Women Behind Canada's Biggest Moves
Despite the uncertainties of the past year, Canada's business and finance landscape has been marked by transformative moves. Meet the women behind the biggest tech IPO of 2021, the acquisition of one of Canada's most innovative exchanges, and the strategic transformation of Canada's largest specialty toy and book store.
Moderator:
Rita Trichur, Senior Business Writer and Columnist, The Globe and Mail
Speakers:
Lori-Ann Beausoleil, Retired Deals and Advisory Partner, PricewaterhouseCooper
Sarah Jordan, CEO, Mastermind Toys
Vanessa Kanu, Chief Financial Officer, TELUS International
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Supporting Families and Growing the Economy: The Importance of a Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System
Since the federal government announced their ambitious plan for a $10-a-day early learning and child care system, nine provinces and three territories have already signed agreements. Through these agreements, the federal government is working to improve access to early learning and child care programs and services by reducing child care fees, creating new child care spaces, and providing supports to the early childhood workforce.
Join us as we speak with the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on February 28th to hear how affordable child care will support families, help parents rejoin the workforce, and grow our economy.
Speaker: The Hon. Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Government of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Toronto’s Waterfront: How to Reach its Full Potential
Toronto’s eastern waterfront added 8,000 new residents and 13,000 new jobs in the last decade. The Queens Quay redevelopment added a string of new public parks while recruiting arts and culture institutions, education leaders, and business partners to create a permanent presence on the water’s edge.
Flood protection is underway for 715 acres of the Port Lands – the largest development opportunity of its kind in Canada. There are remaining challenges to make sure this new waterfront is connected with transit, maximizes housing solutions, and provides equitable access to waterfront recreation as ‘Toronto’s backyard.’ Is Toronto on the path to becoming a true waterfront city?
Moderator: Myriam Eddahia, Journalist, CBC/Radio-Canada
Speakers:
Ana Bailao, Deputy Mayor, Chair, Planning and Housing Committee Toronto, Councillor Ward 9, City of Toronto
Dr. Gervan Fearon, President, George Brown College
George Zegarac, President & CEO, Waterfront Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Fueling Canada's Low-Carbon Future
Innovation and new technologies are driving Canada toward a low-carbon future. Canadians have more transportation energy options than ever before. What role does the transportation sector play in meeting Canada’s goal of Net-Zero by 2050? How will we maintain the movement of people and goods across Canada and beyond while reducing GHG emissions?
Our panelists are at the centre of this challenge. Join us for the next installment of the “Fuel for Thought Speaker Series” to learn more about ‘made-in-Canada’ solutions that will fuel our future.
Speakers:
The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Canada
Susannah Pierce, Country Chair, Shell Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Future of Health for Black Canadians
As has been brought to light in recent years, any system designed by one does not fit all. Canada’s healthcare system is no exception. Like many institutions, the Canadian healthcare system has been recognized for having failed our BIPOC communities in areas such as accessibility, culturally- adapted therapies and delivery methods, diagnosis, and quality of care (to name a few), creating devastating disparities along racial lines in the health outcomes for Canadian populations. Indeed, The Commonwealth Fund’s 2021 report records this issue, ranking Canada 10th out of 11 high income developed nations in the area of healthcare ‘equity’. The disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on Canada’s Black communities, as well as risk of psychosis and likelihood of death from breast cancer further indicate a fractured healthcare system.
There are many reasons as to why these gaps exist despite having a universal healthcare model, not the least of which includes a lack of representation and formal training for medical practitioners about racialized populations.
The Empire Club invites you to join us as we hear from some of those trying to make a difference in the healthcare space for Black Canadians and eliminate the hurdles experienced by Black populations in receiving equitable quality of care.
Our speakers have contributed to advancing health outcomes for Black individuals in a number of ways: from creating a culturally competent vaccine distribution clinic to support and educate Black Canadians, to founding initiatives designed to transform medical and health professional education.
Moderator: Paul Bailey, Executive Director, Black Health Alliance
Speakers:
Sume Ndumbe-Eyoh, Director and Assistant Professor, Black Health Education Collaborative, Dalla
Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
Adaoma Patterson, President, Jamaican Canadian Association
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Psychedelics 101
Conversations about the therapeutic potential of Psychedelics are everywhere. From the front page of Toronto Life magazine to research centres at Johns Hopkins, Queen's, and the University of Toronto - research into psychedelics as a potential treatment for mental illness exacerbated by the Pandemic is booming. But what is the real story?
The Empire Club of Canada is pleased to host a conversation with industry leaders that will focus on innovation, trends, and what the future of this new sector will look like.
Moderator:
Tiffany Kary, Journalist, Bloomberg News
Speakers:
Najla Guthrie, President & CEO, KGK Science Inc.
Nick Kadysh, Founder & CEO, PharmAla Biotech
Kathryn Walker, CEO, Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
A Better Way Forward? I Say We Need a Revolution! A conversation with BDC’s President & CEO Isabelle Hudon and Jan De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
The past two years have accelerated the pace of disruption. And going back is not an option. Join us in a discussion with Isabelle Hudon, recently appointed President and CEO of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), about how it is the perfect time to re-imagine the future of Canada’s economy – creating one that is resilient enough to endure and adapt to whatever challenges the future will bring our way. Isabelle will share her thoughts on the social responsibility of businesses and how BDC plans to be the partner of choice of entrepreneurs looking to create value and build a more sustainable and inclusive economy. This conversation will be moderated by Jan De Silva, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
Isabelle is BDC’s first woman President and CEO and was also Canada’s first woman Ambassador to France and Monaco. Previously, she was President and CEO of Sun Life Financial Quebec and Senior Vice President of Sun Life Financial Canada. She is a champion of diversity, gender equality and the green economy, leading BDC’s 2,500-person team in its effort to do more and better in helping Canadian SMEs thrive.
Speakers:
Isabelle Hudon, President & CEO, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Jan De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Hon. Todd Smith: Ontario's Energy Advantage
From running one of the world’s cleanest energy grids, to delivering Canada’s first commercial, grid-scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) to making Ontario a more competitive place to do business with lower electricity costs, Ontario’s Energy sector is in a new power play.
Join Energy Minister Todd Smith on January 28th to hear how he and his team at the Ministry of Energy are seizing Ontario’s clean energy advantage as a major opportunity to power up our province’s industries, jobs and economy and lead the way!
Speaker: The Hon. Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, Legislative Assembly of Ontario
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Power of Education in Advancing Reconciliation
“Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it.” - The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Education has played a unique and powerful role in Canada’s history in both perpetuating systemic oppression of Indigenous peoples and in helping to advance reconciliation. It was a key element addressed often by members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in their work and within the TRC calls to action.
With the discoveries of numerous unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools and the marking of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in September 2021, Canadians of all ages began to learn more about Indigenous histories, the intergenerational impact of the country’s residential school system and survivors’ stories. As the nation continues to embark on a process of reflection and learning, join us for a critical conversation amongst Indigenous leaders on the connection between education and reconciliation, and the impact of steps being taken to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in the classroom and beyond.
Moderator: Chief Stacey Laforme, (Gimaa) Chief, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Panelists: Dr. Tracy Bear, Director & Assistant Professor, McMaster Indigenous Research Institute, Dept. of Sociology, Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University
Chief Cadmus Delorme, Chief, Cowessess First Nation
Kory Wilson, Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships, British Columbia Institute of Technology
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annual Investment Outlook 2022: Making Money in Volatile Markets
Speakers:
David Rosenberg, Chief Economist & Strategist, Rosenberg Research & Associates Inc.
Thomas Caldwell, Chairman, Caldwell Financial Ltd.
Pierre Lassonde, Chairman & CEO, Firelight Investments
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
End of Year Speech: Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada
Speaker: Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada is proud to announce the 2021 Nation Builder of the Year Award is awarded to Chief Perry Bellegarde, First Nations leader and human rights advocate at a special virtual event on December 9, 2021.
The Empire Club of Canada is proud to announce the 2021 Nation Builder of the Year Award is awarded to Chief Perry Bellegarde, First Nations leader and human rights advocate at a special virtual event on December 9, 2021.
The award comes as Chief Perry Bellegarde completed his second term as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in July of this year, a term that was capped off by his leadership of the federal parliament’s passage into law of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, foundational to reconciliation.
His stellar record shows his unwavering belief in processes that unite rather than divide, as one who builds people up, and whose work has contributed to Canada being a stronger nation through his steadfast advocacy of First Nations’ and Indigenous Peoples’ rights and priorities.
As part of the event program, the Empire Club announced an exciting contribution to the Perry Bellegarde Leadership Scholarship at the First Nations University of Canada.
Award recipient - Chief Perry Bellegarde
Host - Omar Sachedina
Teacher's Guide: https://87ea816f-8b97-4a95-a60e-8d4f6505ad91.filesusr.com/ugd/fde234_53c159f5be2948ce96601c7fc8cc1d49.pdf
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Open Banking: An Essential Choice for Canadians
Open Banking is not about banks. It is about our society, consumer choice, data rights, personal enrichment and how we as Canadians wish to conduct our financial and digital lives. Freedom and choice are why governments in the UK, European Union, Singapore and Australia have already mandated Open Banking for their citizens.
Where does Canada stand and what would we gain as a society and individually from the adoption of Open Banking?
Join the Empire Club of Canada on December 2, 2021 for a virtual event featuring remarks from Andrew Moor, an Open Banking champion who happens to be the Chief Executive Officer of Equitable, Canada’s Challenger Bank™ – the country’s eighth largest independent Schedule I bank. He will describe the advantages of consumer-directed finance based on a worldview of this important topic.
Upon conclusion of his remarks, Mr. Moor will be joined by Kirsten Thompson, Partner and National Leader of Dentons’ Transformative Technologies and Data Strategy Group for a discussion moderated by Manjula Selvarajah, National Columnist to the CBC.
Moderator: Manjula Selvarajah, National Columnist, CBC
Panelists:
Andrew Moor, President & CEO, Equitable Bank
Kirsten Thompson, Partner & National Lead, Transformative Technologies and Data Strategy Group, Dentons
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Unlocking Housing in Ontario: In Conversation with Minister Steve Clark On How Ontario is Partnering with Municipalities to Make it Easier to Build the Right Mix of Homes
The Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, will discuss key issues regarding housing and affordability facing Ontarians today. This includes how the province is working to removing duplication and barriers to building homes and encouraging innovation. Additionally, Minister Clark will speak to his collaboration with municipalities, and how the province is providing them with the tools they need to unlock the full range of housing options in communities across Ontario, so that every Ontarian can find a home that meets their needs and budget.
Speaker: The Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Legislature Assembly of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Canada’s Video Game Industry - A National Champion Making a Global Impact
Canada’s video game industry has quietly grown into one of the largest and most successful in the world. Over the past 25 years many of the largest and most well-known studios have made Canada home.
With hubs in Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, the industry continues to spread its reach from Victoria to St. John’s and all points in between. With close to 1,000 studios spread across the country Canada’s industry is an ecosystem of multinationals and Canadian owned and operated studios.
This ecosystem has allowed the video game industry in Canada to continue to grow and flourish, even as it moved close to 30,000 workers to remote production over the pandemic.
Learn more about Canada’s global success story with industry leaders, moderated by Jayson Hilchie, President & CEO of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada.
Moderator: Jayson Hilchie, President & CEO of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada.
Panelists:
Deirdre Ayre, Head of Canadian Operations, Other Ocean Group Canada
Francis Baillet, VP, Corporate Affairs, Ubisoft
Michelle Liem, Director of Sales, Microsoft Canada - XBOX Team
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Rebuilding For The Better: Boosting The Bottom Line Through Workplace Retirement Plans
Workplace retirement plans are about more than providing improved financial security to Canadian workers in retirement. In fact, there is strong evidence to suggest that workplace retirement plans also offer a business advantage to employers as well as value to the overall economy.
There is no doubt that Canadian employers will continue to face challenges as our country, and the rest of the world, recovers from COVID-19. But as Einstein famously said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Employers have the opportunity to realize a competitive advantage by rethinking workforce compensation strategies, offering or enhancing workplace retirement benefits, and reducing employees’ financial stress.
Join the Empire Club of Canada on Nov. 16 for a virtual event that will launch the new research paper by HOOPP and Common Wealth, The Value of a Good Pension: The business case for good workplace retirement plans.
The event will feature a panel discussion on the key findings of the research including how workplace retirement plans offer value to an employer’s bottom line, security to employees and improved economic stability for all.
Moderator: Tim Shortill, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), Chief Operating Officer
Panelists:
Alex Mazer, Common Wealth, Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Rahima Mamdani, YMCA of Greater Toronto, Chief People Officer
Rocco Rossi, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Remembrance Day Reflection: The Story of the World War 2 SPECIAL OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE (SOE)
Today, hundreds of thousands of young people are responding to a global crisis - that of climate change and ecological collapse.
In the 1930s, the world also faced a global crisis - the rise of militant imperialist and racist ideologies, in particular the rise of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan.
Then, in World War 2, in the 1940s, hundreds of young men and women – including Canadians - became secret underground agents and risked their lives to defend freedom in Europe and in the world from Nazi racism and tyranny.
They were parachuted into Nazi-occupied territory or ferried in by secret aircraft or boats. They had to move, disguised, and always hunted in hostile villages, towns, and cities. They had to trust people they had never met. Sometimes their trust was betrayed. Discovery meant hideous torture and almost certain death.
Their mission was to link up with resistance groups in occupied countries – in the beginning above all in France – and supply these groups with money, weapons, explosives, radios and communications, and leadership and guidance.
The aim was to wreck Nazi communications and transport links and to block movements of war material to Nazi Germany and frustrate and block the movement of German troops and, in particular, the movement of the dreaded Panzer – or armored – Divisions.
So, they blew up railway tracks, railway yards, and trains, sabotaged canals and munitions factories, destroyed telephone lines and telegraph lines, and truck convoys. And, everywhere, they were hunted in a deadly non-stop game of cat and mouse.
This is the story we will tell – the story of the Special Operations Executive – the SOE – and Camp X in Whitby-Oshawa, one of its key training camps – and of the young men and women who sacrificed their lives for a future of freedom.
SOE became the model for the CIA and the inspiration for many post-war writers including Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.
Moderator: Nahlah Ayed - Canadian Journalist, Host of CBC Radio's Ideas
Speakers:
Norm Christie - Author, Historian & Founding Director, King & Empire Foundation
Gilbert Reid - Writer & Founding Director, King and Empire Foundation
Secret Liberators Documentary: https://kingandempire.ca/secret-liberators/
Teacher's Guide: https://87ea816f-8b97-4a95-a60e-8d4f6505ad91.filesusr.com/ugd/fde234_df0e390f39844381acfb4f9734cb9b56.pdf
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Realizing the Potential: The Role of Hydrogen in Canadian Transportation
Canada needs energy solutions that advance human and economic development while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen plays an important role on Canada’s path to carbon neutrality and low-carbon solutions for transportation. Our country has the potential to be a world leader in the production and use of hydrogen.
What is involved in making this happen? How will it impact Canadians? What role will hydrogen play in Canada’s plan to reach Net-Zero Emissions by 2050?
Our panelists are at the centre of solving this challenge. This is the third installment of the “Fuel for Thought Speaker Series” to learn more about how hydrogen could become a greater part of Canada’s transportation energy mix.
Moderator: Shawn McCarthy, Senior Counsel, Sussex Strategy
Panelists:
Colin Armstrong, President & CEO, HTEC
Mark Kirby, President & CEO, Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association
Wayne Leighty, Manager, Hydrogen Commercial, North America, Shell
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Transforming Health Care Beyond the Pandemic
Canadians take a great deal of pride in their health care system. But the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many long standing challenges in care, particularly for seniors, under-served populations and those in need of mental health and addictions services.
Matthew Anderson, President and CEO of Ontario Health discusses lessons learned during the pandemic and how system recovery can serve as a catalyst for innovation and transformation in order to better connect, coordinate and improve health care for all, in discussion with André Picard, Health Columnist and Author, The Globe and Mail.
Speakers:
André Picard, Health Columnist and Author, The Globe and Mail
Matthew Anderson, President and CEO, Ontario Health
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ageing At Home: Is It An Affordable Option?
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many Canadians to re-think where they want to age, with 91% now reporting they plan to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Despite this overwhelming preference to age in place, many older adults are financially unprepared for a safe and comfortable retirement at home. A number of factors contribute to this landscape of financial vulnerability, including low levels of personal savings, higher levels of debt, a scarcity of workplace pension programs, inadequate government-run retirement programs, and a care system that provides greater financial coverage for institutional care over homecare. There are a number of strategies and programs that Canadians can use today to better secure their retirement, such as delaying the acceptance of CPP/QPP benefits, leveraging home equity assets, and purchasing private long-term care (LTC) insurance. Lasting solutions, however, must include public policy reform in areas like the creation of a national public LTC insurance program, promoting financial literacy and retirement planning, and encouraging employers to offer pensions.
Moderator: Peter Mansbridge, Canadian Journalist and Author
Panelists:
Dr. Samir K. Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network
Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, Director of Financial Security Research, National Institute on Ageing
Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO, CanAge: Canada’s National Seniors’ Advocacy Organization
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Fall 2021 P3 Market Update with the Hon. Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure
The Hon. Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, shared the latest about public-private partnerships (P3s) infrastructure projects in the Fall 2021 Market Update.
Released quarterly, Infrastructure Ontario’s P3 Market Update is a list of public infrastructure projects in the pre-procurement and procurement stages that the Ontario government has committed investments in.
Previous Market Updates have confirmed historic government investments totaling approximately $60 billion towards enhancing healthcare, public transit and transportation, community amenities, economic growth and local job creation.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted, investing in the health and wellness of all Ontarians is more critical than ever. Minister Surma also highlighted how the Ontario government is committed to protecting people’s health and safety by investing in a wide range of critical infrastructure in sectors like healthcare, transit, highways, education and community safety, to improve the quality of life for all Ontarians.
Speaker: The Hon. Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Tales from the Campaign Trail - Majority or Bust?
Please watch this virtual discussion that breaks down the Canadian federal election. The event features a panel of political insiders and experts that are on the road with their leader or running the show from the campaign war room.
The panelists share stories from the campaign and provide insights into what just happened.
How did the political leaders, Prime Minister Trudeau, Erin O'Toole and Jagmeet Singh, stack up on critical issues related to pandemic response, economic growth, and climate change?
Were the campaigns able to follow their election plan and stay on message?
This panel looks at the critical moments that impacted the election results and breaks down for our audience what the new political landscape means for Canada going forward.
David Coletto from Abacus Data kicks off the event with a brief polling session.
Presentation: David Coletto, CEO & Founding Partner, Abacus Data
Moderator: Marieke Walsh, Political Reporter, The Globe and Mail
Panelists:
Dan Mader, Partner, Loyalist Public Affairs
Jennifer Howard, Chief of Staff to Jagmeet Singh, NDP
Braeden Caley, Senior Director, Communications, Liberal Party of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
How Canada's Changing Privacy Landscape Will Impact Business, Consumers, and You
The Government of Canada's proposed changes to Canada's existing national privacy framework (Bill C-11) died on the Order Paper when the election was called.
The need for modernization and a national approach have not changed.
Given the opportunity to update that plan, how should the new Parliament act to best protect the personal information of individuals while recognizing the need of organizations to collect, use or disclose personal information during commercial activities?
Practically speaking, how might those changes impact some of the modern conveniences we have come to take for granted as individuals, consumers and businesses.
Our panel of experts provided their diverse point of views on the many legal and practical implications of privacy reform in advance of the debate heating up again this fall.
Moderator: Alex Benay, Global Lead, Government Azure Strategy, Microsoft
Speakers:
Vass Bednar, MPP, Executive Director, Master of Public Policy in Digital Society Program McMaster University
Éloïse Gratton, Partner & National Co-Leader, Privacy and Data Protection Group, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Dr. Teresa Scassa, Canada Research Chair in Information Law and Policy, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Canadian Leaders Prioritizing Talent, Health and Technology to Emerge Stronger
While the COVID-19 pandemic has not impacted all organizations and industries equally, it has forced all leaders to reassess what is important and prioritize.
Hear how leaders are prioritizing talent and technology to enable agility through disruptions and position their companies for success. Claude Guay and Kevin Strain also discussed how the pandemic has reinforced the importance of the mental and physical well-being of their people.
The role of leaders has become ever more complex –financial and business acumen must be paired with human connection. They shared how leaders in Canada can adapt to this new way of working and help Canada emerge stronger.
Speakers:
Claude Guay - President & General Manager, IBM Canada
Kevin Strain - President & CEO, Sun Life
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Role of the Aviation Sector on Toronto’s Economic Recovery
This virtual discussion focused on the critical economic impact of the Toronto Island airport to the successful restart of Ontario’s urban visitor economy.
The event featured Neil Pakey, CEO of Nieuport Aviation, owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport; John Thomas, CEO of Connect Airlines, a planned new airline entrant to Canada via the Toronto City Airport; and Scott Beck, President and CEO of Destination Toronto. Farah Mohamed, long-time community resident, business leader, and social profit entrepreneur is the moderator.
The panel explored the critical role of this airport in the urban visitor economy, its unique role in connecting Canada’s financial sector with our largest global trading partner, the United States, and discussed how strategic infrastructure investments are necessary for it to continue to evolve as a key urban gateway and tourism hub. They also explored why U.S. carrier Connect Airlines has its eyes on Toronto City Airport as a new hub offering travelers more choice to key American cities.
Moderator:
Farah Mohamed, Social Entrepreneur & Former CEO, Malala Fund
Panelists:
Neil Pakey, CEO Nieuport Aviation
John Thomas, CEO Connect Airlines
Scott Beck, President & CEO Destination Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Future of Elder Care in Canada
COVID-19 has forced us to question how many current structures in society function, and the values that underpin them. How we care for elders is a striking case in point.
In this virtual event, The Empire Club proudly welcomed Linda Knight CEO, CarePartners, and Dr Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and University Health Network to participate in a panel discussion moderated by Globe and Mail health columnist André Picard, to discuss how the healthcare system needs to be to redesigned to improve the lives of Canada’s elders.
Moderator: André Picard, Health Columnist, The Globe and Mail & Author
Panelists:
Linda Knight, CEO, CarePartners
Dr. Samir K. Sinha, Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and University Health Network
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Building Better in 2021
As Canadians begin their long-awaited summer, they have much to cherish, much to mourn and much to confront and reflect upon. Over the past year, we have come together across the land and around the world to survive the first waves of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic killed and harmed too many but brought out the best in us in many ways.
As we pay respects to the lives lost, we also honour our frontline health heroes. We thank those behind the scenes who “had our backs” in this crisis and we highlight those leading our current quest to “build back better” as we create the many opportunities that await.
We equally must address the many inequalities that the pandemic has intensified, the tragedies from our past that have now come to light, and the other shortcomings we still must repair. Inspired by over a century and a half of hard-won success in overcoming costly pandemics, economic recessions and foreign conflicts, we draw strength from Canadians who are committed to science, academics, business, and Indigenous communities, who now lead the way in building a better, fairer, more inclusive community at home and abroad.
Moderator: The Hon. Jean Augustine, First Black Woman elected to the Parliament of Canada & former Cabinet Minister of Multiculturalism and Status of Women
Panelists:
Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
Margaret MacMillan, Professor of History, University of Toronto and Oxford University
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Getting back to normal – What does it mean and what will it take?
With millions of Canadians being vaccinated, and provinces slowly unrolling reopening plans across the country, when does Canada return to normal? What does the new normal look like for everyday Canadians and Canadian companies?
Our panelists discuss the challenges we faced in continuing to protect Canadians from COVID-19 while getting our economy back to pre-pandemic levels.
Our panel discussed the challenges Canada faced with achieving herd immunity, issuing vaccine passports and looking at the challenges Canadian businesses will face getting back to normal.
How will we build back better? When do we get back to normal? What is the new normal?
Moderator: Mike Kessel, President & CEO - Cleveland Clinic Canada
Panelists:
Dr. Julie Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H, Executive Vice President & Chief Patient Officer, Merck, Former Director - U.S. CDC
Dr. Jia Hu - Chair, 19 to Zero
Rocco Rossi, President & CEO - Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Back to the Ballot Box
This virtual discussion focused on the Canadian federal election. The event featured a distinguished panel of professionals including political insiders, the private sector and media.
How do the political leaders, Prime Minister Trudeau, Erin O’Toole and Jagmeet Singh, stack up on critical issues related to pandemic response, economic growth, and climate change? How developments – from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown – impact the outcome of this election?
What the paths to victory for each major party and when will the election be called? The federal election was shaping up to be a highly contested race with major implications for Canada. The Empire Club of Canada federal election forecast covers all the scenarios and issues in the race for Prime Minister.
A brief polling session kicked off the event with David Coletto from Abacus Data followed by a moderated panel discussion.
Moderator: Marieke Walsh, Political Reporter, The Globe and Mail
Polling Presentation By: David Coletto, CEO & Founder, Abacus Data
Panelists:
Jason Lietaer, President, Enterprise Canada
Amanda Alvaro, President, Pomp and Circumstance
Karl Bélanger, President, Traxxion Stratégies
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Future is Electric
Having delivered one of the world’s single largest climate change actions by closing its coal stations, OPG now looks to the future by investing in new technologies that will drive the clean economy. The company has released its Climate Change Plan, with a commitment to achieving net-zero by 2040 and helping the markets in which it operates achieve net-zero by 2050. Learn why Ontario’s largest clean power generator is emphasizing electrification of everything and an “all hands on deck” approach to generating technology.
Moderator: Anita Sharma, National News Anchor, CTV News Channel
Speaker: Ken Hartwick, President and CEO, Ontario Power Generation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Getting to Net-Zero: The Role of Canada’s Transportation Sector
With Canada’s plan to reach Net-Zero Emissions by 2050, how will we make this happen while continuing to move people and goods from coast-to-coast-to-coast and beyond? Our panelists discussed how Canada’s transportation sector would play an important role in the low-carbon future. From gasoline and diesel to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, Canadians had never had more choices when it came to their mobility. Government policy – both federal and provincial – was also a key factor. Our panel of energy influencers would describe what’s ahead on our road to Net-Zero in Canada.
Panelists:
Peter Tertzakian - Deputy Director of ARC Energy Research Institute
Kris Smith - Executive Vice-President of Downstream
Merran Smith - Founder and Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Confronting Anti-Asian Racism in Canada
Since the beginning of COVID-19, we had seen a rise in anti-Asian racism in Canada. Research from the University of Toronto showed that reports of anti-Asian discriminatory incidents had more than tripled over the last year. During the 2021 Asian Heritage Month, The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade and Eileen Park, Founder and Filmmaker at Anecdotia Media joined the Empire Club podium as they reflected on their own experiences, shared their perspectives, and discussed how all Canadians can come together to fight anti-Asian racism.
Panelists:
The Honourable Mary Ng, Canada's Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Eileen Park Robertson, Filmmaker at Anecdotia Media
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Representation of People with Disability on Screen: A Work in Progress
Filmmaker Atom Egoyan is an icon of the Canadian film industry and has seen a lot of changes in the past 35 years. When he began making movies in the mid-’80s, his early features were perceived as examples of a country coming to terms with the complex reality of diversity and multiculturalism. Many awards and two Oscar nominations later, Egoyan came to the podium of the Empire Club to take a closer look at how the discourse around diversity had shifted.
Highlighting the importance of authentic representation and inclusivity vis-a-vis people with disabilities in media and the arts, Egoyan sat with co-panelists Christine Hill, Stakeholder Engagement – Office of the CEO, at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, and George Alevizos, an ACTRA/Equity professional actor. Also joining this panel was Atom’s son Arshile, whose recently completed first film, Absence, that centred around a character who is differently abled.
This event was moderated by Tenny Nigoghossian and was a not-to-be-missed event for anyone following how the arts are dealing with diversity with a special focus on how people with disabilities should be portrayed in cinema.
Panelists:
Atom Egoyan - Canadian Filmmaker
Christine Hill - Stakeholder Engagement - Office of the CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
George Alevizos - ACTRA/Equity Professional Actor
Arshile Egoyan - Canadian Filmmaker
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Indigenomics - The Emerging Strength of the Indigenous Economy
With new models of commercial partnership, Indigenous economic strength was emerging across sectors and locations. In this discussion, our panelists discuss more about the concepts of Indigenomics and the evolution of the emerging $100 billion Indigenous economy reflecting the size of the Indigenous population in Canada. It looked at barriers to Indigenous business owners and communities including land and water rights issues and lack of access to financial capital. It examined key features of the current and potential economic growth and design of the Indigenous economy, and underscore why this growth was critical to Canada’s future.
Moderator: Alicia Dubois, CEO, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
Panelists:
Carol Anne Hilton, CEO and Founder of The Indigenomics Institute
Heather Berthelette, CEO, Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba Ltd.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Here Comes The Boom: Protecting Deposits and the Financial System During the Post-Pandemic Recovery
Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation also known as CDIC, which protects close to $1 trillion dollars in bank deposits, is a key part of Canada’s financial safety net. CEO Peter Routledge discusses Canada’s economic volatility in post-pandemic life. He also discusses how CDIC contributed to making our financial system more resilient to failure, which supported financial stability, a key element of economic growth.
Moderator: Vanmala Subramaniam, Capital Markets Reporter, the Globe & Mail
Speaker: Peter Routledge, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada presents:
The Future of Renewable Fuels and Low-Carbon Leadership in the Canadian Fuels Sector
This webinar discussion was sponsored by the Canadian Fuels Association and it included Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, The Honourable Seamus O’Regan who was joined by Parkland President and CEO, Bob Espey, for a fireside conversation on the future of the Canadian fuels sector, low-carbon leadership, and renewable fuels, and the important role that Canada’s fuel sector has in helping Canada reach Net-Zero Emissions by 2050. The event was the first in a series of “Fuel for Thought” webinar events the Canadian Fuels Association hosted in collaboration with The Empire Club of Canada.
Speakers:
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
Bob Espey, President & CEO, Parkland
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Women Who Lead: Celebrating International Women's Day
Speakers:
Rania Llewellyn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Laurentian Bank of Canada
Jennifer Reynolds, President & CEO, Toronto Finance International
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Black Music and Its Influence on North American Music: In Partnership With Hugh’s Room Live
Moderator Rudy Blair chaired a panel of leading Canadian musicians in a discussion of the history of black music and the way it helped to shape North American music generally and the way it impacted their own work. Rudy was joined by Ron Westray, Oscar Peterson, Chair at York University and renowned trombonist, who brought vast knowledge of black music to the discussion. Juno-award winning vocalist Molly Johnson talked about the way black music traditions inspired her career. Grammy Award winner, Dan Hill brought his deep insights into the roots of black music and shared his perspective on the way it helped to shape his work as a singer/song writer. And Canadian Queen of R&B, Jully Black, shared her experience and the way black music traditions have played a role developing her career as a musician.
Moderator: Rudy Blair, CEO, Founder & Interviewer, Rudy Blair Entertainment Media; Host, Vinyl Avenue with Rudy Blair
Panelists:
Jully Black, Platinum Selling Canadian Singer-Songwriter & Artist
Dan Hill, Grammy Award Winning Canadian Singer-Songwriter & Artist
Molly Johnson, Award-winning Canadian Jazz Vocalist
Ron Westray, American Jazz Trombonist, Musician, Composer & Educator
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
How Can Canada Build Back Better? The OECD’s Advice
As Canadians considered how to build a better economy as the COVID-19 crisis started to recede, their prospects and possibilities were shaped not only by the choices of their own governments and firms but by those of their closest international partners in North America, the Group of Seven and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
No-one was better placed to provide perspective on, and help produce, the pathway to Canada’s post-pandemic prosperity in that key international context than Angel Gurria, Secretary General of the OECD. He joined the Empire Club of Canada to present the results of the OECD’s economic outlook for Canada and its key partners and to report on the OECD’s critical work on transitioning to a jobs-rich digital economy. He also reflected on how he has led the OECD for 15 years, including during the global financial crisis from 2008-9, and has broadened its work to produce “better policies for better lives” in financial regulation, health, climate change and much else.
Speaker: Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary-General
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Vaccine Hesitancy: Convincing Canadians the Importance of Vaccines
In this panel discussion, the panelists look at a polling that showed Canadians were losing confidence in vaccines and they discuss ways to combat misinformation and build and maintain public confidence in vaccines.
Moderator: William Powers, Writer, Journalist and Technologist
Panelists:
Angel Chu, Vice Chair, Immunize Canada; Infectious Disease Physician, Department of Medicine, Foothills Medical Centre
Dr. Jia Hu, Medical Officer of Health; Chair, 19 To Zero
Raj Pannu, CEO & Founder, Emergence Creative
Scott Ratzan, Distinguished Lecturer, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Public Policy
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Black Prosperity: Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
Over the past year, anti-Black racism protests have elevated systemic issues that remain pervasive in society, serving as a catalyst for important discussions around racism and discrimination in Canada. These discussions have revealed a harsh reality: Black Canadians continue to be significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. This disparity is particularly pronounced in professional fields such as law, public affairs, politics and finance. In order to create lasting change to our society and institutions, a concerted effort is needed to identify and address barriers Black Canadians face in attaining leadership positions in the public and private sectors.
Despite countless obstacles and barriers, there are stories of success to celebrate and learn from. The Empire Club is pleased to host a panel discussion that will share the experiences of those who have secured leadership positions in their fields, lessons they have learned along the way and what today’s leaders can do to inspire and empower the next generation of diverse voices.
Moderator:
Asha Tomlinson, Award-Winning Investigative Journalist, CBC News: Marketplace and CBC News contributor; Co-creator, Co-producer, and host, Being Black in Canada program and Face Racism series
Panelists:
Zanana Akande, Interim Chair, Black Legal Action Centre
Al Ramsay, Associate Vice President, Sales and Strategy and Head LGBTQ2+ & Black Customer Segments, TD Bank
Charlene Theodore, President, Ontario Bar Association; Workplace Lawyer
Ray Williams, Managing Director & Vice Chairman, Financial Markets at National Bank Financial
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Celebrating POET Technologies Inc: Making Money in the Global Photonics Industry
Speaker: Suresh Venkatesan, Chairman & CEO, POET Technologies
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Systemic Racism, Housing, and the Realities of Black Canadians
In Toronto’s lowest-income neighbourhoods, 69% of residents are racialized, while 73% of residents in Toronto’s highest income neighbourhoods are white. The increased attention to systemic racism had revealed to the general public what those in the housing industry have known for years: housing in Toronto and across the GTA is highly racialized. Historically, homeownership has helped Canadians advance in society and work to overcome barriers such as the income and wealth gap. However, for Black Canadians, the lack of access to the housing market has and continues to actively limit opportunities for the Black community now, and in generations to come. It is time to address this inequity, but doing so demands that we re-imagine the future shape of the GTA and seize opportunities to build affordable housing while creating a path to ownership for more black families.
Moderator: Ene Underwood, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity GTA
Panelists/ Speaker:
Stephen Diamond, Chief Executive Officer, DiamondCorp
Mwarigha, Vice-President, Housing & Homelessness Services
Isaac Olowolafe, Founder, Dream Maker Inc.; Board of Directors, Sick Kids Foundation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Rick Leary – Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission with One Year Later: Making the TTC a Diverse and Inclusive Organization
In 2020, the TTC took a hard look at many of its anti-racism practices that were in place then – both in how it dealt with its customers as well as the treatment of their own employees from underrepresented groups. Diversity and inclusion had become top priorities for the CEO and the TTC moved to become a leader in the industry on confronting existing issues and making meaningful changes to address them.
In December of 2020, the TTC launched a 10 Point Action Plan to attract a more diverse workforce – started with women and then moved to attract others from underrepresented groups. As the TTC created a more diverse and inclusive workforce, the 10 Point Action Plan also served to benefit the TTC’s diverse customer base.
Moderator: Leslie Woo, Chief Executive Officer, CivicAction
Speaker: Rick Leary, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mayor of Toronto, John Tory - Ready to Restart: Toronto’s Path Forward Beyond COVID-19
Mayor John Tory speaks about the work Toronto has done to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps it took for 2021.
Born and raised in Toronto, Mayor Tory has spent his life giving back to the city he loves, through his tireless work in public, private sector and philanthropic roles.
John Tory was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018.
Throughout his tenure as Mayor, he has prioritized investments towards affordable housing, transit, poverty reduction and modernizing the government services on which people rely. He has pushed for more investments from other levels of governments and has maintained strong relationships with them to ensure that the needs of Toronto are being met.
Under his leadership Toronto has become a world class city that prides itself on being diverse and inclusive while earning its reputation as an undisputed hub for technology and innovation, and film and tv productions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mayor had been steadfast in helping Toronto residents and businesses with crucial supports and services to help them get through the challenging times. Whether it was introducing new programs to getting businesses online, helping businesses deliver their products to residents, providing much-needed aid to areas hardest hit by the pandemic, or working with the province to expand testing, the Mayor had worked hard to make sure that Toronto would get through the pandemic stronger than ever.
Speaker: John Tory, Mayor of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annual Investment Outlook 2021: Making Money in Volatile Markets
Panelists:
David Rosenberg, Chief Economist & Strategist, Rosenberg Research
Thomas S. Caldwell, C.M., Founder and Chairman, Caldwell Financial Ltd.
Pierre Lassonde, C.M., GOQ, Chairman & CEO, Firelight Investments
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Post COVID: Small Business Success
Main Street is the backbone of the community. “Small business is the largest employer in the country.” “There is no better security system for a neighbourhood than a thriving small business sector.” These are some of the phrases traditionally used to describe small businesses in Canada. The challenges they face during COVID are unique. How many of them will survive? How many will thrive? What does the Post COVID world hold for this foundation of our society?
Moderator: Adrienne Batra, Editor in Chief, Toronto Sun, Radio & TV
Panelists:
Dan Kelly President, CEO, and Chair, Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Alan Liu, Owner, Salad King Restaurant
Kristyn Wong-Tam, Councillor Toronto-Centre, Ward 13
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO, Institute of Corporate Directors in conversation with Ivey Business Journal Editor, Tom Watson on The Pandemic’s Legacy: Old Habits and New Possibilities
The COVID-19 pandemic had posed both an unprecedented governance challenge and ushered in a period of extraordinary experimentation and innovation. It was time for boards to question old habits and imagine new possibilities.
Moderator: Tom Watson, Editor, Ivey Business Journal
Speaker: Rahul Bhardwaj, ICD.D - President & Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Corporate Directors
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
A Roadmap for Canada’s Black Youth - Defining Recognition and Development under the UN Decade for People of African Descent and UN75
Being a young person within the Black community in Canada in 2020…what are the prospects for the future? Is the situation encouraging going forward? Have there been setbacks related to the pandemic? And how does this community differ from its US counterpart? There were a lot of questions that needed answers, and more than ever before people started to think strategically and in long-term perspectives that provided more opportunities and options for young Black Canadians.
This panel discussion offered a vision for youth leadership in our country within the context of the Black communities. The key areas of focus included employment and employability prospects, education and the urgency of intergenerational collaboration.
Moderator:
Candies Kotchapaw, Executive Director, DYLOTT
Panelists/ Speaker:
Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, Senator, Nova Scotia (East Preston)
Stephanie Dei, UN Women National Coordinator
Georgette Morris Graduate Studies, Ethics and Public Affairs
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario, In Conversation with Vivene Salmon, Past President, Canadian Bar Association on how breakthroughs in moving legal services online during COVID-19 have reset Ontarians’ expectations for how justice can be done.
Technology and innovation have transformed nearly every part of life in Ontario, but the province’s justice sector has stood still and fallen behind. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the severity of these challenges and the urgent need to improve Ontarians’ access to more responsive and resilient justice services.
Attorney General Doug Downey had responded by accelerating the pace of justice modernization in Ontario, moving the system forward by decades in a matter of months. In collaboration with justice partners, the Ministry of the Attorney General had established new and innovative ways of delivering services remotely, in-person and online.
Speakers:
The Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario
Vivene Salmon, Past President, Canadian Bar Association
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Sean Finn – Executive Vice-President, Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer, CN
CN holds a unique place in history: the unforgettable people, iconic landscapes and exciting innovations have all marked our great railroad through time. But since its creation 100 years ago, CN has faced many challenging situations, especially with unfortunate work disruptions, illegal blockades on its railroad, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Being essential to the economy, to its customers, and to the communities it serves by transporting safely more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year, CN had to react quickly to maintain its operations. Sean Finn discusses how CN navigated through a succession of exceptional circumstances, learned from it, and adapted the way it conducts business and plans on doing so for another 100 years.
Speaker: Sean Finn, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer, CN
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Blake Hutcheson - President & CEO of OMERS With Confidence, Resilience and Patience During COVID: Observations and Reflections during My First Hundred Days as OMERS CEO
Blake Hutcheson shares observations and reflections he gained during his first hundred days at the helm as President and CEO of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. Taking on this role at OMERS during the COVID pandemic has given Blake new insights into what it means to lead an organization managing direct investments on five continents, on behalf of its more than 500,000 members.
Speaker: Blake Hutcheson, President & Chief Executive Officer, OMERS
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria – Ontario Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
Businesses across Ontario continued to be negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with local, Main Street small businesses being the hardest hit.
Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, speaks to the COVID-19 challenges that small businesses in Ontario were facing, and what the Provincial Government was going to do to help them reopen safer, rehire faster, and rebuild stronger.
Moderator: The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets
Speaker: The Honourable Prabmeet Sakaria, Ontario Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The World Health Organization (WHO), Canada and the Way Ahead
As winter of 2020 approached, COVID-19 cases were rising in many parts of the world, the importance of coming together in solidarity to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic had never been greater. Dr. Tedros, Director General of the World Health Organization, talks about the global effort to defeat COVID-19, the agency’s long and productive partnership with Canada, and where we need to focus our cooperative efforts in the months ahead if we are to protect and promote the public health of all citizens. The WHO has never been more relevant to Canada – and to all countries worldwide.
Speakers:
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus-Director-General, World Health Organization
Dr. Peter Singer, Special Advisor to the Director-General of the World Health Organization
Dr. Kate O’Brien MD, MPH, Director of the Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals Department at the World Health Organization
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mark Poweska, President & CEO, Hydro One in Conversation with Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
In this event, Mark Poweska, President and CEO of Hydro One, and Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, have a fireside conversation about how Mark Poweska transformed Hydro One to put customers and Ontario first.
Mark is a proven leader with a deep passion for employee and public safety, delivering on customer expectations and improving operational performance. Mark’s vision, mission and strategy for Hydro One was energizing life for people and communities across Ontario. His vision was a promise to listen to customers and communities, be their voice in the industry and take action to meet their needs. In the face of COVID-19, the company continued to deliver on its strategy focusing on supporting customers, employees, communities and economic recovery.
Speakers:
Mark Poweska, President and CEO, Hydro One
Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Future of the Work Place
Moderator: Mary Rowe, President & CEO, The Canadian Urban Institute
Panelists/ Speaker:
Veni Iozzo, Executive Vice-President, Enterprise Real Estate and Workplace Transformation, CIBC
Sarah McKenzie, Independent Consultant, Innovation and Future of Work
Toni Rossi BPHE, ICD.D, President, Real Estate Division, Infrastructure Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities with Resilience and Regeneration: Building out of a Pandemic and into a More Inclusive Low-Carbon Economy.
The most devastating global pandemic in a century, COVID-19, was more than a health crisis. It had damaged economies, cost jobs and widened existing social inequalities. But it had also illustrated the strength of Canada’s communities, the critical importance of resolute government action, and our willingness to help one another build back better. Smart public infrastructure investments create good jobs, help people and neighbourhoods most in need, and build sustainable, resilient communities for the low-carbon economy of the 21st Century.
Moderator: Shawn McCarthy, Senior Counsel, Sussex Strategy Group
Speaker: The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Lisa MacLeod Ontario Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Cultural Industries’
Few sectors of the world’s economy had been hit harder by the Covid-19 pandemic than the tourism and hospitality, culture, and sport sectors. As the Ontario families who depended on this sector reckoned with a world that was increasingly defined by thicker borders, social distancing and changed consumer behaviors, it was more important than ever that the private sector and government work together to both weather the storm, and build the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic recovery.
The Ontario Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries, the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, takes the audience through her government’s long term strategy for sectoral resilience and renewal.
Moderator: Nick Kypreos, Former NHL Player & Sports Broadcaster
Speaker: The Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
2020 U.S. Presidential Election Panel
In this virtual discussion, our panelists focus on the impacts that the 2020 U.S. Presidential election will have on the economies of Ontario and Canada.
How do the two presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, stack up on critical issues related to economic growth, transcontinental trade, and climate change? How will recent developments—from the COVID-19 shutdown, social unrest, trade war with China, and an economic recession—influence the outcome of this election? What opportunities could a Biden win potentially create for Ontario and Canada?
Moderator: Anita Sharma, BNN Bloomberg Reporter and Host of Market Call Tonight
Panelists:
Frances Donald, Managing Director, Chief Economist and Head of Macro Strategy, Manulife
Bruce Heyman, Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada
Chris Jackson, Senior Vice President, Ipsos Reid Public Affairs
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Managing through Crisis and Building a Winning Culture with Michael Medline, President & CEO, Empire Company and Sobeys
Empire Co. completed one of the most successful transformations in Canadian retail history. And then the entire retail industry was put to the test. In this conversation, Michael Medline, President and CEO of Empire and Sobeys, discusses how the grocery giant not only emerged as a leader during the biggest crisis ever faced by food retail but also how it had positioned itself to keep pace with the rapid acceleration of retail.
Moderator: Larysa Harapyn, Journalist, Post Media
Speaker: Michael Medline, President & CEO, Empire Company and Sobeys Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Diplomacy in a COVID World with Ambassador Bob Rae
As the United Nations celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2020, it and its members confront unprecedented crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic recession, ongoing displacement of millions of people, and the existential threat of climate change. Canada has long had a leading role within the United Nations system and has effectively used multilateral approaches to advance its foreign and economic policy interests over the years. Moving past its unsuccessful bid for a seat on the UN Security Council, Canada’s new Permanent Representative Bob Rae is actively pursuing an agenda of international collaboration with the aim of coordinating responses to the pandemic and economic recovery efforts. In a time of social distancing and virtual meetings, Ambassador Rae is pivoting Canada’s diplomatic approach at the UN and building new alliances to keep Canadian interests front and center on the world stage.
Moderator: Dr. Bessma Momani, Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo; Senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance and Innovation (CIGI); Non-Resident Fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, D.C.
Speaker: Bob Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Post Covid: The Future of Downtown
The COVID 19 pandemic dealt a staggering blow to our downtowns. In the spring, offices and businesses were closed entirely. Organizations continued to operate with employees working remotely. Some businesses failed entirely. Even as offices have reopened, most people continue to work from home. Walking through an office building now can be an eerie experience. The lack of foot traffic is also devastating in downtown restaurants and coffee shops.
We are looking for answers. After COVID, will downtowns bounce back? To what extent? And how long will it take? How much commercial space will be vacant? What are other possible uses for this space?
In short, our cities will recover. But how? And when?
These are the questions facing this panel of experts from business, labour, and academia.
Moderator: Mary W. Rowe, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Canadian Urban Institute
Panelists:
Mark Garner, Chief Operating Officer, Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area
William Logar, Executive Vice President, Asset Management, KingSett Capital
Mike Yorke, President, Director of Public Affairs and Innovation, Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
In conversation with Mike Rencheck, President and CEO of Bruce Power on Canada’s goal of Net-Zero by 2050 and the critical role of nuclear power.
Nuclear power is an integral component for Canada and the rest of the world in order to achieve its GHG emissions targets; simply put, without nuclear power as part of the solution, it is not possible to combat the devastating effects of climate change.
In this panel discussion, Bruce Power’s President and CEO Mike Rencheck unveils Bruce Power’s strategy to contribute to a Net- Zero Canada while growing the economy and supporting innovation. Mike is joined by Ontario’s business leaders including, Rocco Rossi, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce(OCC), Bruce Wallace, President & CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute(NII), and Sujin Wren, Hydrogen Technologies Lead at Hatch as they discuss the integral role of Bruce Power nuclear in turning climate change ambitions and targets into a decarbonized reality.
Moderator: Jan De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
Panelists:
Mike Rencheck, President & CEO, Bruce Power
Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)
Bruce Wallace, President & CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII)
Sujin Wren, Hydrogen Technologies Lead, Hatch
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Canada’s Tourism Industry: Impact and Recovery Outlook for 2020 and Beyond
Since February of 2020, the tourism sector—which employs 10% of Canadians—has accounted for 30.3% of the almost 3 million jobs that have been shed. Within tourism itself, 43.3% of employment has been lost since February 2020—that’s 881,700 jobs. Of those losses, 56.1% were in part-time employment and 43.9% were full-time jobs. Source: Tourism HR Canada
A distinguished panel of tourism industry leaders from across Canada have an informative and candid discussion on how the Covid-19 virus has impacted the industry and how it plans to recover and prosper in the future.
Moderator: Vanmala Subramaniam - Business Reporter, The Logic
Panelists:
Scott Beck - President & Chief Executive Officer, Destination Toronto
Ross Jefferson - President & Chief Executive Officer, Discover Halifax
Beth Potter - President & Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)
Marsha Walden - President and Chief Executive Officer, Destination Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Impact of the Pandemic on Women's Advancement during Recovery : Overcoming Setbacks and Promoting Change for the Better
During the summer of 2020 the Empire Club held a milestone event which brought together five remarkable women (to access the panel discussion click here: https://youtu.be/ACr5TacxmPs) to talk about mental health, money and societal shifts occurring in real time as the worst pandemic in over a century tested Canadian civil society and our ability to cope with numerous unimaginable stressors affecting our lives and our livelihood. These remarkable leaders spoke candidly about issues impacting women in the workplace, at home and across all aspects of society. It quickly became evident to all of our audience that these were NOT just women’s issues but will have an enormous impact on employers, families and society in general as we all face this unprecedented crisis.
The audience questions submitted by those who tuned in during the Live Broadcast were so numerous and of such fundamental importance to the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the economy and society in general that it was immediately obvious a second session would be of great importance to anyone trying to understand how to emerge from this crisis, and what the best way forward for all Canadians was.
Stated simply: “How will we overcome the setbacks women have faced due to the pandemic and how can we become stronger together as a society?”
Moderator: Vivene Salmon, Vice-President, Country Compliance Manager, Global Banking and Markets Compliance, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Panelists:
Andrea Carter, CEO & Founder, Wealthy Woman Warrior and Building Better Organizations; Gender Diversity & Inclusion Specialist and Learning Development Consultant
Candies Kotchapaw, Community Builder; Networker
Elizabeth Naumovski, Vice President Marketing, Caldwell Securities Ltd.
Dr. Samantha Wells - Senior Director & Senior Scientist, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at CAMH; Associate Professor, Clinical Public Health Division at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Covid-19 and Canadian Women: Mental Health, Money and Societal Shifts
One of the resounding battle cries heard throughout the pandemic is “We are all in this together”. While this is comforting to many people and politically attractive as a concept, it has been very clear from the outset that certain demographics have suffered disproportionately from the outset of Covid-19. The largest demographic to be hit hard is women, whether working on the front lines in multiple industries or seeing their workplaces close indefinitely with little hope of a comeback. The Covid-19 pandemic has also exacerbating challenges associated with childcare, mental health, and partner violence, with these challenges affecting women in countries around the world.
In this panel discussion, five Canadian women who have thought a lot about these issues and what they mean to our country, our society and to women in particular answer the following questions: What are the real challenges going forward? What about marginalized women and those struggling with the impact of poverty, racism, substance abuse, and/or dysfunctional/toxic relationships? How will this pandemic impact Canadian women going forward?
This discussion offers a unique opportunity for Canadians to dive deeper into one of the most important issues of 2020 and how it impacted Canada and the women who live in Canada.
Moderator: Vivene Salmon, Vice-President, Country Compliance Manager, Global Banking and Markets Compliance, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Panelists:
Andrea Carter, CEO & Founder, Wealthy Woman Warrior and Building Better Organizations; Gender Diversity & Inclusion Specialist and Learning Development Consultant
Candies Kotchapaw, Community Builder; Networker
Elizabeth Naumovski, Vice President Marketing, Caldwell Securities Ltd.
Dr. Samantha Wells - Senior Director & Senior Scientist, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at CAMH; Associate Professor, Clinical Public Health Division at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Preventing the Next Pandemic-Like Event
David Gold and Melissa Matlow will discuss how the next global pandemic-like event will come from our negative relationship with the environment and wildlife and offer key recommendations on how to prevent it. Nathaniel Erskine Smith provides the government's position on the actions it is taking to help prevent this event.
Moderator: Naomi Parness, Moderator and former CTV personality
Panelists:
David Gold, Chief Meteorologist, IBM Services
Nathaniel Erskine Smith, Member of Parliament for Beaches-East York
Melissa Matlow, Campaign Director, World Animal Protection
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Power of Black Female Leadership…Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Three women, trail blazers in advancing the cause of black women in Canada, politicians from all three levels of government who spent their careers-and indeed their lives- fighting to make it better for black women and indeed all minority women in Canada.
The Empire Club brought together Jean Augustine, Zanana Akande and Beverley Salmon to tell the story of how they fought for equal rights and the necessary legislative and behavioral changes to create a conducive climate for equal rights. In a panel discussion moderated by Gwyn Chapman, these three seasoned politicians will recount the challenges they faced in this regard, and what actually made a difference. They also cast their eyes toward the future and discuss what challenges lay ahead for young black women in this new era of hyper partisanship.
Moderator:
Gwyn Chapman, Special Advisor, Youth Engagement, to Mayor John Tory; Senior Advisor, Economic Empowerment, Anti-black Racism Unit, City of Brampton; TV producer
Panelists:
Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine P.C., C.M., C.B.E., First Black Female MPP, Grenadian-Canadian Educational Administrator; Advocate for Social Justice; Politician
Zanana Akande, First Black Female MPP, Public Service; Educator; Policy Shaper; Community Advocate
Dr. Beverley Salmon, First Black Female City Councillor, Member of the Order of Ontario in 2016 & the Order of Canada in 2017; Community Activist
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
My Canada is Opening Up
As Canadians prepare to celebrate Canada Day this year, their country is opening up in many ways. Socially, three months of lockdown have given many more time to share their time and thoughts with their families, friends and neighbours, in physical and virtual ways. Economically, working and shopping is springing back to life. Within days Canadians can start to travel to other provinces and territories to enjoy at first hand the local delights that their richly diverse country contains. Internationally, they look forward to the time when they can also welcome tourists from abroad, and the immigrants who have chosen to come and contribute to Canada as their new home. Three years after Canada's 150 birthday celebrations in 2017, it is time to hear first hand from distinguished Canadian leaders across the land from east to west how their new Canada of today is opening up.
Panelists:
The Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C. Governor General of Canada, 2010-2017; Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation
The Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia
The Honourable Sandy Silver, Premier of Yukon
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Future of Live Music in Toronto
The live music industry in Toronto has been decimated by the forced shutdown of public gatherings in the city. Many venues where musicians perform were already under pressure due to rising real estate costs. Many were forced to close and some will never re-open. But even for those that will, who knows when performers will be able to share their work in front of a large audience again? Live performance has been key in the career development of so many artists. Who knows what the live music scene will look like as we begin to emerge from shutdown.
Our panel spoke to the future of venues that feature our artists and several artists will talk about how important live performance has been in their careers.
Moderator: Garvia Bailey, Arts Journalist, Producer, Broadcaster and Co-Founder of Jazzcast.ca
Panelists:
Aida Aydinyan, General Manager, Performing Arts, Royal Conservatory of Music
Andrew Burashko, Founder and Creative Force, Art of Time Ensemble
Brian Iler, Chair, Hugh’s Room Live
Molly Johnson, Award-Winning Jazz Vocalist, Mother, Singer-Songwriter, Artist and Philanthropist
Mike Tanner, Music Sector Development Officer, City of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
A Picture of Canada’s Economic Recovery
What economic measures and sequence of events are required to give Canada the best chance for a quick and robust recovery.
Moderator: Amber Kanwar, Anchor & Reporter, Business News Network
Panelists:
Pierre Cleroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist, Business Development Bank of Canada
Ted Mallett, Vice President & Chief Economist, Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Rebekah Young, Director, Fiscal & Provincial Economics, Scotiabank
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Evolution of an Economic Engine: Assessing the State of Canadian Advanced Manufacturing
Dwindling cash flows, ongoing skills shortages and disruptions to supply chains. Productions lines shut down while others retooled to make new, vitally needed health and safety products. Orders cancelled while oil and gas prices plummet. Expectations of agility in the face of an unprecedented shock and an uncertain future. Welcome to the world of Canadian advanced manufacturing in the time of COVID-19.
There is no question companies across Canada have stepped up over the past few months. We have been inspired by the stories of their innovation as they create new technologies and scale up production of equipment and medical devices central to fighting the pandemic. We have also been reminded of the extent to which we rely on other countries for critical goods and supplies.
With provincial economic reopening plans slowly unfurled, many are looking to the second half of 2020 as key period for the sector’s recovery. But what that recovery looks like is unclear. Will governments continue to bring forward new policies and supports designed to increase in-country production of goods that companies long ago stopped making here in Canada? Is long-term reinvention really an option for many companies? Will their corporate clients and consumers have the funds to start buying again? And, how will physical distancing rules in plants impact efforts to restore productivity?
Moderator: Peter Hatges, Partner, National Sector Leader, Automotive, KPMG in Canada, & Managing Director KPMG Corporate Finance Inc.
Panelists:
Jayson Myers, Chief Executive Officer, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
Diane Reko, President & Chief Executive Officer, Reko International Group Inc.
Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA)
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Being Older in 2020: The Modern Joys And Risks Of Aging
We are living longer, but at what risk? COVID-19 has laid bare the health issues of congregate settings in long-term care. Will society care when the crisis is over? Will the delivery of a robust home and community care system like other countries have done be on the table? Could this make a difference?
As a society, we all know we must do better. As the Boomer’s move into true senior-hood will ageism continue to affect the kind of care our loved ones, or we, receive? There are many joys in aging such as kinship with family and friends and the ability to pursue rewarding work. The opportunities for travel and adventure abound. Let’s ensure that we consider all the options open to us to live fully and joyfully at any age with whatever health challenges we may face.
An all-star panel will tackle the complicated questions of ageing and ageism in modern society and help to spotlight how we can better support the incredible mentors in each of our lives.
Moderator: André Picard, Health Columnist, The Globe and Mail
Panelists:
Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and University Health Network
Michael Nicin, Executive Director of the National Institute in Ageing
Margaret Gillis, Founding President, International Longevity Centre Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Making Money in Today’s Market
Panelists:
Nick Barisheff, President, BMG Group Inc.
Thomas S. Caldwell, Chairman, Caldwell Financial Ltd. & Urbana Corporation
David Rosenberg, Founder, Rosenberg Research and Associates Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Construction Sector Post COVID19: What is the “new normal”
During the Covid 19 pandemic, construction was unique in comparison to most sectors in that some elements were deemed essential, while others were not. While the dividing line between who was essential and who wasn’t was the source of controversy, for those operating, health and safety measures were put in place to secure sites and protect the workforce. As we move beyond the pandemic to re-opening our economy, what is the “new normal” for this sector? Are the existing health and safety measures enough? Should the construction sector scale up more quickly than the rest of the economy? Will construction projects be the path back to economic recovery and can the sector ramp up safely to meet this need?
Moderator:
Ana Bailão, Deputy Mayor of Toronto
Panelists:
Gianni Agozzino, President and Partner, Network Mechanical Inc.; President, Metropolitan Plumbing and Heating Contractors Association (MPHCA)
Patrick J. Dillon, Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
Joe Vaccaro, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA)
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Rod Phillips, Finance Minister of Ontario On A Framework to Reopen Our Province
The people of Ontario had made impressive progress in the fight against COVID-19. We were all eager to reopen our province, but were also cautious – we did not want a sudden surge in COVID-19 to make all our hard work go to waste. By taking a gradual, staged approach, the Ontario Government was planning to make reopening decisions in a way that keep people safe, get us to our “new normal” and position our province for a stronger economic future.
Speaker: The Honourable Rod Phillips, Finance Minister of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Impact of COVID19 on Real Estate Assets – What Does Recovery Look Like Post COVID19?
One of the segments of the economy that had been hit hard by the COVID19 pandemic but that the media had not yet focused on was real estate, in spite of the fact that keeping the value of real property intact is an important component of any sustainable economic recovery. Were we doing enough in Canada to ensure that real estate values would recover and continue to be one of the pillars of our financial strength? Did all asset classes face the same challenges emerging from COVID-19, and what could we do to foster a strong recovery? What specific threats face the real property industry over the coming months and years?
Moderator: Sheila Botting, Principal & President, Americas Professional Services, Avison Young
Panelists:
Jon Love, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, KingSett Capital Inc.
Michael Turner, President, Oxford Properties
Sam Kolias, Chairman and CEO, Boardwalk REIT
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Helping Canadian Businesses Absorb The COVID-19 Shock Panel: An Overview of Financing Support Programs
A live webcast with Mairead Lavery – President and CEO of EDC and Michael Denham – President and CEO of BDC. They discuss the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Canada’s businesses and present an overview of financing support measures designed to support them. During this interactive fireside chat animated by Derek DeCloet, you will hear about: The impact of COVID-19 on Canadian entrepreneurs and an overview of financing programs available for business owners and how to access them Business owners’ response to the crisis and how they adjusted to the new reality.
Moderator: Derek DeCloet, Managing Editor, Bloomberg News Canada
Panelists:
Michael Denham, President and CEO, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Mairead Lavery, President and CEO of Export Development Canada (EDC)
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Do We Defund The World Health Organization (WHO)?
Do we defund the WHO? This question has been reverberating across editorial pages over the past days. To answer this question, and examine the role of the World Health Organization in coordinating a global response to COVID-19, Peter Singer, special advisor to WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will join James Orbinksi and Ilona Kickbusch for a live Empire Club panel.
Moderator: Danielle Bochove, Print Journalist, Bloomberg
Panelists:
James Orbinski, Professor and Inaugural Director, York University’s Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research
Peter Singer, Special Advisor, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Ilona Kickbusch, Founder and Chair, Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
How To Respond To An Economic Crisis Panel: Softening The Blow Of COVID-19
Moderator:
Elena Cherney, Editor, News Features and Special Projects, Wall Street Journal
Panelists:
Tiff Macklem, Dean, Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto
Mark Wiseman, Global Investment Manager and Business Executive
Hassan Yussuff, President, Canadian Labour Congress
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Putting Seniors First Panel: The Role Of Retirement Communities In The Lives Of Ontarians - Today, Tomorrow And In The Years To Come.
Moderator:
Jane Taber, Vice-President of Public Affairs, NATIONAL Public Relations
Panelists:
Michael Lavallée, Chief Executive Officer, Seasons Retirement Communities; Board Chair, Ontario Retirement Communities Association
Dr. Samir Sinha, MD, DPhil FRCPC Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System
John Wright, Partner, DART C-Suite Communicators
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Rod Phillips, Finance Minister of Ontario On Building Ontario Together
Minister of Finance Rod Phillips outlined the next steps in the government’s plan to get our Province back on sound financial footing, invest in critical services, and make life more affordable for the people of Ontario.
Speaker: The Honourable Rod Phillips, Finance Minister of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
International Women's Day 2020 Panel: An Equal World is an Enabled World
Our esteemed panel of industry leaders discussed their personal and career successes, trials and tribulations. We delve into the collective experiences of our speakers to discuss topics such as: forging a gender equal world in the ‘Roaring 20’s’, celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias and taking tangible, impactful action for gender equality in the short and long-term.
Moderator: Kayla Grey, Host & Reporter, TSN
Panelists:
Claudette McGowan, Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Employee Experience, Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Deborah Rosati, Founder & CEO, Women Get On Board
Natasha Walji, Director, Telecom, Government, Entertainment & Technology, Google
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library (TPL) With Debate in a Complex World
For more than a century, public libraries have been a democratizing force in the modern world, supporting a civil society and helping people learn about the world in all its complexity. Today, with so many challenges to freedom of speech – in libraries, political and government forums, on university campuses – it is imperative that we continue to have open, uncensored discourse and listen to, respect and learn from each others’ perspectives.
Speaker: Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library (TPL)
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
An Insider’s View of Brexit: The Impact on Canada and the Globe
The Empire Club of Canada welcomed keynote speaker Andrew Percy, British Government MP alongside moderator Donna Skelly, MP to offer ‘An Insider’s View of Brexit: The Impact on Canada and the Globe.’
Moderator: Donna Skelly, Member of Provincial Parliament for Flamborough—Glanbrook
Speaker: Andrew Percy, MP, Brigg and Goole, United Kingdom
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO, Institute of Corporate Directors With Changing Times = Changing Leadership
The old director adage of “nose in, fingers out” no longer applies because every organization is being disrupted or is a disruptor. So business models and strategies, and now boards of directors must transform at warp speed. Social activism, media hyper-transparency, seismic demographic and workforce shifts, digital technology, geopolitical instability, shareholder activism and ‘unknown unknowns’ are making the old ways of oversight obsolescent and irrelevant.
Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO, the Institute of Corporate Directors, discusses what today’s active and accountable board leadership looks like - and how active and engaged board leaders can foster and support competitive advantage.
Speaker: Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO, Institute of Corporate Directors
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Electric Vehicles Road to Prevalence Panel
A discussion of what steps the EV industry needs to take to solidify consumer confidence, lower product costs, and lift dependence on government incentive programs along the journey to widespread adoption.
Moderator:
Stephanie Wallcraft, President, Automobile Journalists Association of Canada; Multiple award-winning Automotive and Motorsport Writer
Panelists:
Al Cormier, President and CEO, Electric Mobility Canada
Travis Allan, Vice-President, Public Affairs and General Counsel, FLO
Lance Mortlock, Strategy Partner and National Oil and Gas Leader, EY Canada
Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive
Theresa Dekker, Vice President, Corporate Business Development & Strategy, Ontario Power Generation and Co-President, Ivy Charging Network
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Fresh Faces of Federal Politics Panel
This panel discussion, moderated by The Globe and Mail's Marieke Walsh, dove into into the 2019 MPs' leap into politics, election wins and plans for the 2020 legislative session and the years ahead.
The 2019 federal election resulted in a number of fresh faces heading to Parliament Hill. Among those newly elected Members of Parliament were an activist, an Olympian and a mayor who also happened to be his party's first MP elected as openly gay. Mumilaaq Qaqqaq (NDP), Adam van Koeverden (Liberal) and Eric Duncan (Conservative) represented a new generation of parliamentarians whose diverse perspectives and lived experiences inform the Canadian political landscape in unique ways.
Moderator: Marieke Walsh, Parliamentary Reporter, The Globe and Mail
Panelists:
Eric Duncan, Member of Parliament for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, Conservative Party of Canada
Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Canada's New Democratic Party
Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, Liberal Party of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Financial Services Revolution Global Launch: How Blockchain Is Transforming Money, Markets and Banking
The global launch of Alex Tapscott's Financial Services Revolution, a compilation of research into blockchain technology's impact on money, markets and banking. Tapscott is the book's editor and contributor, and co-author of the best-selling Blockchain Revolution.
Together with a panel of experts, Mr. Tapscott introduced some of the key findings of the book, including insights on tokenization, global payments, and Facebook's recent foray into the world of cryptocurrencies.
Moderator: Alex Tapscott, Co-founder of The Blockchain Research Institute & Co-author of Blockchain Revolution
Panelists:
Cole Diamond, CEO, Coinsquare
Fatema Pirone, Senior Director, Enterprise Innovation, CIBC
Richard Carleton, CEO, Canadian Securities Exchange
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annette Verschuren, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of NRStor Inc., On How Energy Storage Makes Electricity More Affordable.
Annette Verschuren is Chair and Chief Executive Officer of NRStor Inc., an energy-storage project development company. She has a passionate belief in the urgent need for innovative leadership in Canada’s business sector.
Since Annette founded NRStor in 2012, the company has become a world leader in developing and operating the world’s most innovative energy storage portfolio, which includes batteries, flywheels and compressed air energy storage (CAES). NRStor has also deployed one of the largest portfolios of behind-the-meter lithium ion battery energy storage for industrial and residential applications in Canada, including Tesla Powerwalls. NRStor is also developing renewable Micro Grid projects in partnership with Indigenous and remote communities across Canada, where energy storage is the key to materially reducing reliance on diesel power and creating lasting health and economic benefits for the communities.
Ms. Verschuren was president of The Home Depot Canada from 1996 to 2011. In that time, she oversaw the growth of the company’s Canadian operations from 19 to 179 stores, and increased revenue from $600 million to $6 billion.
She currently sits on the corporate boards of Liberty Mutual, CNRL, Air Canada and Saputo and also serves on the board of the CAMH Foundation and Chairs the MaRS Discovery District Board. Ms. Verschuren is the Chancellor of Cape Breton University.
Annette Verschuren was recently appointed to Chair Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), a foundation created by the government of Canada to support Canadian companies with the potential to become world leaders in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies that address climate change, clean air, clean water and clean soil.
Ms. Verschuren wrote the book Bet On Me, about succeeding in business and in life. She champions volunteerism and was named to the Order of Canada for her contributions to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility. Annette Verschuren was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame on June 19, 2019.
Speaker: Annette Verschuren, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of NRStor Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
To be Premier: The Empire Club of Canada Invites Ontario Liberal Leadership Candidates to Debate
The Empire Club of Canada has a rich history of being the chosen forum for government and political leaders to convey their visions. In that spirit, The Empire Club of Canada brought together all the Ontario Liberal Party candidates for a special evening on January 15th to answer one important question: Why should you be Premier?
The debate was framed around this fundamental question on which any provincial leadership campaign turns. Each candidate was asked to make their case why of all the people on the stage, they most deserve the chance to be Premier. Next, they were asked to defend their case before the Empire audience and by extension all Ontarians.
This was a rare public opportunity for our audience to hear all of the candidates on one stage, positioning themselves as the next leader of the Ontario Liberal Party and, if they are so chosen, Premier of Ontario.
Moderators:
Don Guy, Strategist, Pollara Insights
Karman Wong, Journalist, Strategist
Panelists:
Michael Coteau
Steven Del Duca
Kate Graham
Brenda Hollingsworth
Mitzie Hunter
Alvin Tedjo
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development On Breaking The Stigma Around Skilled Trades
Monte McNaughton was the MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Monte grew up in Southwestern Ontario, attending school in Glencoe and later graduating from Westervelt Business College in London. While growing up, he worked in his family’s small business, the local Home Hardware.
At the age of twenty Monte was elected as municipal councillor in his hometown of Newbury, and was re-elected to two further terms before retiring from that office. From 2009 to 2010 he served as President of the Strathroy and District Chamber of Commerce, and he served on the board of Four Counties General Hospital Foundation.
Monte was first elected to the legislature in 2011 where he continued his advocacy for his local community. In June 2018, he became Minister of Infrastructure, where he opened historic streams of infrastructure funding, expanded natural gas supply into rural Ontario and tabled a plan to bring high-speed internet to underserved communities across the province. He also announced an investment to renovate the aging Massey Hall, Canada’s most renowned concert hall.
In June 2019 Monte McNaughton was appointed Minister of Labour. He immediately set upon a provincial listening tour, meeting with more than 150 labour leaders in less than four months. He quickly established worker safety as a top priority while also shepherding in WSIB rate reductions, freezing non-profit rate increases, and introducing a new program that will reward Ontario’s safest employers. In October 2019, his portfolio was expanded to include Training and Skills Development.
Speaker: The Honourable Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Anil Arora, Chief Statistician of Canada On Big data; Deeper Insights: Why Statistics Canada's Drive To Lead The Knowledge Revolution Will Matter To You.
In today’s changing world, responsible data use and evidence driven decision making are driving economic activity and social innovation. Hear the Chief Statistician of Canada, Anil Arora, outline how your world class statistical agency is modernizing in order to better serve your information needs and provide a data foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Canada. Leaders and analysts from businesses, governments and not for profits will benefit from understanding Statistics Canada’s roadmap and by knowing how trusted data are essential to Canada's future wellbeing and your bottom line.
Speaker: Anil Arora, Chief Statistician of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annual Investment Outlook 2020: Making Money in Volatile Markets
The Empire Club of Canada welcomed David Wolf, David Rosenberg & Nick Barisheff for the 2020 Annual Investment Outlook, to discuss ‘Making Money in Volatile Markets’.
Panelists:
David Wolf, Portfolio Manager, Fidelity Investments
David Rosenberg, Chief Economist & Strategist, Rosenberg Research and Associates
Nick Barisheff, President & Chief Executive Officer, BMG Group
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Nation Builder of the Year Award: The Toronto Raptors
In 2019, the Empire Club of Canada launched the Nation Builder of the Year Award. The inaugural award was be presented to the Toronto Raptors on December 13th, 2019.
Award Presented to: Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors & Alternate NBA Governor
Speakers:
Nav Bhatia, Toronto Raptor’s Superfan Nav Bhatia
John Tory, Mayor of Toronto
Kayla Grey, Anchor & Reporter for TSN’s SPORTSCENTRE
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Stephen S. Poloz, Governor of the Bank of Canada
In his final speech of the year, Bank of Canada Governor Stephen S. Poloz will discussed some of the global forces affecting the Canadian economy and the outlook for 2020.
Speaker: Stephen S. Poloz, Governor of the Bank of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua P.C., Mayor, City of Vaughan On Purpose-Driven Leadership
Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan, addressed The Empire Club of Canada and discussed purpose-driven leadership. After 30 years of public service that have taken him from Parliament to the cabinet table to City Hall, he has witnessed failures and successes in government. Mayor Bevilacqua understands that elected officials must lead with purpose rooted in hope, optimism and determination. With a clear mission, he continued to bring about the ultimate urban transformation. Under his leadership, Vaughan had an economic growth rate of four per cent, which had created more than 60,000 new jobs and remained the only municipality outside of Toronto to be linked by the subway. Mayor Bevilacqua was also instrumental in bringing the city’s and York Region’s first post-secondary institution – Niagara University.
Philanthropy has long shaped Mayor Bevilacqua’s service to others. He chaired the $250-million Ultimate Campaign to build Canada’s first smart hospital, and through the efforts and events of his Spirit of Generosity commitment, more than $70 million had been raised to help over 200 worthy causes. Never subscribing to populist politics and opportunism, his focus and success were attributed to doing what is best for the citizens he represents.
Speaker:
The Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua P.C., Mayor, City of Vaughan
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Blake Hutcheson In Conversation With Bruce Flatt On Real Estate and the Global Investment Landscape: The State Of The Industry And Where It Will Go From Here
Toronto is one of the fastest growing cities in North America and has become an international development hub. No-one knows this better than Bruce Flatt, CEO, Brookfield Asset Management and Blake Hutcheson, President and Chief Pension Officer, OMERS and former CEO of Oxford Properties.
These captains of the real estate and investment industry globally come to the podium of the Empire Club on November 28th to engage in a rare fireside chat on where the industry stands today and how it will continue to have a major impact on the economies of Canada, the United States and globally. Will real property continue to play such a prominent role in this city’s and country’s economy and is the present model sustainable going forward? Where else in the world do the best opportunities exist? What asset classes other than real estate are the best buy today? Where is the iconic Brookfield platform focused and what does the future look like for this global powerhouse? Will OMERS reflect upon, mimic, or refute the Brookfield global approach?
This is a must attend event for any financial analyst, economist, real property professional or global investor who wants to better understand how leaders within these world class platforms make decisions and what the future has in store for two of Canada’s most impressive investment platforms.
Speakers:
Bruce Flatt, Chief Executive Officer, Brookfield Asset Management
Blake Hutcheson, President and Chief Pension Officer, OMERS
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Patrick O' Driscoll, President & CEO, Corby Spirit & Wine with The History Of Whisky In Canada And Its Future
Having celebrated 50 years of being traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Corby Spirit and Wine also produces Canada’s longest running whisky brand with J.P. Wiser’s and operates the largest distillery in North America. Along with other members of the spirit industry, Corby Spirit and Wine would like to get more support on equal access to Ontario consumers.
Speaker: Patrick O' Driscoll, President & CEO, Corby Spirit & Wine
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mark Poweska, President & CEO of Hydro One Limited with Charting The Course For The Future Of Hydro One
The Empire Club welcomed Mark Poweska, President and CEO of Hydro One Limited, to share his vision for Hydro One as a customer-driven company. Hear how Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution company supported thriving communities and a growing economy at the time and into the future.
Speaker: Mark Poweska, President & CEO of Hydro One
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Breaking down #elxn43 Panel: A Deep Dive with Major Party Campaign Managers
The Empire Club of Canada presented an exceptional Empire Nights event with campaign managers and senior strategists from the federal parties to offer a glimpse of how the election looked from their vantage point. It was a fascinating discussion about one of the tightest elections from start to finish in Canadian history. With renowned journalist Tom Clark moderating the talk that looked at the 40-day election, explored the decisions taken at critical junctures, the unexpected twists and turns, and what was happening behind the scenes.
Moderator: Tom Clark Chair, Public Affairs and Communications, Global Public Affairs
Panelists:
Michael Balagus, Chief of Staff, Ontario New Democratic Party; Campaign Senior Advisor (2019), New Democratic Party
Jeremy Broadhurst, Campaign Manager (2019), Liberal Party of Canada; Former Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hamish Marshall, Campaign Manager (2019), Conservative Party of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Travis Toews, Minister of Finance of Alberta with Alberta Budget 2019
Alberta Minister of Finance, Travis Toews, walked through his government’s first budget since taking office and outlined the vision for Alberta’s fiscal situation in the coming years.
Speaker: The Honourable Travis Toews, Minister of Finance of Alberta
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Business & Trade Panel - Canada and the World: A Deep Dive Into The Forces Changing The Political And Economic Landscapes Around The Globe.
A short time ago, Canadians conducting international business depended on reliable policies formed with our strong traditional allies to maintain an open trading/business environment.
A new world order is upon us. One that requires understanding of how to prosper in the age of Trump, Brexit and Protectionism.
The Empire Club of Canada put together a great panel of experts that comprehended the political undercurrents driving the disruption and the affect on global markets, and the US/China relationship.
Moderator: Jon Erlichman, News Anchor, BNN
Panelists:
Goldy Hyder, President and CEO, Business Council of Canada
Jean Charest, Former Quebec Premier & Former Deputy Prime Minister
Nicole Verkindt, Founder and CEO, OMX
Peter MacKay, Former Foreign Affairs Minister
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Second Chapter of Canadian Cannabis Panel
On the eve of the one-year anniversary of cannabis legalization, and the cusp of the legalization of new cannabis product categories including edibles and concentrates, what are the expectations from the Canadian cannabis industry in year two and beyond? The Empire Club of Canada hosted a conversation with industry leaders that focused on innovation, international markets and trends, capital markets and how they see things moving forward.
Moderator:Vanmala Subramaniam, Business Reporter, Financial Post
Panelists:
Brett Chang, Co-Founder, Leaf Forward
Jo Vos, Managing Director, Leafly Canada
Andrea Paine, VP Government Relations, Aurora
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Barry Perry, President & Chief Executive Officer, Fortis Inc. with Delivering Energy for the Greater Grid: A Perspective on the Evolving North American Utility Sector
The Empire Club welcomed Barry Perry, President and CEO of Fortis Inc., a leading North American gas and electric utility. In his address, Barry discussed what made this an opportune time for the utility sector as it embraced electrification, renewable energy and grid resiliency.
Speaker: Barry Perry, President & Chief Executive Officer, Fortis Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ken Hartwick, President and CEO at Ontario Power Generation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Collective Wisdom of High-Performing Women Panel: Leadership Lessons from the Judy Project
A unique luncheon and armchair dialogue by the authors of a Canadian leadership book — the #1 bestseller in Workplace on Amazon in 2019! — The Collective Wisdom of High-Performing Women: Leadership Lessons from the Judy Project. The book, features personal stories from 70 of Canada’s most successful women business leaders, highlights their perspectives on the 10 key characteristics of today’s winning leaders.
This Empire Club luncheon event featured readings from four of the book’s authors and senior executives as they told their stories with frank reflections about the perception of women in corporate Canada, ambition, courage and confidence, and the choices Canada’s most accomplished women had to make to balance their personal and professional lives.
Moderator:
Colleen Moorehead, Editor of Collective Wisdom, Judy Project Business Co-Director, Osler Chief Client Officer
Panelists:
Martine Irman, SVP & Vice Chair, Global Enterprise Banking, TD Securities
Maria Theofilaktidis, Executive Vice-President, Chief Compliance Officer & Head Enterprise Risk, Scotiabank
Beth Wilson, FCPA, FCA Canada Chief Executive Officer, Dentons Canada LLP
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Political Polling Panel: The Federal Election & Beyond
The Empire Club of Canada brought in leaders in research and campaigning to explore how polling was being used in 2019 by political parties to shape campaign strategies, this included a perspective on how the federal parties used their own research.
2019 spectacular polling misses (whether Brexit, Donald Trump or closer to home) did not shake the fact that polling was a mainstay of how elections were run and covered.
The panel included leaders who had both conducted the research and advised political campaigns on how to use it.
Moderator: Laura Stone, Queen’s Park Reporter, The Globe and Mail
Panelists:
Dr. Darrell Bricker, Chief Executive Officer, Ipsos Global Public Affairs
David Herle, Owner, The Gandalf Group
Dimitri Pantazopoulos, Partner, Maple Leaf Strategies & President, Yorkville Strategies
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Duncan Fulton, Chief Corporate Officer at Restaurant Brands International Inc.
The Empire Club welcomed Duncan Fulton for a conversation on how Restaurant Brands International planned to grow its three iconic brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, and POPEYES®, to 40,000 restaurants world-wide and building the right team and corporate culture to achieve that goal.
Speaker: Duncan Fulton, Chief Corporate Officer at Restaurant Brands International Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada’s Minister of Health With From Hospital to Home: Preparing our Health Care System for an Aging Canada
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor was elected in October 2015 as a Member of Parliament in the riding of Moncton–Riverview–Dieppe. Ms. Petitpas Taylor serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, and is a Member of the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, and of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. She also served as the Deputy Government Whip from December 2015 to January 2017. In January 2017, she was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance.
Ms. Petitpas Taylor has spent her entire life advocating for a fair and just society for all. She was the former Chair of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women and a member of the Coalition for Pay Equity. She has volunteered with several community organizations, both provincially and locally, including the Coalition Against Abuse in Relationships and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Suicide Prevention Committee in Moncton.
Ms. Petitpas Taylor was the Codiac RCMP Victim Services Coordinator, during which time she provided crisis counselling, domestic violence intervention, and domestic violence risk assessment to victims of crime. She also served on the City of Moncton’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, which was commissioned by Moncton City Council in 1996 to proactively influence the community through crime prevention promotion and to help Council respond to problematic issues as they arise.
Ms. Petitpas Taylor grew up in Dieppe, New Brunswick, and graduated from l’Université de Moncton with a Bachelor’s degree in social work.
Speaker: The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada’s Minister of Health
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Economic Case for Investing in Education Panel
The Conference Board of Canada’s Chief Economist, Pedro Antunes, and the President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO), Harvey Bischof in conversation with Jon Erlichman, Senior Anchor, BNN Bloomberg launched and discussed a new economic report on education entitled The Economic Case for Investing in Education at this Empire Club of Canada event.
In 2019, Ontario’s education sector has been experiencing significant transformation. And that’s why this new report analyzing the impact that investment in education has on Ontario’s economy, is so important and timely.
The report to be released June 19, will be authored by the Conference board of Canada and has been commissioned by OSSTF. All attendees will receive a copy. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hb4s...)
Moderator: Jon Erlichman, Senior Anchor, BNN Bloomberg & Correspondent/Anchor, CTV National News
Speakers:
Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
Harvey Bischof, President, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO)
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Rise of White Supremacy in Canada Panel
Canada’s top experts in the field of hate and extremist research explain the unparalleled growth of hate groups and what Canadians can do about it. Including a discussion on how social media and technology have fueled the hate industry and which new tools governments and citizens need to resist.
Moderator: Farah Nasser, News Anchor, Global News
Special Remarks and Introduction: Dr. Mohamad Fakih, President and CEO of Paramount Fine Foods
Panelists:
Bernie Farber, Chairman, Anti Hate Network
Mustafa Farooq, Executive Director, National Council of Canadian Muslims
Dr. Barbara Perry, Professor, Ontario Technical University
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Women Who Build Barriers and Opportunities for Women in the Building Economy Panel
A networking event featuring a panel discussion, moderated by the Minister is Small Business and Export Development, that will explore barriers and opportunities for women in building sectors.
Moderator:
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion
Panelists:
Julie Di Lorenzo, President, Diamante Urban Corp.
Marsha Seca, Vice President, Corporate Strategy and former Commercial Director for Infrastructure Ontario
Denise McNally, Senior Vice President with Project Delivery, Infrastructure Ontario
Xue Yan, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
CBC’s Power and Politics Panel On Countdown Federal Election 2019
Power & Politics is a television program hosted by Vassy Kapelos focused on national politics, which airs live daily on CBC News Network from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A daily highlight of Power and Politics is the Power Panel – featuring insight and analysis from Canada’s top political insiders and strategists.
In the countdown towards the next federal election, The Empire Club of Canada is proud to host a special political panel discussion.
Vassy Kapelos, host of CBC News Network’s Power & Politics, will moderate a conversation with 3 top political strategists, diving into all matters of national importance — in front of our live audience.
Please join us and get the inside scoop on what’s ahead!
Moderator: Vassy Kapelos, Host, CBC's Power and Politics
Panelists:
Amanda Alvaro, Founder and President, Pomp & Circumstance
Kathleen Monk, Principal, Earnscliffe Strategy Group
Tim Powers, Vice Chairman, Summa Strategies and Managing Director of Abacus Data
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Peter Luongo, Managing Director, Rothmans, Benson and Hedges Inc With #UNSMOKE CANADA: Heating, Vaping and the End of Cigarettes | May 28, 2019
Peter Luongo served as Vice President of Treasury & Planning at Philip Morris International, Inc. from 2013 until 2016. In 2016, he was named the Managing Director (CEO) of the Canadian Market.
Before joining Philip Morris, Mr. Luongo was a partner at the investment banking firm of Centerview Partners LLC, where he had served since 2004. He has extensive experience in advising international clients across a range of sectors on mergers and acquisitions as well as other financial, strategic and investor matters. Some of his clients included Heinz, Kraft, PepsiCO, Campbell’s and Anheuser Busch.
Mr. Luongo holds a Bachelor degree in Economics from Princeton University. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Speaker: Peter Luongo, Managing Director, Rothmans, Benson and Hedges Inc
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Perry Bellegarde, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations On First Nations’ Priorities Need to be Canadian Priorities
Perry Bellegarde, re-elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in 2018, holds a wealth of leadership experience. He’s spent the past thirty years putting into practice his strong beliefs on the laws and traditions instilled in him by the many Chiefs and Elders he has known over the years. Passionate and unrelenting in creating real, measurable progress on the priorities that matter most to First Nations, National Chief Bellegarde is a strong advocate for honouring and implementing Inherent and Treaty rights, title and jurisdiction.
Originally from Little Black Bear First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, he has served as Tribal Council Representative for the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatchewan Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, as well as Chief and Councillor for the Little Black Bear First Nation. He has experience and expertise in leadership at all levels of First Nations governance. In 2014, the Chiefs-in-Assembly first elected Perry as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He was re-elected to the position in July 2018.
As Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Perry Bellegarde remains committed to building on the momentum created in his first term. His national platform and agenda, Closing the Gap, remains a top priority and has directly influenced the federal government’s planning and priorities.
National Chief Bellegarde has been recognized numerous times as a First Nations leader. He has been awarded the Confederation Medal, the Saskatchewan Medal, and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal on two separate occasions. This year, the Province of Saskatchewan recognized Perry with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
National Chief Bellegarde remains grateful for the strength and vision he has gained from the Elders. He vows to always place great importance on respecting their teachings. Their guidance has made him a man of foresight and a leader for generations.
Speaker: Perry Bellegarde, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Canada’s Fresh Political Voices Panel On A Federal Election Panel featuring New Influencers, Moderated by Toronto Sun’s Adrienne Batra
It’s not just the main political parties that are getting ready for the upcoming federal election. There are a wide range of groups aiming to contribute to the conversation in fresh and new ways, with the goal of helping to win over the hearts and minds of Canadians. These new voices are redefining how advocacy will be practiced in the most digital and viral Federal campaign yet.
The Empire Club of Canada presents this panel of leading players from across the political spectrum to talk about the coming election, the tools that will be important for engagement, and the issues that will matter most. Their respective groups aspire to redefine how organizations engage with Canadians and significantly impact the choices voters make at the ballot box.
Moderator: Adrienne Batra, Reporter, Toronto Sun
Panelists:
Taylor Scollon, Co-Founder, North99
Jeff Ballingall, Founder, Ontario Proud, BC Proud and Canada Proud
Rick Smith, Executive Director, Broadbent Institute
Jasmine Pickel, Ontario Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development With An Armchair Discussion on the Future of Data in the Digital Economy: Minister Bains’ Vision for Canada as a Global Leader in Trust, Privacy and Innovation
The Honourable Navdeep Bains has been the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development since November 2015. He is the Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Malton and a member of Privy Council. Since he was first elected in 2004, he has served in various roles, including Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Paul Martin and critic for Public Works and Government Services, Treasury Board, International Trade, Natural Resources, and Small Business and Tourism.
Minister Bains is a former adjunct lecturer at the University of Waterloo. He is also a former visiting professor at Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management. His private sector experience includes several years at the Ford Motor Company of Canada.
Minister Bains has a Bachelor of Administrative Studies from York University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Windsor. He also holds a Certified Management Accountant designation.
He is a long-time resident of Mississauga, where he lives now with his wife and two children.
Moderator: The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Panelists:
Adam Felesky, CEO at Portag3 Ventures, Executive Chairman at KOHO
Melissa Kargiannakis, Founder and CEO, skritswap
Nicole Verkindt, Founder and CEO, OMX
Sam Sebastian, President and CEO, Pelmorex Corp.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Councillor Michael Thompson In Conversation With Toronto Region Board of Trade’s Jan De Silva Vision 2020: Building the City of Toronto’s Prosperity and Competitiveness
Councillor Thompson, in conversation with Toronto Region Board of Trade’s Jan De Silva, will delve into the vision and outcome it creates for Toronto and discuss examples as to how the City of Toronto is strategically leveraging private partnerships to implement both innovative and prolific solutions to public issues.
Councillor Thompson will outline building blocks of Toronto’s competitiveness, aspiration, prosperity and collaboration in building the city of tomorrow.
Speakers:
Michael Thompson, Councillor and Deputy Mayor
Janet (Jan) De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Phil Verster, President and Chief Executive Officer at Metrolinx, On Transit Development
Phil Verster is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Metrolinx. He oversees a team committed to transforming transportation in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Prior to joining Metrolinx, Phil managed train operations, infrastructure builds and infrastructure management for passenger rail systems in England, Scotland and Ireland.
Phil began his career in his native South Africa in the electricity sector. He then spent several years in the UK at Bombardier Rail and at Irish Rail. In 2011, Phil joined Britain’s Network Rail where he managed the second largest route in the system. He then ran Scotland’s ScotRail passenger rail service, and served as Managing Director of Network Rail’s East West Railway.
Phil joined Metrolinx in October 2017. His comprehensive knowledge and extensive transit background has equipped him with the necessary tools Metrolinx requires to continue working towards delivering an integrated, regional transportation system that will serve the needs of residents and businesses for years to come.
Speaker: Phil Verster, President and Chief Executive Officer, Metrolinx
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Dan Snow and Peter Mansbridge On History in the Modern World: What Canadians Can Learn About the Future from Our Past
“Our history and that of the country we live in determines in many ways our view of the world and how we make decisions. The old adage that “Those who do not understand history are condemned to repeat it” is well accepted as being an obvious truth, and yet people’s understanding of their personal history and that of their country is so often strongly influenced by the political and in many places the religious ideology of that point in time. In Canada we have a strong identity based at least in part on how we interpret our history, but is that identity shared by others around the world?
Anyone who is interested in how the future of Canada will play out will be interested in this very special Empire Club event where one of the world’s most renowned historians, in conversation with one of the most successful broadcasters and commentators of the past decades, dive into how Canadians can better understand their future by having a good grasp on the events and leaders who got us to where we are today”.
Dan Snow is a historian, broadcaster, television presenter, and ambassador for English Heritage. Dan is host of one of the world’s most listened to history podcasts, and founder of a new history channel, historyhit.tv. He regularly works with the BBC and The ONE Show.
Born and raised in London, England, Dan remembers spending every weekend of his childhood being taken to castles, battlefields, country houses and churches and alongside visiting Canadian historic landmark. Half Canadian, half English, Dan developed a great love of history while studying at Oxford and immediately started presenting military history programmes with his father, Peter Snow, notable BBC Broadcaster. Their series, “Battlefield Britain”, won a BAFTA award.
He has written or contributed to several books including ‘On this day in history’, ‘Death or Victory;’ the story of the siege of Quebec in 1759, ‘The World’s Greatest Twentieth Century Battlefields’ and most recently ‘The Battle of Waterloo Experience’.
Dan is a proud ambassador and champion for English Heritage, a UK based charity, that uniquely cares and looks after over 400+ historic sites across England and tells the story of England and its world history, as and where it happened.
Peter Mansbridge, OC, is a renowned television news anchor, journalist and columnist. A widely respected journalist, Peter Mansbridge was the face of CBC News for nearly 30 years. As the chief correspondent and lead anchor of The National from 1988 to 2017, he won 12 Gemini Awards for broadcast excellence, including the Gordon Sinclair Award for best overall broadcast journalist in 1990 and 1998.
His other honours include two Canadian Screen Awards, numerous honorary degrees and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association. He has also been inducted into the Canadian News Hall of Fame and is an Officer of the Order of Canada...
Speakers:
Dan Snow, World-Renowned Historian, Ambassador for English Heritage Trust & BBC Personality
Peter Mansbridge, Journalist & Former CBC Chief Correspondent
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Finance On Restoring Trust, Transparency, and Accountability
Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Vic Fedeli, will provide an update on the Government’s efforts to restore trust, transparency, and accountability in the province’s finances and make Ontario open for business. Minister Fedeli is currently developing the 2019 Budget in order to make life more affordable for individuals and families, improve government services, and set the province down the path to fiscal sustainability.
Vic Fedeli was born and raised in North Bay. His grandparents chose to come to Ontario from Italy with ambitions of a far better life and more opportunity for their young families.
In his 20s he opened Fedeli Advertising, the first ad agency north of Toronto. As a young entrepreneur, he developed the company into a global agency doing work all over the world, from their base in Northern Ontario. One of the proudest moments of his business career was when Fedeli Advertising was named 34th in the Top 50 Best Places to Work in Canada.
In 1992, Vic sold the firm and devoted the next 11 years to managing three non-profit ventures. He founded Air Base Property Corporation, a local development agency that took over the airside assets of CFB North Bay. Vic used his business experience to write the business plan that attracted Voyageur Airways, which now employs over 350 people involved in repair and overhaul of aircraft from around the world.
In 2003, Vic ran for mayor of North Bay and as a first-time candidate was elected with 75% of the vote. He was re-elected in 2006 in another landslide. As mayor, Vic transformed the city, restoring both hope and solvency. Moody’s Investors Service took notice, increasing the city’s credit rating five times to their highest possible rating – substantially reducing the city’s debt interest payments.
Internationally, Vic was one of only two North American mayors invited to the prestigious Government Leaders Forum hosted by Bill Gates and had the pleasure to discuss a municipality’s role in governing, with former U.S. Secretary of State, Madeline Albright.
He made news on both sides of the border when he successfully launched a grassroots campaign to reverse the U.S. ‘Buy American’ provision, earning special acknowledgment from then U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Jacobson.
In 2011, after keeping his promise to step down as mayor after serving two terms, Vic was elected to serve the people of Nipissing at Queen’s Park. In 2014, Vic was re-elected as Nipissing MPP. He served as Energy and Finance Critic in the Official Opposition shadow cabinet. He was re-elected in 2018 and was appointed as Ontario’s Finance Minister and Chair of Cabinet by Premier Doug Ford.
Vic and his wife Patty live in North Bay.
Speaker: The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Finance
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Michael Rencheck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Power On Nuclear Power, Securing Our Future
Michael W. Rencheck is President and Chief Executive Officer of Bruce Power. Over the last 33 years, Mike has served in a number of roles and most recently was the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for AREVA overseeing its extensive Global capital portfolio of nuclear and renewable projects. Previously, he served as President and CEO of AREVA Inc. in North America leading its nuclear services business.
Prior to joining AREVA, Mike was the Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer at American Electric Power (AEP) an electrical utility supplying more than 5 million customers in 11 states. After joining AEP in 1998 as VP of Nuclear Engineering, Mike held a variety positions of increasing responsibility during his tenure. Before joining AEP, Mike worked for Florida Power Corporation serving as Director, Nuclear Engineering and Projects for Crystal River Nuclear Station.
Mike was recognized by the National Safety Council for his leadership demonstrating a personal commitment to worker safety and health as part of ‘CEO’s who get it.’ He also supports many organizations that make a difference in people’s lives including Habitat for Humanity and United Way.
He is a Professional Engineer and certified senior reactor operator.
Speaker: Michael Rencheck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Power
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
His Worship John Tory, Mayor of Toronto On Leading Toronto Forward
As the 65th Mayor of Toronto, John Tory has led the way in tackling traffic congestion and building transit.
Mayor Tory has taken action to reduce commute times while moving forward with Toronto’s first-ever network transit plan that will see subway lines extended through the northwest end of the city into Vaughan and east to Scarborough, a significant expansion of the LRT network, and much greater use of GO lines across the city as part of SmartTrack, the Mayor’s signature transit initiative.
Since being elected to office in 2014, he has been focused on ensuring Toronto remains a livable and affordable city, leading City Council in passing successive budgets that kept taxes at or below the rate of inflation while investing in priority services including housing, parks and student nutrition. He has worked to make the city government more modern and effective, to deliver better services at a more competitive price, and to be more open and accountable to the public.
Born and raised in Toronto, Mayor Tory has spent his career giving back to the city he loves working with organizations like the United Way, St. Michael’s Hospital and Civic Action. In office, he has been a constant champion for Toronto, securing billions of dollars from the provincial and federal governments for transit, housing and other vital infrastructure. He uses his experience leading organizations and businesses to promote Toronto on the world stage, attract jobs and investment, and secure the city’s future as a global capital.
Mayor Tory began his career practicing law in Toronto, and he was later elected as a managing partner of one of Canada’s biggest law firms. In the 1980s he served as Principal Secretary to Premier Bill Davis and as Associate Secretary of the Ontario Cabinet. He has served as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League and as CEO of Rogers, one of the country’s largest cable companies. His time in politics dates back to 2004 when he was chosen to lead the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, later serving as Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen’s Park.
Mayor Tory is a lifelong, and long-suffering, Toronto Maple Leafs fan – and is an avid supporter of all Toronto’s teams and attractions. Mayor Tory and his wife Barbara have been married for 39 years, have four children and five grandchildren.
Speaker: His Worship John Tory, Mayor of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Bill Morneau, Canada's Minister of Finance With Post Budget Breakfast Briefing
Since 2015, the Government’s plan for the economy has delivered real results for Canadians and their families. Today, Canadians have more money to save, invest and help grow the economy — and Budget 2019 builds on that success. Hear from Finance Minister Bill Morneau as he speaks about the changing nature of Canada’s economy, and how the Government’s plan to invest in the middle class is building a better future for all Canadians.
Bill Morneau is Canada’s Minister of Finance and has been in that role since 2015. He is the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, and an accomplished business leader.
As Canada’s Minister of Finance, Bill has played a key role in shaping government policy and initiatives, including the introduction of the Canada Child Benefit, tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses, and the negotiation of an enhanced Canada Pension Plan.
Between 1990 and 2015, Bill led the human resources firm, Morneau Shepell, through a period of transformational growth. Under his leadership, the firm grew from 200 employees to 4,000, becoming the largest firm of its kind in Canada, providing services to thousands of Canadian organizations and millions of Canadians.
As a community leader, Bill has worked to support the arts, help at-risk-youth, and improve access to health care and education. Over a period of 20 years, he served as the chair of the board at St. Michael’s Hospital, Chair of Covenant House and Chair of the C.D. Howe Institute, and sat on many boards, including at the Loran Scholars Foundation and the Learning Partnership.
Internationally, Bill founded a school for Somali and Sudanese girls in Kakuma Refugee Camp, a UNHCR camp in northern Kenya.
Bill has co-authored a book, The Real Retirement, and previously served as pension investment advisor to the Ontario government. He holds a BA from Western University, an MSc (Econ) from the London School of Economics and an MBA from INSEAD.
Speaker: The Hon. Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annual Women Who Lead Panel
In the lead up to International Women's Day 2019, for our Annual Women Who Lead Panel, we present industry leaders who will discuss their business and career successes, what they've accomplished to date and how they break down barriers to diversity and equal opportunity.
Moderator: Jake Stika, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Next Gen Men
Panelists:
Jessica Johnson, Executive Editor and Creative Director, The Walrus
Minister Mary Ng, Canada's Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion
Farah Qasemi, Vice President of Business Development, KPMG
Vicki Saunders, Founder, SheEO
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
The Honourable David Lametti was a Full Professor in the Faculty of Law at McGill University specializing in property, intellectual property as well as private and comparative law. He was also a member of McGill University’s Quebec Research Centre of Private and Comparative Law and a co-founder and member of the McGill Centre for Intellectual Property Policy. He served as the Associate Dean (Academic) of the Faculty of Law, McGill University, from 2008 to 2011. Multilingual, Minister Lametti has taught at the university level in French, English, and Italian.
In addition to his responsibilities as a professor, Minister Lametti was a member of McGill University’s Senate and a Governor of the Fondation du Barreau du Québec. He was also a competitive soccer coach in two Montréal leagues for six years, and a member and president of the governing board for his children’s school.
Minister Lametti holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Civil Law and Bachelor of Laws from McGill University, a Master of Laws from the Yale Law School, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from Oxford University. Prior to starting his doctoral studies in law, he served as a Law Clerk to Justice Peter deCarteret Cory of the Supreme Court of Canada. Minister Lametti served as a parliamentary secretary from 2015 until 2019, when he was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Minister Lametti and his wife Geneviève Saumier have three children: André, Gabrielle, and Dominique.
Speaker: The Hon. David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Tony Irwin, President & CEO, Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario On No Vacancy: Tackling Ontario’s Rental Housing Supply Crisis
With low rental vacancy rates across the province and continued uncertainty about Toronto’s volatile housing market, it’s becoming more difficult to meet the increasing demand for quality long-term rental options for Ontarians. The increase in demand for rental housing is being led by two groups: millennials, who rank urban location as more important than home size or type and are less likely to purchase a home than any other generation in modern history, and boomers, who are downsizing in their later years and looking to rent, while retaining the equity from their former home.
For the second year in a row Toronto’s rental vacancy rate is just 1.1% and 1.8% across Ontario. Many believe that more needs to be done to keep up with the demand from new housing-seekers and new immigrants. Ontarians need policy solutions from all levels of government that will stimulate vital new rental supply, and reduce pressure on prices for both traditional home ownership and rental.
FRPO’s President & CEO Tony Irwin will address the issue of Ontario’s insufficient rental housing supply head-on, discussing potential short-term and long-term solutions.
Tony Irwin is President & CEO at the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario. Before joining FRPO, Tony was President & CEO with the Canadian Consumer Finance Association; a national trade association representing businesses that provide a range of financial product to Canadians. Previously, Tony was Vice President, North American Government Affairs, with Dollar Financial Group, Inc., where he served as Chairman of the Canadian Payday Loan Association and was active with the Community Financial Services Association of America. From March 2009 to July 2012 Tony was Manager of External Affairs & Consumer Relations with Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, where he implemented a national government relations strategy and served as official company spokesperson.
Prior to joining Allstate, Tony served as Executive Director of the Justin Eves Foundation, a non-profit organization granting scholarships and bursaries to learning-disabled and disadvantaged young people to assist them to achieve a post-secondary education. Tony has also held key political roles and was Senior Advisor to an Ontario Premier and Executive Assistant to the Leader of the Official Opposition.
Speaker: Tony Irwin, President and CEO, Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Victor Montagliani, VP, FIFA & President, CONCACAF In Conversation With Kristian Jack, TSN On Leading Change in Global Soccer: CONCACAF Journey of Reform, Growth and the FIFA World Cup 2026, a Watershed for the Region
With a lifelong commitment to football, as a player and administrator Victor Montagliani’s passion for the game has led him to become a leader within the sport. Montagliani serves as Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President since May 2016. He also chairs the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee.
Through his ONE Concacaf Vision, Montagliani continues strengthening the foundations of the Confederation, while focusing on developing a professional and solid structure for its 41 Member Associations. With football at its core, the ONE Concacaf Vision consists of four pillars to further growth the game, including: Good governance, successful strategic planning for competitions and commercial partnership, investment in football development and infrastructure, and solid leadership.
Montagliani served as President of the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) until May 6, 2017. Through his leadership at the CSA, he brought efficiency and a corporate style to the Association.
Montagliani is a partner in a nationwide insurance brokerage firm, which he has grown since its inception in 2010 to over 250 employees, working alongside his two business partners.
In addition to his vast knowledge and experience within the game, Montagliani has concluded studies in Political Science, Public Administration, French and Spanish. Some of his major accolades within the game include:
• Global Mentor, Young Leaders Mentorship Program, Sport at the Service of Humanity, global movement inspired by His Holiness Pope Francis (2018) • Chair of FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee (2017)
• Member of the United Bid Committee, 2026 FIFA World Cup (2017)
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of FIFA Ticketing AG
• FIFA Reform Committee (2016)
• Concacaf Reform Committee (2015)
• Member of the Concacaf Council (Former Executive Committee, starting April 2013)
• Former chair of the National Organizing Committee for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ • Member of the Local Organizing Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007
• Member of the Concacaf Gold Cup Organizing Committee
• Member of the FIFA Legal Committee
• National Futsal Team
Kristian Jack is widely considered to be one of Canada’s top young soccer broadcasters. Jack brings more than 20 years of covering the beautiful game to TSN covering the Montreal Impact, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps, as well as the top stories from around the league.
Working for TSN since 2013, he is known by soccer fans in Canada as a voice they can trust when it comes to reporting on the beautiful game domestically and internationally. Jack has been an analyst for the past five Premier League...
Moderator: Kristian Jack, TSN Soccer Analyst
Speaker: Victor Montagliani, VP FIFA and President CONCACAF
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Sarada Peri, Former Senior Speechwriter for President Barack Obama In Conversation With Political Strategist Don Guy On The Changing Nature of Political Communications
Sarada Peri is a speechwriter and communications strategist who has helped top leaders and thinkers – from Fortune 50 CEOs to the President of the United States – inspire and persuade audiences.
She was Special Assistant to the President and Senior Speechwriter for President Barack Obama. Prior to joining the White House, she was a Principal at West Wing Writers, where she worked with corporate, political and non-profit clients on speechwriting, speech delivery, op-eds, books, and message strategy. She was also a member of the 2012 and 2016 Democratic National Convention speechwriting teams.
A recovering policy wonk, Sarada worked on Capitol Hill as lead education and health care policy advisor to former Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA). She started her career as a high school English teacher in New Orleans through Teach for America.
Sarada graduated from Tufts University and holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School. She is currently a Visiting Global Fellow at the Ryerson Leadership Lab.
Moderator: Don Guy, Political Strategist
Speaker: Sarada Peri, Former Senior Speechwriter for President Barack Obama
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Kyle Dubas, GM Toronto Maple Leafs & Bobby Webster, GM Toronto Raptors In Conversation With Elliotte Friedman On How Big Data is Changing Professional Sports
Kyle Dubas was named the 17th General Manager in the Club’s history on May 11, 2018 after originally joining the Leafs as Assistant General Manager in July of 2014.
In his role as Assistant General Manager, Dubas held multiple responsibilities including player personnel, managing the club’s player development department and farm system, managing the organizations Research & Development department, and overseeing the organization’s top prospects as General Manager of the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. In his four seasons as General Manager of the Marlies, the team compiled a record of 190-90-20-4 and captured the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as AHL regular season champion in 2015-16 and 2017-18. In 2017-18, the Marlies reached 50 wins for the third time in team history (2007-08, 2015-16), set the League record for most road wins in a season (30) and earned the franchise’s first Calder Cup championship.
Before joining the Maple Leafs, Dubas served as General Manager of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League for three seasons from 2011-12 to 2013-14. During his tenure, his teams finished with an overall record of 109-76-7-12, which included two post-season berths and a West Division title in 2013-14. From 2011 through 2014, the Greyhounds had 14 players drafted to the National Hockey League; second most of all OHL teams over that span.
At the time of his hiring by the Greyhounds, the Sports Management Graduate from Brock University (Dean’s List honours) became the second youngest General Manager in OHL history at the age of 25.
In 2015, Dubas was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the sports industry’s brightest young stars in their annual Top 30 Under 30 in Sports list. He was also honoured with the Brock University Distinguished Young Alumni Award in March of 2015.
Dubas and his wife, Shannon, have one son.
Bobby Webster enters his sixth season with the Raptors and second as the team’s general manager. He manages the day-to-day basketball operations of the franchise and provides his expertise on strategic team building, roster and personnel planning, and player acquisitions. During his time with the Raptors, Webster has also served as assistant general manager and vice president, basketball management & strategy.
Webster came to the Raptors after working for the NBA league office in New York for seven seasons in the legal department. He brings with him a vast working knowledge of the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and was part of the team that worked with the NBA Labor Relations Committee to negotiate the 2011 CBA with...
Moderator: Elliotte Friedman, Analyst and Insider, NHL on Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada
Speakers:
Kyle Dubas, General Manager, Toronto Maple Leafs
Bobby Webster, General Manager, Toronto Raptors
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Making Money in the Global Markets in 2019 Panel
Gianni Kovacevic is an investor, author and strategist who has enlightened audiences around the world with his unique brand of storytelling. Drawing from over 20,000 hours of research, he is frequently interviewed by the media and is known for the colourful way he decodes complicated modern themes.
His recently published book, My Electrician Drives a Porsche?, was introduced to audiences by way of a one-of-a-kind journey across America in an all-electric Tesla, now credited as the world’s first zero emission book tour.
Gianni is a graduate of electrical studies from The British Columbia Institute of Technology, and he is a sought-after expert in the analysis of the global energy matrix and in the study of how technology will impact commodities and emerging markets. Fluent in English, German, Italian, and Croatian, he makes his home in Vancouver.
Pierre Ouimet is Executive Director Senior Investment Strategist Canadian Equities, UBS Bank (Canada) Pierre is the investment strategist for both UBS Bank (Canada)’s Wealth Management and Global Asset Management groups on our Canadian equity strategies and Asset Allocation. As Chair of the Canadian Asset Mix Committee, Pierre had responsibility for top-down macro inputs to our investment management process.
Pierre was Head of UBS Bank’s Canadian Equities and was responsible for research and portfolio construction activity in the Canadian market. In this role he was the lead portfolio manager for large-cap portfolios. Pierre holds a BAA from the University of Montreal and a MBA with a specialty in finance from McGill University.
David Rosenberg is Chief Economist & Strategist, Gluskin Sheff & Associates, with a focus on providing a top-down perspective to the Firm’s investment process and Asset Mix Committee. Mr. Rosenberg received both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining Gluskin Sheff in the spring of 2009, Mr. Rosenberg was Chief North American Economist at Merrill Lynch in New York for seven years, during which he was consistently ranked in the Institutional Investor All-Star analyst rankings. Prior thereto, he was Chief Economist and Strategist for Merrill Lynch Canada, based out of Toronto.
Mr. Rosenberg is also the author of Breakfast with Dave, a daily distillation of his economic and financial market insights.
Speakers:
Gianni Kovacevic, Executive Chairman, CopperBank
Pierre Ouimet, Executive Director Senior Investment Strategist Canadian Equities, UBS Bank Canada
David Rosenberg, Chief Economist and Strategist, Gluskin Sheff & Associates
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness On National Security Tools and Architecture for a Changing and Difficult World
Ralph Goodale is Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and is the Member of Parliament for the Regina- Wascana.
Raised on a family farm near Wilcox, Saskatchewan, and educated at both the University of Regina (BA-71) and the University of Saskatchewan (LLB-72), Ralph Goodale has practical experience in business, agriculture, law and broadcasting, as well as federal and provincial politics.
He was first elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1974 at the age of 24, representing the sprawling rural constituency of Assiniboia. In the 1980’s, he served as Leader of the provincial Liberal Party, and was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly in 1986.
Mr. Goodale returned to the House of Commons in 1993 as the M.P. for Wascana, and was subsequently re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2015. He served in the federal Cabinet previously as Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Natural Resources, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister of Public Works and Minister of Finance. Between 2006 and 2015, he served as Opposition House Leader and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. He became Minister of Public Safety in November of 2015.
Ralph Goodale is the only M.P. to serve in governments led by both Pierre Trudeau and Justin Trudeau. He also holds the distinction of being selected by his peers as Canada’s first-ever “Parliamentarian of the Year” in 2006.
Ralph Goodale and his spouse, Pamela, make their home in Regina.
Speaker: The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change In Conversation With Tom Clark
Catherine McKenna was elected as the first female member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre on October 19th 2015, and appointed Minister of Environment and Climate Change shortly thereafter. She helped negotiate the Paris Agreement and secured Canada’s first plan with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples to address climate change and grow a clean economy.
Before entering politics, Catherine practiced competition and international trade law with leading firms in Canada and Indonesia and was senior negotiator with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission on the Timor Sea Treaty.
She co-founded Level Justice, a charity that levels the playing field and increases access to justice for marginalized communities worldwide. She served as Executive Director of the Banff Forum, a public policy organization for young leaders, and taught at the Munk School of Global Affairs.
Catherine is a graduate of the University of Toronto, the London School of Economics, and McGill Law School; and is called to the Bars of Ontario and New York State. Catherine and her husband live in Ottawa with their three children and their dog Skoki. During her free time, she can be found in the water – swimming, canoeing or kayaking.
Tom Clark is Chairman of Global Public Affairs. He joined Global after almost 45 years at the most senior levels of Canadian journalism.
Tom left Global News on January 1, 2017, after serving as the network’s chief political correspondent and host of The West Block. He has interviewed every Canadian Prime Minister since Lester B. Pearson and has covered every federal election campaign since 1974. He has reported in eight active war zones and from over 33 countries.
Tom was CTV’s China Bureau Chief and was also its Chief Washington Correspondent for five years. He has a deep understanding of Canada’s position in an increasingly complicated international dynamic.
Tom is the recipient of Radio Television Digital News Association lifetime achievement award and has been named one of the most influential journalists in Ottawa.
Moderator: Tom Clark, Chairman, Global Public Affairs
Speaker: The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Andrea Horwath, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, NDP With No Surprises, No Secrets: A Government's Role in Supporting a Stable, Prosperous Modern Economy
Ontarians expect their government to protect what’s already working in Ontario, and fix what isn’t. An unpredictable environment where businesses have to adapt to shocks only makes it harder to build a prosperous economy. Without security and stability, investor confidence is undermined, and investment is throttled. That’s why, especially in these uncertain times, government has a key role to play in providing a stable environment for businesses of all sizes to thrive. That includes a commitment to key infrastructure and programs that make Ontario a good place to live, work and do business.
NDP Leader and Leader of the Official Opposition Andrea Horwath will be sharing her vision for how government can support a stable, prosperous modern economy that works for everyone.
Andrea Horwath is the Leader of Ontario’s New Democrats. From her early career in community development to today, she’s always believed that government should be about giving people the opportunity to build a good life no matter where in Ontario they live, or when this province became home.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Andrea was elected to Hamilton City Council in 1997, then as the MPP for Hamilton-Centre in 2004. She is widely recognized as an effective leader, delivering results for people like forcing HST to be removed from hydro bills, forcing an end to proposed cost increases on seniors prescription drugs, and the creation of a Financial Accountability Office for the province.
In 2012, she received the EVE Award in recognition of her public service. In 2018, Andrea led her party to become the Official Opposition – the largest Official Opposition in a generation. Today, half of the members of her MPP team are women, they represent ridings from every region of the province, and together they’re reflective of the diversity of Ontario.
Andrea spends time travelling the province she loves, seeing and hearing first-hand the challenges Ontarians are facing – and proposing solutions. Also a mom, Andrea believes all Ontarians deserve health care they can count on, high quality seniors care and public schools that give kids a great start. She’s fighting for good jobs and real opportunities, and a more affordable life for everyone.
Speaker: Andrea Horwath, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, NDP
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
National Pharmacare Expert Panel On How a National Pharmacare Plan and Regulatory Reforms Impact Ontario’s Patients, the Life Sciences Industry and Health System
The federal government is considering a national pharmacare plan and fundamental changes to how the prices of innovative medicines are regulated in Canada. How will these reforms affect Ontario’s patients and the province’s vibrant and growing life sciences sector? This Empire Club of Canada Luncheon Panel moderated by Ms. Jane Taber will feature a dynamic discussion with Canadian pollster Mr. Nik Nanos and leaders from Canadian public policy, patient advocacy and health system
Moderator: Jane Taber, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, NATIONAL Public Relations; Former Political Correspondent
Polling Presentation: Nik Nanos, Chairman, Nanos Research Group of Companies
Panelists:
Michael Decter, President & CEO, LDIC Inc.; Former Deputy Minister of Health in Ontario
Sean Speer, Senior Fellow in Public Policy at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and Senior Fellow for fiscal policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Durhane Wong-Rieger, President & CEO, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders
Closing Remarks:
Jason Field, President and CEO, Life Sciences Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Future-Ready? Understanding AI's Future Impact
In Partnership with The University of Toronto. Join us for this Evening Event focused on Future-Ready? Understanding AI’s Future Impact. Sven Dickinson, Professor and past Chair of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto; Vice President, Chief Scientist, and Head of the Samsung Toronto AI Research Center Sven Dickinson received the B.A.Sc. degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo, in 1983, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, in 1988 and 1991, respectively. He is Professor and past Chair of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, and is also Vice President, Chief Scientist, and Head of the new Samsung Toronto AI Research Center, which opened in May, 2018. Prior to that, he was a faculty member at Rutgers University where he held a joint appointment between the Department of Computer Science and the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science, RuCCS. His research interests revolve around the problem of shape perception in computer vision and, more recently, human vision. He has received the National Science Foundation CAREER award, the Government of Ontario Premiere’s Research Excellence Award, PREA, and the Lifetime Research Achievement Award from the Canadian Image Processing and Pattern Recognition Society, CIPPRS. He currently serves on eight editorial boards, including the role of Editor in Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, and the role of co-editor of the Morgan and Claypool Synthesis Lectures on Computer Vision. He is a Fellow of the International Association for Pattern Recognition, IAPR.
Speaker:
Sven Dickinson, Professor and past Chair of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto; Vice President, Chief Scientist, and Head of the Samsung Toronto AI Research Center
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Business of Blockchain Panel with Alex Tapscott, Ana Badour, Fatema Pirone, Matthew Spoke
Ana Badour co-leads McCarthy Tétrault LLP’s Fintech Group. She is a partner in their Financial Services Group, a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and a Certified Bitcoin Professional. She advises financial services entities, including financial institutions and Fintech entities, on regulatory compliance matters. She holds a LLM in Banking and Financial Law from Boston University, a LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a BMath (Operations Research) from the University of Waterloo.
Fatema Pirone joined CIBC one of 5 largest banks in Canada in 2003; she is currently Senior Director Enterprise Innovation. In this role Fatema provides leadership in 3 key areas of driving Innovation awareness and education, quick test and learn for ideas, and champion complex innovation initiatives.
Last 15 year of contributions in banking spans over variety of areas from Frontline Operations, Cards Technology, Product Management, New Business Development and Innovation. She has provided leadership in delivery and launch of numerous high scale projects and continue to pave the way to make CIBC the bank of the future. Fatema holds an eMBA from Kellogg School of Management and Schulich along with a Honour Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University.
Matthew Spoke is the founder of Aion, a world-leading blockchain protocol designed to solve the most prevalent challenges limiting blockchains mainstream adoption: scalability, interoperability and governance. Matt serves as CEO of the Aion Foundation. Prior to his current role, Matt founded Deloitte’s first blockchain team, Rubix.
Matt is an active and founding board member of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance and a founding director of the Blockchain Technology Coalition of Canada.
Since the earliest days of blockchain, Matt has been a leading advocate for the potential social benefits of decentralized technologies and is working actively to establish fair and responsible rules and principles for the future governance of this important new industry. Matt believes blockchain is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to solve some of the world’s greatest online challenges.
Alex Tapscott is a globally-recognized writer, speaker, investor and advisor focused on the impact of emerging technologies, such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies, on business, society and government. He is the co-author (with Don Tapscott) of the critically acclaimed non-fiction best-seller, Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies is Changing the World, which has been translated into more than 15 languages...
Panelists:
Ana Badour, Co-leader, McCarthy Tétrault LLP’s Fintech Group
Fatema Pirone, Senior Director Enterprise Innovation, CIBC
Matthew Spoke, CEO, Aion Foundation
Alex Tapscott, Co-Founder, Blockchain Research Institute; Co-author, Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Michael Katchen, CEO, Wealthsimple In Conversation With Amber Kanwar On Getting the Recipe Right: Making Canada the Best Place in the World for the Financial Companies Of The Future
Michael Katchen is the CEO and co-founder of Wealthsimple, a leading financial technology company operating in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. Wealthsimple launched in September 2014 and quickly established itself as a leader in Canada, and in under three years, it has grown to manage $3 billion for more than 100,000 clients. Prior to founding Wealthsimple, he led product and marketing at 1000memories, a Y Combinator startup that was acquired by Ancestry.com in 2012. Michael started his career at McKinsey & Company where he advised clients in finance and technology.
Michael has been called an Industry Mover by the Financial Post, a Change Agent by Canadian Business magazine, and one of Toronto’s 50 most influential people by Toronto Life. He won Entrepreneur of the Year at the Canadian Startup Awards in 2017, is a winner of a EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award, was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 by Caldwell Partners International, and is a member of the Canadian Business Council.
Amber Kanwar is an expert when it comes to financial markets and disruptive technologies. As the successful host of Business News Network’s flagship morning show, Business Day AM, and co-host of CTV’s The Disruptors, she has interviewed everyone from CEOs of major companies, to start-up technology entrepreneurs, fund managers, politicians, and thought leaders.
Amber is a relentless digger, always looking for ways to break down complex topics and ideas and making them accessible to anyone who is interested. Amber has a Master of Journalism degree from Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Management & Organizational Studies degree from University of Western Ontario.
With Introductory Remarks from: MPP Doug Downey Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance
Doug Downey was elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte in 2018 and subsequently named the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Victor Fedeli.
Doug was raised in Bond Head, and has spent much of his life working and living throughout Simcoe County. He obtained his Hons. B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University; M.A. specializing in Judicial Administration from Brock University; a Law Degree from Dalhousie University at Halifax; and a Master of Laws in Municipal and Development Law through Osgoode Hall Law School. He has served as a Professor for Laurentian University at Georgian College, taught for the Real Estate Bar Admission Course, and occasionally lectured when asked.
He is a founding partner at Downey, Tornosky, Lassaline & Timpano Law Professional Corporation and has earned professional recognition including the Lawyer of the Year award from the Simcoe County Law Association, the Business Leader of the Year by the Orillia Business Association, and as one of Canada’s Leading Lawyers by Lexpert magazine. He has extensive experience in politics...
Moderator: Amber Kanwar, BNN
Speaker: Michael Katchen, CEO, Wealthsimple
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Toronto Post Election Political Panel: Deep Dive with Key Campaign Strategists
The Empire Club of Canada is pleased to host a panel discussion on the outcome of the recent Toronto election. A Signature Evening Panel Discussion that will provide attendees with the insider perspective from two of the major Toronto mayoral campaigns and what it means for our city moving forward. In addition a deep dive analysis will be provided on the campaign and a detailed look at the research and polling as to what Torontonians said and the issues that mattered to them.
Moderator: Karman Wong, Anchor/Reporter, CP24
Panelists:
Vic Gupta, Co Chair, John Tory Campaign
Nick Kouvalis, Principal, Campaign Research Inc.
Lindsay Maskell, Deputy Campaign Manager, Jennifer Keesmaat Campaign
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Joseph Mancinelli, International Vice President, LiUNA With P3s, The Economy and The New Face of Labour
Born in Hamilton on September 11 1957 to Italian Immigrants Enrico and Victoria, Joseph Mancinelli hit the ground running. His father dedicated his life’s work to building better communities for marginalized populations within Ontario and throughout Canada. From an early age, Joseph was able to appreciate the value and importance of opportunity. With a heightened awareness for equality, Joseph became motivated by the notion that opportunities are not evenly distributed and therefore not always accessible to all social streams. He and his wife Enza have been married for thirty years and have five children and two grandchildren.
Joseph S. Mancinelli serves as the Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) International Vice President and Regional Manager of Central and Eastern Canada a diverse and multi-faceted union with over 120 000 members in Canada. Joseph is also the Chair of the Labourers’ Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC); President of the LiUNA Ontario District Council, Chair of the Labourers’ Central and Eastern Canada Organizing Fund (CECOF) and is a Trustee on the LiUNA Health and Safety, Training and LECET Board.
Throughout Joseph’s career and multitude of philanthropic initiatives, it is evident that he has always demonstrated innovation and creativity while delivering lasting results. He believes that education is a human right and a catalyst for change. Under his leadership, vision and persistence as President of his home local, LiUNA Local 837 in Hamilton, Joseph remains a driving force behind many redevelopment initiatives including the restoration of the former CN Rail Station now known as LiUNA Station, and the development of LiUNA’s Long-term care facilities Queens Garden and Regina Gardens. Under Joseph’s leadership, LiUNA has restored and redeveloped an Ontario landmark, the Lister Block, a building in Hamilton whose cultural significance has resulted in it being named a provincial historical site and continues to seek opportunity to build better communities from the ground up. A member since 1978, Joseph continues to oversee many of its related entities including its Health & Welfare Plan, its Training Trust Fund and its affordable housing division.
Joseph is a thought leader and an advocate of community building and is a champion of benevolent causes having served on numerous committees including the Wynne Government’s Transit Advisory Panel; The Toronto Region Board of Trade Infrastructure Committee, he was a founding director of the Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation and also founding Chair of the Bay Area Health Trust. He was also founding Chair of TradePort International, the administrative arm of the Hamilton International Airport. He sits on the Mohawk College President’s Advisory Campaign Council. He is an ardent supporter of the arts, is passionate about the restoration of historical sites and a community champion for philanthropic achievements. Under Joseph’s leadership LiUNA raises approximately 5 Million...
Speaker: Joseph Mancinelli, International Vice President, LiUNA
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, President, Treasury Board of Ontario With The Challenge of Our Generation: Building a Modern, Sustainable Ontario Government
Restoring trust and accountability in the province’s finances is at the core of the mandate of Premier Doug Ford’s provincial government. As part of that goal, Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board, recently announced the results of EY Canada’s line-by-line review of government spending.
Managing Transformation A Modernization Action Plan for Ontario examined government spending and brought forward new ideas to do government differently. The work will support the broader expenditure management exercise underway, and will support finding innovative ways of administering government services while ensuring that funding is directed to those who need it most.
As we approach the Fall Economic Statement, Minister Bethlenfalvy will be sharing his vision for building a modern, sustainable, government in the digital age.
Speaker: The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board of Ontario
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Rod Phillips, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
The Honourable Rod Phillips was sworn in as Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on June 29, 2018. Minister Phillips, MPP for Ajax, assumes his current role following a successful business career.
Most recently, he was Chair of Afiniti Canada, a global artificial intelligence company, and Postmedia, Canada’s largest news media company. The minister is a former President and CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and of Shepell.fgi, a Canadian-based international employee health company. As well, he was volunteer chair of CivicAction, which brings together business, labour and community leaders to address challenges facing the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
The minister has also served as chief of staff in the offices of then-Minister of Labour Elizabeth Witmer and former Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman. Born in Newmarket, the minister has an Honours BA in Political Science and English from the University of Western Ontario, and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Speaker: The Hon. Rod Phillips, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
John Chen, CEO Blackberry In Conversation With Amber Kanwar, Host BNN With BlackBerry: The Heart of Connectivity
Topic Description: Hyperconnectivity demands ultra security, making BlackBerry the driving force of the Internet of Everything. Since its founding in 1984, BlackBerry has been at the forefront of innovations in mobility, real time communications, security and data privacy. As the number of connected Things grows, the demand for BlackBerry grade solutions expands in parallel. John Chen, in conversation with Amber Kanwar, discusses BlackBerry’s innovation journey and his vision for a seamlessly hyperconnected world.
John Chen as Executive Chairman and CEO of BlackBerry Limited, is responsible for defining the company’s vision and goals, setting its strategy, and ensuring the team’s execution matches corporate objectives. John was appointed by the BlackBerry board of directors in November 2013. Under John’s leadership, BlackBerry has achieved financial stability and built growth engines in enterprise cybersecurity and embedded software which re position the company to apply its strengths and assets to the Enterprise of Things, an emerging category with massive potential. John came to BlackBerry a distinguished leader and proven turnaround executive with more than 30 years of engineering and management experience along with a reputation that extends well beyond the technology industry. Prior to joining BlackBerry, John served as Chairman and CEO of Sybase Inc. where he re invented the company and led it through 55 consecutive quarters of profitability, providing outstanding shareholder returns during his 15 year tenure. A global business leader with a strong interest in policy, John has testified before Congress on U.S. China trade relations and was appointed by U.S. President George W. Bush to serve on the President’s Export Council. In 2006, he was appointed co chair of the Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee. Additionally, John chaired the U.S. China Policy Advisory Roundtable for the Center for Strategic and International Studies ,CSIS, and has been a member of the Committee of 100 since 1997 and was its Chairman from 2009 to 2011. John graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, Caltech. John has an honorary professorship from Shanghai University, and honorary doctorates from San Jose State University, City University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. John has received awards from the U.S. Asia Institute, the U.S. China Policy Foundation, the California Asia Business Council, and the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation. In addition to BlackBerry, John serves on the board of directors for The Walt Disney Company and the National Committee on U.S. China Relations, the board of trustees of Caltech, the board of national trustees of The First Tee, and the board of governors of...
Moderator: Amber Kanwar, Host of BNN’s Business Day AM, and co host of CTV’s The Disruptors
Speaker: John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO of BlackBerry Limited
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Attorney General of Ontario On Federal Legalization of Cannabis: Ontario is Ready
Caroline Mulroney is Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. She was elected as the MPP for York–Simcoe in 2018.
Mulroney was the vice president of BloombergSen Investment Partners, a Toronto-based investment firm, where she managed client services, marketing and business development. Prior to that, Mulroney spearheaded corporate and regulatory matters related to growth opportunities in Canada and the United States for Wellington Financial LP.
Mulroney is a graduate of Harvard College and the NYU School of Law. She co-founded and chairs the Shoebox Project for Shelters, a charitable organization that co-ordinates and delivers gifts to thousands of women and girls in shelters or facing homelessness.
Mulroney is also a member of the board of directors for the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, and is a governor of the National Theatre School of Canada. Born in Montreal, Caroline grew up in Ottawa and is bilingual.
She and her husband, Andrew Lapham, have four children.
Speaker: The Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Attorney General of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Fresh Faces of Provincial Politics Panel: Bhutila Karpoche, Lindsey Park, Mike Schreiner, Jess Spindler, Moderated by Adrienne Batra
Moderator: Adrienne Batra, Editor in Chief, Toronto Sun
Panelists:
Bhutila Karpoche, MPP Parkdale High Park, Deputy Whip and Critic for Mental Health and Addictions
Lindsey Park, MPP Durham and Parliamentary Assistant for the Attorney General, Ontario
Mike Schreiner, MPP Guelph, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario
Jess Spindler, Director of Legal Affairs and Party Services, Liberal Party of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
James Villeneuve, Consul General of Canada, Los Angeles With Toronto to L.A. and Back: The Big Business of Canadian Film and Television
James Villeneuve was appointed Consul General of Canada, Los Angeles in February 2014. He is Canada’s senior representative in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Villeneuve worked for Anheuser Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewing company and the parent company of Labatt Breweries, for more than 27 years. He started with Labatt in Toronto in sales and marketing and was later transferred to Vancouver, where he was regional director of government affairs for Western Canada.
In 1995, Mr. Villeneuve returned to Toronto to manage Labatt’s rebranding initiative and to run the company’s corporate and sports properties. He later became director of corporate affairs and then vice-president of corporate affairs for Canada.
From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Villeneuve worked in Brussels to lead InBev’s global corporate affairs practice. After InBev purchased Anheuser Busch in 2009, Mr. Villeneuve moved to St. Louis to lead the company’s North American corporate affairs department. Mr. Villeneuve has served on many boards during his career, including the Toronto Economic Development Commission, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the 2008 Toronto Olympic Bid, the Granville Island Trust, the Association of Canadian Advertisers, Carleton University, The Canadian Club, Teach for America, the United Way and the Regional Chamber and Growth Association in St. Louis.
He received a Bachelor’s degree from Carleton University in 1985. Mr. Villeneuve is married to Kim Walker-Villeneuve and they have two children, Grace and Andrew.
Speaker: James Villeneuve, Consul General of Canada, Los Angeles
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Productivity and Competitiveness: Solutions for Sustained Prosperity with Victor Dodig, President and CEO CIBC
Victor Dodig was named President and CEO of the CIBC group of companies, one of North America’s leading financial services institutions, in September 2014. During his tenure, Victor has helped usher in a new era for the bank, positioning CIBC as a relationship-oriented bank for a modern world. In 2016, he led the acquisition of The PrivateBank, establishing a strong North American platform for CIBC to serve clients and deliver future growth.
Victor brings nearly 25 years of extensive business and banking experience, having led CIBC’s Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Retail Banking businesses. He also led several businesses with UBS and Merrill Lynch in Canada and internationally, and was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company.
A member of CIBC’s Board of Directors, Victor also serves on the board of the C.D. Howe Institute and Royal Ontario Museum Board of Governors. He is a vocal advocate for gender diversity in the workplace, as Chair of the 30% Club Canada, Chair of the Catalyst Canada Advisory Board, and a member of the global Catalyst Board of Directors.
Victor is the recipient of the 2017 Catalyst Canada Honours (Company Leader) Champion award. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA and was recognized as a Baker Scholar. Victor holds a Diploma from the Institut d’études politiques in Paris, and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto (St. Michael’s College) in Commerce.
Victor resides in Toronto with his wife Maureen and their four teenage children. He is an active community member, currently serving as Co-Chair of the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation’s Promise Campaign.
Speaker: Victor Dodig, President and CEO, CIBC
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott On Blockchain Revolution: The Next Stages
Join co-authors Don and Alex Tapscott for a presentation and conversation to share the insights from the new edition of their global best-selling book, Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World.
All attendees will receive a copy of the latest version of the book which has been significantly expanded to reflect the fast-changing blockchain landscape.
Speakers:
Don Tapscott, Chancellor, Trent University; Co-author, Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World
Alex Tapscott, Co-Founder, Blockchain Research Institute; Co-author, Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ontario Post Election Political Landscape – A Deep Dive with Key Campaign Strategists
Panelists:
Omar Khan, Vice President, Public Affairs, Hill and Knowlton
Michael Diamond, Campaign strategist and political commentator
Brian Topp, Partner at KTG Public Affairs
Tom Clark, Chairman, Global Public Affairs
David Coletto, CEO and a founding partner of Abacus Data
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Understanding Canada’s Coming Cannabis Regime by Looking South to US
Join us for an intriguing event that will shine a spotlight on what recreational marijuana legalization will look like in Canada later this summer. To get a look into the future, we will bring up from the United States leading figures who can speak to experiences in Colorado and Massachusetts as well as a Canadian expert to the Club to discuss the considerations that have gone into the regime set to launch here in Canada. The discussion will be moderated by Geoff Zochodne of the National Post and should provide one of the clearest perspectives on what we can expect in Canada later this summer when marijuana becomes legal for recreational use.
Lewis Koski Co Founder and Senior Director, Freedman and Koski, Former Director, Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division Lewis Koski was the Director of the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division during the legalization of marijuana. Lewis is recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in formative marijuana policy. He is among a small group of government executives who have been intimately involved in the development and implementation of marijuana policy from the infancy of medical marijuana through the realization of legalization. Lewis' leadership contributions and devotion to implementing marijuana policy thoughtfully played an important role achieving what has become one of the most fully developed marijuana regulatory frameworks in the world. Lewis is currently a co founder and senior director at Freedman and Koski, Inc. where he works with government clients across the United States tasked with developing and implementing cannabis policy. He also works with ancillary companies and investment firms that are focused on helping government successfully implement cannabis policy. Lewis holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on International Business and is a Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration with a focus on policy analysis and public participation in rulemaking. He also teaches a graduate level course called. The Marijuana Policy Frontier at the University of Colorado Denver.
Commissioner Shaleen Title was jointly appointed by the Massachusetts governor, treasurer, and attorney general to the Cannabis Control Commission in September 2017. She co authored the Massachusetts marijuana legalization referendum and has consulted on state and local marijuana policy around the United States. Shaleen was a founding board member of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, where she led the drafting of the first state level model bill created to give states guidance to implement a process of reinvestment and reconciliation. She was also a founding board member of Marijuana Majority. Prior to joining the Commission, she was a co founder of THC Staffing Group, a cannabis recruiting firm focused on equality and inclusion. She holds a business degree, law degree, and...
Moderator: Geoff Zochodne, Reporter, The Financial Post
Panelists:
Lewis Koski, Co Founder and Senior Director, Freedman and Koski
Commissioner Shaleen Title, Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
Will Stewart, VP Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Hiku Brands
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Sandy Silver, Premier of Yukon On 21st Century Yukon: Reconciliation and a Modern Economy
Progressing the territory through strengthening government-to-government relationships with First Nations and attracting world-class resource investment has made the Yukon’s economy one of the fastest growing in Canada. Premier Sandy Silver will unveil the great potential this new Yukon means to a breadth of sectors.
Speaker: The Hon. Sandy Silver, Premier of Yukon
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Future of Housing in the GTA: Challenges and Opportunities
This signature evening panel discussion will provide attendees with the insider perspective on what the GTA’s housing of tomorrow will look like, and how affordable it will be. Panelists discuss many of the most important topics in today’s housing industry including the evolving needs of millennial and senior populations; the impact of innovation in community planning and homebuilding; and the ideal relationship between the government and home-builders.
Moderator:
Chris Spoke, Founder and Executive Director, Housing Matters
Panelists:
Joe Vaccaro, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Home Builders' Association
Ana Bailão, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 18; Deputy Mayor, City of Toronto
Riz Dhanji, Vice-President Sales and Marketing, Canderel Residential Inc.
Jason Mercer, Director of Market Analysis and Service Channels, Toronto Real Estate Board
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Cameron Friesen, Minister of Finance, Manitoba On Keeping our Promises – Economic and Fiscal Update
Cameron was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in 2011 and represents the constituency of Morden Winkler.
Born and raised in southern Manitoba, Cameron received degrees from the Canadian Mennonite University and the University of British Columbia. Cameron later earned his education degree at the University of Manitoba and taught for 12 years in the public school system.
Currently, under Premier Brian Pallister, Cameron serves as Minister of Finance, Minister responsible for the Civil Service, and Chair of the Treasury Board. He is a member of the government’s Planning and Priorities Committee of Cabinet.
Cameron’s third budget, delivered on March 12th, 2018, makes significant progress in reducing the deficit, provides record tax relief to Manitoba families, and continues the government’s moderate and balanced approach. Key legislation introduced within his portfolio includes requirements for balancing the budget, red tape reduction, and ensuring Manitoba’s public services are financially sustainable.
Cameron believes that Manitoba is on a strong path towards financial stability and economic prosperity, and the result will be a better Manitoba.
Cameron loves Manitoba – the people, the history, the family focus, the work ethic, and the commitment to helping others. Cameron and his wife Shelley have two daughters and a son and continue to call the City of Morden home.
Speaker: The Honourable Cameron Friesen, Minister of Finance, Manitoba
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Kelly Craft, U.S. Ambassador to Canada On Building on the World’s Best Friendship. Future Directions for the Canada and US Alliance
Ambassador Kelly Craft is a leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has made community service and improving education the cornerstone of her career. A third generation Kentuckian, Ambassador Craft demonstrates a deep commitment to her home state by serving in several leadership roles with the Salvation Army of Lexington and the Center for Rural Development, a non profit dedicated to economic development in rural Kentucky. She also served on the Boards of Directors for the Kentucky Arts Council, the Lexington Philharmonic, YMCA of Central Kentucky, and the United Way of The Bluegrass. With a deep commitment to education, Ambassador Craft has served on the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, and co founded the Morehead State University Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics which nurtures the academic talents of young Kentuckians. n the private sector, Ambassador Craft founded a successful marketing and business advisory firm providing leadership advice to businesses in her community and across the country. In 2007, President George W. Bush appointed Ambassador Craft as an alternate delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. This significant policy and diplomatic responsibility allowed her important experience for her role as U.S Ambassador to Canada. Ambassador Craft is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and holds an Honorary Doctorate from Morehead State University. She and her husband, Joe Craft, who is also a Kentucky native and UK graduate, share six children and ten grandchildren.
Speaker: Kelly Craft, U.S. Ambassador to Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Josh Blair, Executive Vice President and Health & Chief Corporate Officer, TELUS On Creating Healthier Communities in the Digital Age
Josh Blair discusses how technology, collaboration and innovation are critical in transforming healthcare and enabling better health outcomes in Canada.
Josh oversees TELUS Health and Payment Solutions, a Canadian leader in electronic medical and health records, consumer health services, and benefits and pharmacy management solutions. In addition, Josh has oversight of TELUS Employer Solutions, a leading provider of innovative human resources, talent management and wellness solutions.
He also oversees TELUS’ customer experience, product marketing and Internet of Things (IoT) teams focused on business clients nationally, in addition to business sales and customer marketing in Western Canada.
As well, Josh is the Chair of the Board for TELUS International. In North America, Central America, Asia and Europe, TELUS International’s 30,000 team members provide contact centre, business processing and information technology solutions to major corporate clients worldwide.
Josh also serves as TELUS’ Chief Corporate Officer, supporting the company’s Board on selected activities and priming relationships with many of TELUS’ external stakeholders. In addition, he oversees TELUS Ventures, a team dedicated to investing in promising start-up companies with innovative technology solutions that can help TELUS operate more effectively and succeed in the marketplace.
Josh serves on the Board of Governors and Executive Committee for the Business Council of British Columbia and the Governors Council of i-CANADA. As a strong supporter of TELUS’ commitment to give where we live, he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Sandbox Project and the Board of Advisors for the Cures for Kids Foundation as well as Vice-chair of the TELUS Vancouver Community Board.
Josh is a professional engineer and his 22-year career at TELUS started after he graduated with distinction from the University of Victoria’s Electrical Engineering program. In 2015, he received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Victoria in recognition of his professional achievements and community contributions. Josh is also a graduate of the Executive Program at Queen’s School of Business.
Speaker: Mr. Josh Blair, Executive Vice President and Health & Chief Corporate Officer, TELUS
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Women Who Lead Panel: Teresa Resch, Caroline Riseboro, Phillip Grosch in conversation with Nicole Foster
In the lead up to International Women’s Day, the Empire Club of Canada is pleased to present our Women Who Lead panel discussion featuring Teresa Resch – VP of Operations and Player Development, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE); Caroline Riseboro – Chief Executive Officer, Plan International; Phillip Grosch – Partner and National Leader Digital Services Consulting, PWC in conversation with Nicole Foster – National Chair, Equal Voice.
With Welcome Remarks from special guest Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Development
Panelists:
Nicole Foster, National Chair, Equal Voice
Teresa Resch, Vice President, Basketball Operations & Player Development, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE)
Caroline Riseboro, President & Chief Executive Officer, Plan International Canada
Phillip Grosch, Partner and National Leader Digital Services Consulting, PwC Canada
Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Vern Brownell, CEO, D-Wave Systems Inc. and James Olson, Dean, Applied Science; Prof, Mech Eng., UBC On Forging Partnerships to Shape the Future. Come Learn How Quantum Computers Are Transforming the Future and the Future Of Engineering
Vern Brownell joined D-Wave as CEO in 2009, leading the company through its transition from research into the leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems and software. During his tenure D-Wave secured its first customers including Lockheed Martin, Google and NASA, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, and raised over $170 million in venture funding. Mr. Brownell joined D-Wave from Egenera, a pioneer of infrastructure virtualization, a company he founded and at which he held executive roles including CEO. Prior to Egenera, Mr. Brownell served as the Chief Technology Officer at Goldman Sachs where he and his staff of 1,300 were responsible for worldwide technology infrastructure. He holds an MBA degree from Anna Maria College and a BEng. degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
James Olson, PEng, is Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia. He has spearheaded a number of initiatives aimed at transforming engineering education in the 21st century, including efforts to enrich diversity, student work experience, and business leadership and entrepreneurship programs. A Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the recipient of multiple research awards, Dean Olson was previously Associate Dean of Research and Industry Partnerships, Director of the Pulp and Paper Centre, and Interim Director of the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems at UBC.
Speakers:
Vern Brownell, CEO, D-Wave Systems Inc.
James Olson, Dean, Applied Science UBC
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Chris Ballard, Ontario's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change On Confronting the Challenge and Opportunities of Climate Change During a Period of Accelerating Change
Chris Ballard was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2014 as the MPP for Newmarket—Aurora.
Ballard currently serves as Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. He was previously Minister of Housing and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy. Prior to that, he was Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, and to the Minister of Government and Consumer Services.
Ballard has served as a town councillor for Aurora. There he was Chair of the Economic Development Advisory Committee and of the Parks and Recreation Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Town’s Secondary Plan (Places to Grow) Study. As a councillor, his focus was on developing a complete community and facilitating residents’ access to municipal government.
Ballard began his career as a journalist, starting with the Aurora Banner and Newmarket Era before moving to daily journalism. He worked in public affairs for the Scarborough Board of Education and launched a public affairs company more than 25 years ago. Ballard was president of the Public Affairs Association of Canada and was made an honourary Lifetime Member for his work.
He worked on behalf of Ontario consumers with both the Consumers’ Association of Canada, where he was Executive Director of the Ontario group, and as a founding board member of the Consumers Council of Canada. Ballard is a strong advocate for consumer issues across the country.
He has a first-hand understanding of Indigenous issues, having spent many years working for Dene and Gwich’in organizations in northern Canada.
Ballard has had the opportunity to mentor young people as a part-time teacher at Centennial College, and has worked on behalf of seniors with the Ontario Long-Term Care Association. He is a member of both the Aurora Seniors’ Centre and the Aurora Legion.
As a volunteer, Ballard stood with teachers during the turbulent education time of the 1990s, when he worked to build strong relationships among parents, teachers and school administrators by helping establish a successful School Council at his children’s public school.
Ballard was born and raised in rural King City. He and his wife Audrey raised their three children in Aurora.
Speaker: The Honourable Chris Ballard, Ontario's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Bill Morneau, Canada's Minister of Finance On Equality and Growth a Strong Middle Class
Bill Morneau is Canada’s Minister of Finance and has been in that role since 2015. He is the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, and an accomplished business leader. As Canada’s Minister of Finance, Bill has played a key role in shaping government policy and initiatives, including the introduction of the Canada Child Benefit, tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses, and the negotiation of an enhanced Canada Pension Plan. Between 1990 and 2015, Bill led the human resources firm, Morneau Shepell, through a period of transformational growth. Under his leadership, the firm grew from 200 employees to 4,000, becoming the largest firm of its kind in Canada, providing services to thousands of Canadian organizations and millions of Canadians. As a community leader, Bill has worked to support the arts, help at risk youth, and improve access to health care and education. Over a period of 20 years, he served as the chair of the board at St. Michael’s Hospital, Chair of Covenant House and Chair of the C.D. Howe Institute, and sat on many boards, including at the Loran Scholars Foundation and the Learning Partnership. Internationally, Bill founded a school for Somali and Sudanese girls in Kakuma Refugee Camp, a UNHCR camp in northern Kenya. Bill has co authored a book, The Real Retirement, and previously served as pension investment advisor to the Ontario government. He holds a BA from Western University, an MSc, Econ, from the London School of Economics and an MBA from INSEAD.
Moderator: Amanda Lang, Anchor for BNN Bloomberg
Speaker: The Honourable Bill Morneau, Canada's Minister of Finance
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario On A Plan for Fairness and Opportunity in Ontario
Kathleen Wynne is Ontario’s 25th Premier.
Since taking office in 2013, Premier Wynne’s accomplishments include balancing the provincial budget for the first time in a decade, making record-breaking infrastructure investments in Ontario’s roads, schools, hospitals and transit systems, and securing a historic national deal to improve retirement security by enhancing the Canada Pension Plan.
Premier Wynne’s plan for building Ontario up focuses on creating new opportunities for people and businesses, and ensuring a fairer, more secure future for everyone in the province. Under her leadership, as Ontario has regained its place as the economic engine of Canada, the Premier has worked to ensure the benefits of growth are shared evenly. To this end, her government is making tuition free for hundreds of thousands of students, raising the minimum wage for workers and creating 100,000 new child care spaces.
Earlier this year, Premier Wynne introduced a ground-breaking plan for the biggest expansion of Medicare in a generation. OHIP+ will provide free prescription medication for young people in the province, from birth until they turn 25. The Premier also received international attention for launching a basic income pilot project in three Ontario communities.
At a time of global change and uncertainty, Premier Wynne is unwavering in her support for a fair and open society, and has increased her advocacy for free trade and open borders. She has led international business missions to countries including China, India, Mexico and the United States. To ensure the interests of Ontario’s workers and businesses are represented as NAFTA is renegotiated, Premier Wynne has increased her U.S. engagement, focusing on building partnerships and deepening ties with the U.S. states that rely on free trade with Canada.
Premier Wynne was first elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Don Valley West in 2003, and has served as Minister for five departments and been re-elected three times. When her three children were still in school, she was motivated to run for office by her passion for publicly funded education and her desire to give every child in Ontario the best possible start. Before becoming an MPP, Premier Wynne served as a trustee on the Toronto District School Board. Prior to that, she led citizens’ groups in a number of grassroots community projects and played a major role as an organizer, facilitator and mediator.
Premier Wynne grew up in Richmond Hill, where she learned to question the status quo at a young age. In high school, she joined with her friends to challenge the rule that prevented girls from wearing pants to school. She has lived with her partner, Jane, in North Toronto for more than 25 years. She has three children and three grandchildren.
Speaker: The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
NAFTA Panel Featuring Hon. Andrew Leslie, Scotty Greenwood and Robert Benzie With The Giant Next Door: Navigating NAFTA in 2018
Panelists:
Andrew Leslie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Scotty Greenwood, Chief Executive Officer to the Canadian American Business Council
Robert Benzie Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Lisa LaFlammeSally Armstrong In Conversation With Sally Armstrong On Facts Or Fake News: Are You Being Informed or Misled?
From established media outlets to digital upstarts and social platforms – the news is suddenly on trial. Join CTV News’ Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme at the Empire Club of Canada on January 25, 2018 as she dissects the state of media credibility – as well as lies, manipulation, and the extraordinary need for truth-telling – in a discussion with journalist Sally Armstrong.
Moderator: Lisa LaFlamme, Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor, CTV National News
Speaker: Sally Armstrong, Human Rights Activist, Journalist and Award-Winning Author
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annual Investment Outlook Luncheon 2018 featuring: Ian Russell, CEO, Investment Industry Association of Canada; David Rosenberg, Chief Economist, Gluskin, Sheff & Assoicates Inc.; Nick Barisheff, President and CEO, BMG Group Inc.
Ian C.W. Russell:
Ian Russell is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Industry Association of Canada, a position he has held since its inauguration in April 2006.
Prior to his appointment at IIAC, Mr. Russell headed the Industry Relations and Representation group of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada. In his 20-year tenure at the Association, he has participated actively in many committees and working groups involved in regulatory and tax issues related to the securities industry and capital markets in Canada. He is a frequent columnist in industry publications and is a presenter and speaker on industry issues and developments. This past June, Mr. Russell was appointed Chariman of the Standing Committee on Regulatory Affairs at the International Council of Securities Associations (ICSA).
Mr. Russell has an honours degree in economics and business from the University of Western Ontario, and a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics. He has completed the Partners, Directors and Officers Qualification Examination and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
David Rosenberg:
Mr. Rosenberg is the Firm’s Chief Economist & Strategist with a focus on providing a top-down perspective to the Firm’s investment process and Asset Mix Committee. Mr. Rosenberg received both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining Gluskin Sheff in the spring of 2009, Mr. Rosenberg was Chief North American Economist at Merrill Lynch in New York for seven years, during which he was consistently ranked in the Institutional Investor All-Star analyst rankings. Prior thereto, he was Chief Economist and Strategist for Merrill Lynch Canada, based out of Toronto.
Mr. Rosenberg is also the author of Breakfast with Dave, a daily distillation of his economic and financial market insights.
Nick Barisheff:
Nick Barisheff is the founder, president and CEO of BMG Group Inc., a company dedicated to providing investors with a secure, cost-effective, transparent way to purchase and hold physical bullion. BMG is an Associate Member of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), an Associate Member of the Responsible Investment Association (RIA) and signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
Widely recognized as international bullion expert, Nick has written numerous articles on bullion and current market trends that have been published on various news and business websites. Nick has appeared on BNN, CBC, CNBC and Sun Media, and has been interviewed for countless articles by leading business publications across North America, Europe and Asia...
Speakers:
Ian Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Investment Industry Association of Canada
David Rosenberg, Chief Economist, Gluskin Sheff +Associates Inc.
Nick Barisheff, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMG Group Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Ontario’s Minister of Energy On Delivering Fairness and Choice
Glenn Thibeault was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2015 as the MPP for Sudbury.
He was appointed Ontario’s Minister of Energy in June 2016. As Minister of Energy, Glenn is focused on ensuring all Ontarians have access to an affordable supply of clean, reliable energy. Beginning in Fall 2016, he is leading consultations across the province on Ontario’s renewed Long Term Energy Plan.
He previously served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, focusing on bringing forward the Climate Change Action Plan. Prior to entering provincial politics, Thibeault was the Member of Parliament for Sudbury and the Executive Director of the Sudbury United Way.
As a director with the United Way, he led many successful campaigns in support of community development. He has also been a volunteer with many not for profits, as well as with minor hockey and football leagues as a coach and official.
Thibeault was born and raised in Sudbury, and is a graduate of Cambrian College. He lives in Sudbury with his wife, Yolanda, and their two daughters.
Speaker: The Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Ontario’s Minister of Energy
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Patrick Brown, Leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party
Patrick Brown outlines his commitment to get the People’s Guarantee accomplished in his first mandate, or he won’t seek a second.
Patrick Brown is the Leader of the Ontario PC Party and is the Ontario PC candidate for Barrie Springwater Oro Medonte. He was elected as Leader of the Ontario PC Party in May 2015, and MPP for Simcoe North in September 2015.
Patrick studied political science at the University of Toronto before earning his law degree from the University of Windsor. Patrick has dedicated his life to public service. He was first elected at the age of 22 to Barrie City Council. Patrick then ran for the Conservative Party of Canada, defeating a Liberal cabinet minister to become the MP for Barrie, where he served for nine years. He is active in his community and has helped to raise nearly $2 million dollars for local hospitals and charities.
What drives Patrick to serve is his optimism that Ontario can once again be the economic engine of the country, and he can make life more affordable for families who want to pay less and get ahead.
Speaker: Patrick Brown, Leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Right Honourable Paul Martin, Former Prime Minister of Canada On Empowering Indigenous Children and Youth to build a Stronger Canada
Mr. Martin will speak to the importance of Indigenous children and youth in Canada, and the need to support communities across the country to improve not only their children’s education but also the wider determinants that influence their educational outcomes all within a context that is culturally relevant. From their earliest years through to high school graduation, First Nations, Metis and Inuit children have the same potential to succeed as any other Canadian, and must have the same opportunities to succeed.
The Right Honourable Paul Martin was Prime Minister of Canada from 2003 to 2006 and Minister of Finance from 1993 to 2002.
During his tenure as Minister of Finance, he erased Canada’s deficit, subsequently recording five consecutive budget surpluses while paying down the national debt and setting Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio on a steady downward track. He was the co-founder of the Finance Ministers’ G-20, and in September 1999 was named its inaugural chair.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Mr. Martin set in place a ten year, forty-one billion dollar plan to improve health care and reduce wait times; signed agreements with the provinces and territories to establish the first national early learning and child care program and created a new financial deal for Canada’s municipalities. Under his leadership the Canadian Government reached an historic deal with Aboriginal people of Canada to eliminate the existing funding gaps in health, education and housing known as the Kelowna Accord.
After leaving public life, Mr. Martin created the Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship (CAPE) Fund, an investment fund investing in Indigenous business and founded the Martin Family Initiative (MFI) focusing on the early childhoods and elementary and secondary education of Indigenous children and youth. The mission of MFI is to walk alongside Indigenous experts, communities and leaders to ensure that the educational opportunities from birth through to secondary school for Indigenous children are as good as any in the country and are culturally appropriate.
Mr. Martin has advised the African Development Bank and works closely with the Advisory Council of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa, sponsored by the African Union, the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the African Development Bank. He was a founding co-chair of the Congo Basin Forest Fund, a 200 million dollar British-Norwegian-Canadian poverty alleviation and sustainable development fund for the Congo Basin Rainforest. Mr. Martin was also a commissioner for the Global Ocean Commission.
Before entering politics, he had a distinguished career as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The CSL Group Inc., the largest self-unloading shipping company in the world. Its acquisition by Mr. Martin in 1981 represented the most important leveraged buyout in Canada at that time.
Speaker: The Right Honourable Paul Martin, Former Prime Minister of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Andy Byford, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission On Reflections: The Ten Big Calls of My TTC Career
Andy Byford was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission in March, 2012. As such, he leads the largest transit agency in Canada, and the third largest in North America, carrying over 540 million riders on an annual basis. Mr. Byford initially joined the TTC as Chief Operating Officer in November, 2011 and was responsible for the delivery of safe, punctual, reliable bus, streetcar, SRT, subway and Wheel-Trans services.
From 2009 to 2011, as Chief Operating Officer of Rail Corporation, Sydney, Australia, Mr. Byford delivered service to a million customers a day on Australia’s largest transit network. From 2003 to 2009, he held the positions of Operations Director and Operations and Safety Director with Southern Railway and South Eastern Trains Limited, UK.
During his tenure with London Underground from 1989 to 2003, he held a variety of managerial positions including Group Station Manager, Kings Cross and General Manager – Customer Service for three of the busiest subway lines.
Mr. Byford is a graduate of the University of Leicester from which he was awarded a B.A. joint honours degree in French and German. He also holds a Diploma in Transport from the University of London.
Mr. Byford is from Plymouth in the United Kingdom. A member of the Institute of Railway Operators, he is married and lives in Toronto.
Speaker: Andy Byford, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Mitzie Hunter, Ontario's Minister of Education On Preparing Ontario Students for the Future
Mitzie Hunter is the Minister of Education, and the MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood. Prior to this post, she served as the Associate Minister of Finance, responsible for pension reform.
Mitzie Hunter understands our community and the power of working together. A lifelong citybuilder, she is passionate about unlocking the city’s potential by ensuring fair and inclusive access to employment and prosperity.
As the former CEO of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance, Mitzie worked to solve some of our toughest social, economic and environmental challenges. She was also previously the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, Vice-President with Goodwill Industries and a Regional Director at Bell Canada.
Mitzie and her family immigrated to Canada from Jamaica in 1975. She grew up in Scarborough, graduated from U of T (Scarborough Campus) with a BA, and recently completed her MBA from the Rotman School of Management.
As part of Kathleen Wynne’s team, Mitzie will bring people together to solve problems, and to create jobs and opportunity in our community.
Speaker: The Honourable Mitzie Hunter, Ontario's Minister of Education
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure On Building Better Lives: Ontario’s Long Term Infrastructure Plan 2017.
Bob Chiarelli was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1987 as the MPP for Ottawa West. He was re elected in 1990 and 1995. Chiarelli was elected as the MPP for Ottawa West Nepean in 2010, then re elected in 2011 and 2014. Chiarelli currently serves as Minister of Infrastructure. He has also served as Minister of Energy, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. As Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, he was responsible for implementing Ontario's first 10 year infrastructure plan, Building Together. Chiarelli also served as the Regional Chair of Ottawa Carleton and was later elected as the first Mayor of the amalgamated City of Ottawa. In those roles, he championed expansion of light rail and other public transit, new recreational and health care infrastructure and maintaining Ottawa's triple A fiscal rating. Prior to entering politics, Chiarelli ran a community law practice for 18 years. During his break from politics, he served as Vice-Chair of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, member of the board of Peace Camp Ottawa, a fundraising volunteer with Citizen Advocacy and a Senior Fellow in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. Bob lives in Ottawa with his partner, Randi, and has five children and two grandchildren.
Speaker: The Hon. Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Andrea Horwath, Leader of Ontario’s New Democrats On What's Next for Ontario
Andrea Horwath is the Leader of Ontario’s New Democrats. From her early career in community development to today, she’s always believed that government should be about giving people the opportunity to build a good life no matter where in Ontario they live, or when this province became home.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Andrea was elected to Hamilton City Council in 1997, then as the MPP for Hamilton-Centre in 2004.
Andrea spends time travelling the province she loves, seeing and hearing first-hand the challenges Ontarians are facing – and proposing solutions.
Speaker: Andrea Horwath, Leader of Ontario’s New Democrats
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Dr. Michael Apkon, MBA, MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) On Canada’s Kids at Risk: Systems to Improve Children’s Health
Dr. Apkon is a physician executive and physician scientist serving in C- level leadership roles at several top academic hospitals in the United States and Canada. He has served as the CEO at SickKids, since January 2014. In that capacity, he leads a 300 bed hospital staffed by 10,000 employees, scientists, medical staff, students and volunteers with a $1 BB budget. SickKids is recognized as one of the world’s top children’s hospitals, Canada’s most research-intensive hospital, and a highly successful clinical, educational, and research organization. In addition to his role at SickKids, Dr. Apkon Chairs the Ontario Provincial Council on Maternal and Child Health, a provincial program of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care aiming to foster the evolution of a more effective provincial healthcare system for women and children. He also serves as a Director of MaRS Innovation, a commercialization cooperative and incubator for the life sciences and technology industries in the greater Toronto area.
Dr. Apkon has extensive international management experience in both pediatric and adult- oriented healthcare, working with organizations and governments in the UK, Europe, China, Africa, and the Middle East as well as North America. He has consulted widely on business development, capacity development, and management systems as well as quality and safety improvement. He is an expert in strategy, systems development, and operations management, as well as the application of lean and high reliability organizational thinking to drive improvements in quality, safety, and efficiency.
In addition to deep expertise in healthcare strategy and management Dr. Apkon has considerable experience with corporate governance and with government relations. In his current role, he reports directly to the Board of Trustees and has directly supported the governing bodies of his prior employers. He has also served as a Trustee for not-for-profit healthcare organizations and for other charitable organizations as well as serving as a Director for MaRS Innovation, Director for a pre-revenue medical device company, and as an Officer for the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario. Current and prior roles have resulted in considerable experience working with Provincial and State governments as well as with Federal and international governments.
Prior to coming to SickKids, Dr. Apkon was Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and the Chief Medical Officer for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania as well as a practicing Paediatric Intensive Care specialist. Dr. Apkon also served in leadership roles at ...
Speaker: Dr. Michael Apkon, MBA, MD, PhD, President and CEO, The Hospital for Sick Children
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta
Rachel Notley made history in May of 2015 when the New Democrats were elected to form government for the first time in Alberta.
Premier Notley’s gender-balanced and diverse cabinet is working to make life better for Albertans and is proud of its many accomplishments, including:
• Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Supporting a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
• Securing two new pipelines that will give access to new markets
• Providing stable health-care funding
• Cutting school fees
• Ensuring better child protection by giving more power to Child and Youth Advocate
• Building new schools and hospitals to meet growing demand
• Providing province-wide pilot projects for $25-a-day daycare and school nutrition
• Freezing post-secondary tuition
• Funding the Student Temporary Employment Program
• Increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2018
• Taking action on climate change
• Funding energy-efficiency programs
• Modernizing the Municipal Government Act
• Spurring economic diversification and job growth
Premier Notley’s passion for politics was fuelled by her parents. Grant Notley was the leader of Alberta’s first NDP opposition. Before she was 10 years old, Rachel attended protest marches with her mother Sandy. Social justice is the Notley way.
Born in Edmonton and raised in Fairview, Premier Notley obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of Alberta and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. She practiced labour law and workers’ compensation advocacy and also served as an adviser to British Columbia’s attorney general.
Premier Notley was first elected as an NDP MLA in 2008, serving the constituency of Edmonton-Strathcona, where she still resides with her husband, Lou Arab, and their two teenage children.
Speaker: The Honourable Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Dominic Barton, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey and Company On The Canadian Growth Agenda: a prescription for Canada’s long-term economic growth
Dominic Barton is the Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company. In his 30 years with the firm, Dominic has advised clients in a range of industries including banking, consumer goods, high tech and industrials. Prior to his current role, Dominic was based in Shanghai as McKinsey’s Asia Chairman from 2004 to 2009 and led the Korea office from 2000 to 2004.
He is the Chair of the Canadian Minister of Finance’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth and the Chair of the Seoul International Business Advisory Council. He is also a Trustee of the Brookings Institution, a member of the Singapore Economic Development Board’s International Advisory Council, and a member of the boards of Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
Dominic is the Co-Chair of the ‘Focusing Capital on the Long Term’ initiative. The initiative seeks to develop practical structures, metrics and approaches for longer-term behaviours in the investment and business worlds.
Dominic has authored more than 80 articles on the role of business in society, leadership, financial services, Asia, history and the issues and opportunities facing markets worldwide. Dominic is a co-author, with Roberto Newell and Greg Wilson, of Dangerous Markets: Managing in Financial Crises (Wiley & Sons, 2002), China Vignettes: An Inside Look at China (Talisman, 2007) and co-author with Dezso Horvath and Matthias Kipping of Reimagining Capitalism (Oxford University Press, 2016).
Dominic has received multiple awards for his business leadership and contributions to the communities in which he has lived and worked. In February 2013 Dominic received the Order of Civil Merit (Peony Medal) from former President Lee of South Korea and in August 2014 he was awarded the Singaporean Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore). He is a Rhodes Trustee and an Honorary Fellow at Brasenose College, Oxford. Dominic is also an Adjunct Professor at Tsinghua University, Beijing.
Speaker: Dominic Barton, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey and Company
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mayo Schmidt, President and CEO of Hydro One Limited
Mayo Schmidt is the President and CEO of Hydro One Limited. Prior to joining Hydro One, Mr. Schmidt served as President and CEO at Viterra, Inc., a global integrated agriculture export firm headquartered in Canada. During his tenure, Viterra grew to operate in 14 countries with industrial assets and a supply chain to 50 countries. Mr. Schmidt is currently a director of Agrium, Inc., a global agriculture firm where he serves as the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and is a member of the Environment, Health, Safety and Security Committee. Mr. Schmidt is a member of Washburn University's Foundation Board of Trustees and the Lincoln Society. He is a committee member of Harvard University Private and Public, Scientific, Academic and Consumer Food Policy Group. Mr. Schmidt received his Honorary Doctorate of Commerce in 2016 and his B.B.A. in 1980 from Washburn University. Mr. Schmidt has been recognized in the Financial Post's Top 10 CEO Scorecard Rankings, as CEO of the Year by Canadian Business Magazine, as well as being awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal.
Speaker: Mayo Schmidt, President and CEO of Hydro One
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada
Chief Justice McLachlin spent her formative years in Pincher Creek, Alberta and was educated at the University of Alberta, where she received a B.A. (Honours) in Philosophy in 1965. She pursued her studies at the University of Alberta and, in 1968, received both an M.A. in Philosophy and an LL.B. She was called to the Alberta Bar in 1969 and to the British Columbia Bar in 1971 and practised law in Alberta and British Columbia. Commencing in 1974, she taught for seven years in the Faculty of Law at the University of British Columbia as a tenured Associate Professor. Her judicial career began in April 1981 when she was appointed to the Vancouver County Court. In September 1981, she was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. She was elevated to the British Columbia Court of Appeal in December of 1985 and was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in September 1988. Seven months later, in April 1989, she was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. On January 7, 2000, she was appointed Chief Justice of Canada. She is the first woman in Canada to hold this position. In addition to her judicial duties at the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice chairs the Canadian Judicial Council, the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada and the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute. The Chief Justice is the author of numerous articles and publications.
Speaker: The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Lou Eccleston, Chief Executive Officer, TMX Group With A Sesquicentennial Series Event: 165th Birthday for TMX Group Limited and the TMX Group’s Outlook for the Next Few Years
The Empire Club of Canada’s TMX Group luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at One King West. This event is part of The Empire Club of Canada’s Sesquicentennial Series, celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation and honouring our great country. The luncheon will feature Lou Eccleston, CEO, TMX Group Limited. The luncheon will highlight the 165th birthday for TMX Group Limited and the TMX Group’s outlook for the next few years.
Lou Eccleston is Chief Executive Officer of TMX Group Limited. He joined TMX Group on November 3, 2014. Mr. Eccleston is a member of the TMX Group Board of Directors; he is also a member of the Board of Directors of several TMX Group subsidiaries, including TSX Inc., TSX Venture Exchange Inc., Montreal Exchange and NGX. Mr. Eccleston has more than 30 years of extensive experience gained in senior leadership roles in the information services, financial technology and capital market services sectors. Prior to joining TMX Group, he was President, S&P Capital IQ and Chairman of the Board, S&P Dow Jones Indices, which are business lines of McGraw Hill Financial. He was with that organization for six years. While there, Mr. Eccleston was named to the Institutional Investor “Tech 50” in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Previously, Mr. Eccleston was at Thomson Financial for four years in the roles of President of Global Sales, Marketing & Services and President of the Banking and Brokerage Group. Mr. Eccleston was at Bloomberg LP for 14 years, where he held a number of roles including chief executive of Bloomberg Tradebook for 6 years. He also served as Chairman and CEO of Pivot Inc., a capital market software services company. Mr. Eccleston earned a BA in Economics from Drew University in Madison, NJ as well as a MBA from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA.
Speaker: Lou Eccleston, Chief Executive Officer, TMX Group
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Jorge Araya, President and CEO, Imperial Tobacco Canada
One of Toronto's best known business reporters, Mike Eppel of 680 News, will sit down with the CEO of Imperial Tobacco Canada, Jorge Araya, to discuss these issues and look at where this industry is headed in the next 10 years. Some of what is happening will surprise people who tend not to focus on this industry in spite of its enormous size here in Canada and around the world.
Jorge Araya started his career with British American Tobacco Chile in 1995 and held various marketing roles in Chile and Mexico prior to being appointed as Marketing Director Southern Cone and Brazil. In 2012, he joined the Americas Regional Leadership team, where he successfully led the marketing growth strategy through significant portfolio evolution, as well as trade strategy and talent capability development. He was appointed as President and CEO, BAT Canada, Imperial Tobacco Canada, in 2015 where he continues to make a demonstrable contribution to the transformation of this complex and often controversial business.
Mike Eppel has been reporting on the financial markets and corporate news for more than 25 years. As a graduate of Ryerson's Radio and Television Arts Program, Mike has worked as a markets reporter for the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. He was also one of the original business reporters for 680 News when the station launched in summer of 1993. From 1999 to 2004, Mike was a business reporter for CTV News Channel, CTV National News, CFTO Toronto and BNN. He returned to 680 News as Senior Business Editor in 2004 overseeing the expansion of business coverage to Rogers All News radio stations across Canada and Sportsnet Radio, The Fan 590. He is also seen on City TV's Breakfast Television in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary. Highlights of his career have included reporting from the 1998 Atlanta Summer Olympics, the Muskoka G8 Summit and numerous Ontario and Federal budgets. Mike was born and raised in Tillsonburg, Ontario on a tobacco farm. He started in broadcasting at the age of 16 as a DJ and newsreader at the local radio station, CKOT. His broadcast travels have also taken him to radio stations in Wingham and Barrie. He also attended the University of Western Ontario, completing fourth year courses in History and Political Science.
Moderator: Mike Eppel, Business Reporter, 680 News
Speaker: Jorge Araya, President and CEO, Imperial Tobacco Canada
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Kenneth Courtis, Chairman, Starfort Investment Holdings On Have We Entered a G2 World
Kenneth Courtis is an economist, entrepreneur and adviser to world leaders. Since leaving Canada as a graduate student he has spent most of his working career in Tokyo. But having watched economic progress in China, and done business there, he foresees sweeping implications for the world. China's economy is already second in scope to only that of the United States, and it could be the largest by 2030. The country's pace of innovation is ranked ahead of all other developing nations, and only four notches behind that of Canada. Already China is too big to bully, too big to ignore, Courtis warns. He has urged the Trudeau government to re establish a dialogue of mutual respect, disregarding any objections from the United States. He has suggested that Canada apply to join other developed nations in the Asian International Infrastructure Bank, which aims to invest some four trillion dollars in infrastructure projects over the next 10 to 12 years. Friction is evident within China, with posters screaming for democracy. Concerns have been raised about Chinese investment in foreign technology firms. But Courtis says the Chinese government has become far less overbearing, far less oppressive. Regardless, he warns we must prepare for a Group of Two or G2 world, with China and the U.S. vying to be greatest. Hear what more Courtis proposes for Canada and Canadian businesses when he addresses the Empire Club of Canada on September 21.
Kenneth S. Courtis is Chairman of Starfort Investment Holdings, which has interests in financial advisory, funds management, private equity, and commodities trading. Dr. Courtis is or has been a member of the boards and advisory councils of a number of leading international firms, including Capitaland, Emerson, Daimler, BTGP actual, Noble, McKinsey, ECT Partners, China National Off Shore Oil Corporation, and of private equity firms GEMS and NM Strategic. He was formerly Managing Director of Goldman Sachs, and where he advised on large corporate transactions, government financing programs, privatizations, and investments. Previously, he was Managing Director of Deutsche Bank, and Investment Strategist and Chief Economist, Deutsche Bank Asia. He is a councillor of the Asia Society of New York, a director of its Global Policy Institute, of the Asia Pacific
Speaker: Kenneth Courtis, Chairman, Starfort Investment Holdings
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Michael Burns, CEO, Invictus Games Toronto 2017
Michael Burns is CEO of Invictus Games Toronto 2017, the largest international adaptive sport competition in the world featuring ill and injured soldiers and veterans. Burns brings to Invictus more than 20 years of experience in marketing, financial services, technology and entrepreneurship.
Burns took a leave of absence from his role as Vice-President, Corporate Development of AudienceView to head up the 2017 Invictus Games. Prior to that, he was President of Thornmark Asset Management and President of Clearsight Wealth Management Inc.
He is co-founder of the True Patriot Love (TPL) Foundation, which supports Canada’s military, veterans and their families by funding programs for mental health, physical rehabilitation, career transition and family services. He is Past Chair of the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation Board (formerly the Toronto East General Hospital Board Foundation). He successfully led the team that secured the Garrons’ $50-million donation, the largest gift ever made to a Canadian community-teaching hospital. Burns is also on the Board of the Canadian Institute for Military & Veteran Health Research and is a member of the Board of Directors of two world-class entertainment venues in Toronto: Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall.
In 2016, Canada’s Governor-General, on behalf of the Queen, awarded Burns The Meritorious Service Cross for his work with military families. In 2012, he was awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, the military’s highest honour for a civilian. That year, he was also awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honouring significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. In 2010, he was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.
Speaker: Michael Burns, CEO, Invictus Games Toronto 2017
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade On Securing Ontario’s Long Term Economic Growth and Stability Through Free Trade and Diversification
Michael Chan was first elected to the Ontario legislature as the MPP for Markham in a byelection in 2007. He was then elected as the MPP for Markham—Unionville in 2007, and re-elected in 2011 and 2014.
He is currently serving as Minister of International Trade, and prior to that was Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.
During his tenure at Queen’s Park, Chan has also served as Minister of Revenue and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. In the latter role, he focused on enhancing Ontario’s ability to attract jobs and skilled employees and worked to expand the province’s bridge training programs that assist newcomers with economic integration.
Prior to embarking on his political career, Chan — who emigrated from Hong Kong more than 40 years ago and has lived in Markham since 1995 — owned and operated an insurance brokerage firm.
Chan and his wife, Elaine, live in Markham with their two sons, Alex and Brian.
Speaker: The Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Evolution of the Real Estate Industry Panel: Diversity, Culture and Workplace
Panelists:
Sheila Botting, Partner and Canadian Real Estate & Construction Leader, Deloitte.
Sheila Botting, Partner and Canadian Real Estate & Construction Leader, Deloitte
Michael Brooks, CEO, Real Property Association of Canada
Toni Rossi, President, Real Estate Division, Infrastructure Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Dominique Anglade, Québec’s Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation With Québec: Leading the Race for a Smart and Global Economy
Québec's Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, Dominique Anglade, is a dynamic force in the creation of economic growth initiatives, thereby helping to make Québec a leader in highly competitive knowledge sectors. Recent data have confirmed this: in 2016, 42 percent of Canada's totaljob growth happened in Québec. Of the 85,400 full time jobs added, many were in smart sectors such as digital entertainment, virtual reality technologies, genomics, and artificial release of Québec's two new strategies one for Research and Innovation and the other for the Life Science and in addition to its upcoming Digital Strategy, Québec is taking definitive steps to stand at the forefront of the global smart economy. Minister Anglade looks forward to sharing Québec's new economic vision, and to furthering the creation of exciting new business opportunities. BIOGRAPHY: Born in Montréal in 1974, Dominique Anglade is a businesswoman and politician. With a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the Ecole polytechnique de Montréal and a Master's in Business Administration, MBA from HEC Montréal, she began her career as an engineer in 1996 at Procter and Gamble. Two years later, at the age of 24, Ms. Anglade was promoted head of a production branch in which she managed more than 100 employees. From 2000 to 2003, she was employed by Nortel Networks, which gave her the opportunity to specialize in the strategic management of the supply chain and global market forecasts. In 2004, she became the company's Québec Director of Public and External Affairs. From 2005 to 2012, Ms. Anglade was part of the McKinsey and Company firm, where she acquired renowned expertise in the area of major transformations within organizations. Until recently, she was President and CEO of Montréal International, an organization focused on attracting foreign investments, international organizations, and strategic talent to the Greater Montréal area. Over the past 20 years, tribute has often been paid to the community involvement of this mother of three children. She has sat on the boards of some 15 organizations, including Centraide and the CHU Sainte Justine Foundation, and chaired several of them. Ms. Anglade also cofounded KANPE, a foundation that provides support for vulnerable Haitian families to help them achieve financial autonomy. Over the course of her career, she has received more than 25 awards, including the Desjardins Emeritas Award, given to outstanding MBA program graduates. The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec recognized her unique contribution to the profession through her high level of community engagement.
Speaker: The Honourable Dominique Anglade, Québec’s Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Reconciliation on Bay Street Panel: In Through The Business Door
The 92nd Call to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee is a call issued to corporate Canada. Ron Jamieson, The First Senior VP of Aboriginal Banking at EMO and member of the Conference Board of Canada's Council on the Corporate Management of Aboriginal Affairs, and JP Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business discuss the action needed to respond to this call. This discussion will be moderated by Clint Davis, Partner and Managing Director Acasta Capital Indigenous Christopher C. J. Angeconeb will follow this discussion with a short keynote address.
Moderator: Clint Davis, Partner and Managing Director of Acasta Capital Indigenous
Panelists:
Ron Jamieson, Senior VP of Aboriginal Banking at EMO and member of the Conference Board of Canada's Council on the Corporate Management of Aboriginal Affairs
JP Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Christopher C. J. Angeconeb, President and CEO AurCrest Gold Inc., member of the Lac Seul First Nation
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long Term Care With Ontario’s Vision for Transforming Health Care
Dr. Eric Hoskins was first elected to the Ontario legislature as the MPP for St. Paul's in 2009. He was re elected in 2011 and 2014. Hoskins currently serves as Minister of Health and Long Term Care. Hoskins was previously appointed as Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment in February 2013. He has also previously served as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Hoskins is also a renowned humanitarian, family doctor and a proud Ontarian with a long and dedicated record of public service. After finishing his medical studies at McMaster University, and subsequently at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, Hoskins spent nearly a decade as a doctor and humanitarian in war torn regions in Africa and around the world. From 1997 to 2000, he served as the senior advisor to then Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy on issues such as human rights, child soldiers, peacekeeping and the landmines ban. He and his wife, Dr. Samantha Nutt, founded the international charity War Child Canada to help hundreds of thousands of children in war affected regions across the globe. Hoskins was also Advisor to the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations in 2002 and 2003. Hoskins has been recognized for his humanitarian work and public service. In 2008, he was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada. He has also received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Cross, and has been awarded the United Nations Lester B. Pearson Peace Medal.
Speaker: The Hon. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long Term Care
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Future of Canada's Cultural Institutions Panel
How are our cultural institutions evolving to meet the 21 Century needs of our communities and our cities? The Empire Club welcomes the new leaders of Canada’s largest cultural institutions, Josh Basseches, Director and CEO of the Royal Ontario Museum, and Stephan Jost, Director and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario. They will share their vision for their organizations and will discuss why our cultural institutions are playing a vital role in society now, more than ever, especially in this period of disruption, change and opportunity.
Meet Toronto’s new cultural leaders at this in conversation event moderated by one of Canada’s most respected broadcasters and interviewers, Valerie Pringle.
Moderator: Valerie Pringle, Broadcaster
Panelists:
Josh Basseches, Director and CEO, Royal Ontario Museum
Stephan Jost, Director and CEO, Art Gallery of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Michael Chong, Leadership Candidate, Conservative Party of Canada On My Vision for the Conservative Party
Michael Chong is a five term Member of Parliament for Wellington Halton Hills. He served in the federal cabinet as Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and is known for getting his democratic reform bill passed as a private member's bill, an unusual accomplishment. He is running for leader of the Conservative Party to build a bigger party that reflects Canada and Canadians and that can win in 2019. He was raised in Fergus, Ontario, where he now resides on a farm with his wife Carrie and their three sons William, Alistair and Cameron.
Speaker: Michael Chong, Leadership Candidate, Conservative Party of Canada
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Surviving Canada’s Housing Market Panel: Strategies for Home Ownership
Surviving Canada's Housing Market in the age of 30% Growth A panel featuring: Alex Avery, Managing Director, Institutional Equity Research, Global Markets, CIBC Capital Markets John Pasalis, Founder and President, Realosophy Jeff Rubin, Economist and Author of The End of Growth Moderated by: Greg Bonnell, Real Estate Reporter and Anchor, BNN
Moderator: Greg Bonnell, Real Estate Reporter and Anchor, BNN
Panelists:
Alex Avery, Managing Director, Institutional Equity Research, Global Markets, CIBC Capital Markets
John Pasalis, Founder and President, Realosophy
Jeff Rubin, Economist and Author of The End of Growth
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario’s Minister of Finance On The Path to Balance
The Path to Balance: Slated to deliver a balanced budget this spring for the first time since the 2008, 2009 global recession, join us to hear Ontario's Minister of Finance, The Hon. Charles Sousa on the government's plan to continue to grow the economy, create jobs and invest in key public services. Through balancing the budget, the government is creating greater opportunities for more families and businesses, working to ensure that all are able to share in Ontario's growing prosperity. Charles Sousa is Ontario's Minister of Finance and the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Mississauga South. He also serves as Vice Chair of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet. As Minister of Finance, Charles has delivered multiple Budgets and Fall Economic Statements. He negotiated the formation of the Canadian Cooperative Securities Regulator and led Ontario's negotiation with the federal government and other provinces to enhance the CPP. He possesses an extensive background in the financial sector, working at RBC Financial Group for more than 20 years in commercial banking. Prior to that, he owned and operated a financing company supporting small businesses. He also served as a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Toronto Board of Trade, and as a director of the American Chamber of Commerce. Charles' commitment to community service earned him the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. He was also inducted as a Commander to the Order of Merit in Portugal.
Speaker: The Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario’s Minister of Finance
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Kevin O’Leary: Leadership Candidate, Conservative Party of Canada On Awakening Canada’s Economic Advantage
Awakening Canada's Economic Advantage Canada has an incredible economic foundation. We have a talented and hardworking workforce, vast natural resources, and a diversified economy. We have a strong and caring society, with a proud history of hard work and entrepreneurism. Unfortunately, this incredible economic potential is being squandered. CPC Leadership candidate Kevin O'Leary discusses his plans to unleash Canada's economic potential. Biography: Currently the Chairman of O'Shares Exchange Traded Funds, Kevin has spent a lifetime fighting on behalf of investors and small business. Kevin is a three time, best selling author on the topics of family, finance and business. Kevin is a Leader with a smart plan to kick start the economy and a Leader who will fight for you.
Speaker: Kevin O’Leary, Leadership Candidate, Conservative Party of Canada
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Ontario's Minister of Government and Consumer Services With Consumer Protection, New Homes, and the Homebuilding Industry
Tracy MacCharles was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2011 as the MPP for Pickering Scarborough East. She was re elected in 2014. MacCharles currently serves as Minister of Government and Consumer Services, as well as Minister Responsible for Accessibility. She was previously Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, Minister of Children and Youth Services, Minister of Consumer Services and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children and Youth Services. MacCharles has more than 20 years of experience in human resources management in the private, public and not for profit sectors. She was Vice-President of Human Resources at Manulife Financial for the Corporate and Information Technology Divisions. In 2004, she established her own Human Resources practice focused on health care, community health, education, employment, human rights, discrimination prevention and business effectiveness. disability advocacy. She is a former Chair of the Ontario Accessibility Standards Advisory Council and also served on the Durham Board of Education's Special Education Advisory Committee. She has been an active volunteer in her community and at the provincial level for numerous charities, including the Canadian Cancer Society - Scarborough Unit and the Ontario Division Board, the Big Sisters Association of Ajax Pickering, the United Way and as Chair of her local School Community Council. MacCharles is also an active volunteer in numerous charities. She received the City of Pickering's Civic Award and the Volunteer of Distinction Award from Rosebank Road Public School. MacCharles and her husband, Stephen, live in Pickering with their two children, Travis and Geneviève
Speaker: The Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Ontario's Minister of Government and Consumer Services
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Bill Morneau, Canada's Minister of Finance With Budget 2017: Working for the Middle Class
The Empire Club of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Club presents The Honourable Bill Morneau, Canada's Minister of Finance. Budget 2017: Working for the Middle Class Canada's Finance Minister, the Honourable Bill Morneau, PC, MP will address The Empire Club and The Canadian Club regarding Budget 2017, the next step in the federal government's economic plan to support Canada's middle class and those working hard to join it. Minister Morneau will discuss how Budget 2017 works to give Canadians the tools they need for the economy of tomorrow.
Speaker: The Hon. Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Steven Del Duca, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation
Ontario's Minister of Transportation, the Hon. Steven Del Duca has a proven track record of outstanding community involvement and a clear dedication to public service. First elected to the Ontario Legislature in September 2012, in less than two years he secured approval of the Highway 427 extension, delivered $49.7 million towards the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital and $49 million for four new schools in Vaughan. Del Duca was re elected in June 2014 and appointed as Ontario's Minister of Transportation in Premier Kathleen Wynne's cabinet. Since becoming Minister, Del Duca has remained committed to the Highway 427 extension. He has also overseen the development and construction of the $1.4 billion York Viva Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, project set for completion in 2020. The York BRT will improve public transportation across the region, stimulate the economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help to manage congestion. A long term advocate of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Del Duca announced in October that construction has officially begun on this important local project. This incredible achievement, made possible by a provincial investment of up to $1.3 billion, will support and provide advanced health care services to more than 500,000 people in the region. Del Duca obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall law school in 2007. Previously, he studied political science and Canadian history at the University of Toronto and at Carleton University. He first moved to Vaughan in 1987 when his family settled in Kleinburg. Today, he lives in Woodbridge with his wife and two daughters.
Speaker: The Honourable Steven Del Duca, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Christopher Wein In Conversation With Jennifer Keesmaat On City Building in Canada in the Twenty First Century
Cities are being built in a significantly different manner than they were even just a generation ago as both planners and developers spend more time thinking about macro issues such as climate change, traffic flow, sustainability and energy conservation, not to mention a host of quality of life issues that are increasingly at the forefront of consumer demands. Each of these issues requires enormous amounts of study and thought if the final product is to be progressive and economically-feasible, and often demands more cooperation between cities and developers. This unique luncheon event will bring together an award-winning North American developer with one of this continent's most respected and well known planners. Their conversation on what it takes to build a great city in 2017 will be of interest to anyone in the real estate and asset management community, but also to investors, architects, lawyers and anyone who has ever wondered how what we are building today differs from what was done in the past, and how this is literally changing the way that urban Canadians live their lives at work, at home, and at play.
Speakers:
Jennifer Keesmaat, Chief Planner and Executive Director, City of Toronto As Chief Planner for the City of Toronto
Christopher J. Wein, President, Great Gulf Residential, Great Gulf Group Limited As President
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General of Ontario
A first generation Canadian, Yasir and his family arrived in Canada in 1988 after the Pakistani government imprisoned his father for leading a pro democracy march. With an upbringing deeply rooted in the values of democracy, social justice and compassion, Yasir feels it is important to be involved in the community and give back. Yasir's passion to serve his community resulted in him being elected a Member of Provincial Parliament, MPP, in October 2007. He was re elected in 2011 and 2014. Yasir currently serves as Attorney General and Government House Leader. He last served as Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, where he introduced the Strategy for a Safer Ontario, the government's plan for building safer, stronger communities across the province. Prior to that, he was Minister of Labour, a role in which he raised the minimum wage, brought forward new protections for vulnerable workers and improved workplace safety measures. As the MPP of a diverse, urban riding, Yasir has been a tireless advocate for public services and sustainable community growth. Recognized by his peers as a strong community leader, Yasir has helped secure funding to build new spaces for educational, health and social service related needs in Ottawa Centre. He has also been the co chair of the Capital Food Bank Blitz since 2005. Yasir is the proud father of Rafi and Elliana and husband to Christine McMillan.
Speaker: The Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
His Worship Mayor John Tory, Mayor for the City of Toronto
John Tory is the 65th Mayor of Toronto. Born and raised in Toronto, Mayor Tory has spent his career promoting and giving back to the city he loves. As a lawyer, talk show host, businessman, Member of Provincial Parliament and Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen's Park, and finally as Mayor, he has long believed that the diversity of Toronto is its strength. As Mayor, John's focus will be on bringing the city together as One Toronto. Among Mayor Tory's top priorities are tackling transit and traffic congestion. He is focused on taking action to reduce commute times so Toronto residents can get to work on time and home to their families sooner. Mayor Tory is also getting to work on Toronto's transit crisis by getting on with the Scarborough subway and beginning work on the SmartTrack line, a 53 kilometre, 22 station surface subway that would provide all day, two way service across the city and bring needed relief to the congested Yonge subway. The early years of Mayor Tory's career were spent practicing law in Toronto, and he was later elected as a managing partner of one of Canada's biggest law firms. In the 1980's he served as Principal Secretary to Premier Bill Davis and as Associate Secretary of the Ontario Cabinet. In September 2004, Mayor Tory was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. In 2005, as PC Party Leader, Mayor Tory would serve as the Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen's Park. Mayor Tory has an extensive background in volunteer community service. He served as volunteer Chairman and Commissioner of the Canadian Football League and has chaired fundraising campaigns for St. Michael's Hospital and the United Way. He has also held leadership positions in a wide range of charitable organizations ranging from Canadian Paraplegic Association, Crimestoppers, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto Association for Community Living, the United Way, and the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund, LEAF. Mayor Tory's community work has been widely recognized. Mayor Tory was a founding Board Member and Chair of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance. He is a recipient of both the Paul Harris and Mel Osborne Awards from the Rotary and Kiwanis organizations respectively and was named a Life Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He is also the recipient of an African Canadian Achievement Award and the Harry Jerome Award. Mayor Tory was recently awarded the Order of Ontario for being a consummate champion for the Greater Toronto Region. Born on May 28, 1954, Mayor Tory is a lifelong, and long suffering, Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Mayor Tory and his wife Barbara have been married for 37 years. They raised their four children, John Jr, Chris, Susan and George in Toronto and are now delighted to have five grandchildren to spoil.
Speaker: His Worship Mayor John Tory, Mayor for the City of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Evening Event with Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of CAMH
2017 For Mental Health The Empire Club and CAMH for host an Evening Event filled with fascinating conversation, networking and hors d'oeuvres. While mental health care has gone from restraint to recovery and from confinement to community over the past 150 years, people with mental illness face barriers accessing care and support. They wage a constant battle for their basic human, civil and health care rights. Individuals living with mental illness and their families demand and deserve better. Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of CAMH, will reflect on the history of mental health care in Canada, discuss how governments can make meaningful change going forward and share what innovations give her hope for the future.
Speaker: Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of CAMH
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
For Whom The Road Tolls Panel: A Debate On Traffic In The GTA and Whether There Are Tolls In The Region's Future
Ms. Mahrokh Arefi, CEO, Emovis Technologies America in the New York area Ms. Arefi has over 25 years of experience in design, implementation and operation of transportation and transit technologies, including recent All Electronic Toll Collection programs in Western Canada. She has managed and provided advisory services to stakeholders to define, develop and implement various transportation programs. She is a registered Professional Engineer in British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA She has had many speaking engagements in the tolling, ITS and transit related conferences. She is currently the CEO of emovis technologies america in the New York area.
Mr. Josh Colle, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 15, Eglinton Lawrence Josh was elected in October 2010 to represent the area of Ward 15 Eglinton Lawrence. In addition, he was elected to serve as Chair of the TTC in 2015. Born and raised in Toronto, Josh brings a wealth of private sector and community experience to City Hall. He has worked in Toronto's financial services sector, the transportation industry, and served as Vice President of an energy and infrastructure firm. Josh obtained an Honours BA in Political Science from McGill University and graduated from St. Michael's College High School at Bathurst and St. Clair. Josh has lived in the Oakwood and Vaughan area for over 30 years, where he continues to reside with his wife and three children.
Ms. Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga In 2014, Bonnie Crombie was elected Mayor of Mississauga. Building regionally integrated transit, igniting new economic development opportunities, and creating a more open, engaging and inclusive city, have been Mayor Crombie's leading policy priorities for Mississauga. Mayor Crombie has an MBA from York University's Schulich School of Business and earned a Corporate Director's Certificate from the Institute of Corporate Directors at the Rotman School of Management. Mayor Crombie and her husband Brian have three children, Alex, Jonathan and Natasha, and a golden husky, Adonis.
Ms. Teresa Di Felice, Director, Government and Community Relations CAA South Central Ontario, Teresa is Director of Government and Community Relations at CAA South Central Ontario, CAA SCO, Canada's largest CAA club. She has been with CAA since 2005. She is responsible for the overall direction and execution of the organization's advocacy strategies and programs, representing and raising awareness on relevant issues to CAA's over 2 million Members and with policy makers in Ontario. Over the last three years Teresa has released two Conference Board of Canada reports related to...
Moderator: Rod Phillips, Global Head of Client Services Afiniti / Chair of the Board Postmedia
Panelists:
Mahrokh Arefi, CEO, Emovis Technologies America in the New York area
Josh Colle, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 15, Eglinton Lawrence
Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga
Teresa Di Felice, Director, Government and Community Relations CAA South Central Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ambassador David MacNaughton, Canada's Ambassador to the United States
David MacNaughton presented his credentials as Canada's Ambassador to the United States on March 3, 2016. As a seasoned entrepreneur and political strategist, Mr. MacNaughton brings a unique set of skills and experiences to his new role as Ambassador. In the 1980s, Mr. MacNaughton transformed the public affairs industry by building an organization that comprised government relations, public opinion research and public relations. After selling his business in 1989, Mr. MacNaughton became President of Canada's largest government and public relations firm and subsequently North American President of the world's largest public relations firm. From 1995 until 2003, Mr. MacNaughton was President of Strathshore Financial and was an advisor to one of Canada's leading investment banks. Mr. MacNaughton's public sector experience includes work at both the federal and provincial levels, including as advisor to the Minister at the Departments of Transport, Industry and Foreign Affairs. He was principal secretary to the Premier of Ontario from 2003 to 2005 and the Chairman of StrategyCorp from 2005 until his appointment. Active in community affairs. Mr. MacNaughton has served on the boards of the North York General Hospital, the Stratford Festival, the National Ski Academy, TV Ontario, the Toronto French School and the Toronto International Film Festival. Mr. MacNaughton is married and has four daughters.
Speaker: David MacNaughton, Canada's Ambassador to the United States
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annual Investment Outlook 2017 featuring lan Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer, IIAC, David Rosenberg, Chief Economist, Gluskin Sheff and Associates Inc., and Jonathan Lewis, Chief Investment Officer, Fiera Capital
lan Russell is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Industry Association of Canada, IIAC, a position he has held since its inauguration in April 2006. Prior to his appointment at the IIAC, Mr. Russell was Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Representation, at the Investment Dealers Association of Canada, IDA. In his 20 year tenure with the IDA and the IIAC, he has participated actively in many committees and working groups involved in regulatory and tax issues related to the securities industry and capital markets. He is a frequent commentator in the media, a regular columnist in industry publications and a sought after speaker on industry issues and developments. In January 2014, Mr. Russell was appointed Chair of the International Council of Securities Associations, ICSA Mr. Russell has an Honours degree in Economics and Business from the University of Western Ontario, and a postgraduate degree, MSc Economics, from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has completed the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Qualifying Examination and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
David Rosenberg is the Firm's Chief Economist and Strategist with a focus on providing a top down perspective to the Firm's investment process and Asset Mix Committee. Mr. Rosenberg received both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining Gluskin Sheff in the spring of 2009, Mr. Rosenberg was Chief North American Economist at Merrill Lynch in New York for seven years, during which he was consistently ranked in the Institutional Investor All Star analyst rankings. Prior thereto, he was Chief Economist and Strategist for Merrill Lynch Canada, based out of Toronto. Mr. Rosenberg is also the author of Breakfast with Dave, a daily distillation of his economic and financial market insights.
Jonathan E. Lewis is the Chief Investment Officer for Fiera Capital's U.S. division, chairs the Fixed Income Investment Committee, and is a member of the Management and Tactical Asset Allocation Committees. Jonathan manages fixed income portfolios for high net worth individuals and institutions and is lead manager for the Fiera Capital STRONG Nations currency fund. Prior to its acquisition by Fiera Capital , Jonathan was a cofounder, Chief Investment Officer, and Managing Principal of Samson Capital Advisors LLC. 2002 to 2004, OFFIT Investment Group, a Wachovia Subsidiary, Managing Director of Fixed Income for Evergreen Private Asset Management, Chief Fixed Income Strategist. Management Committee Member, Evergreen Customized Fixed Income, Overseeing more than $100 billion in fixed income assets. 1999 to 2002, OFFITBANK, Portfolio Manager, Member of...
Speakers:
Ian Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer, IIAC
David Rosenberg, Chief Economist, Gluskin Sheff and Associates Inc.
Jonathan Lewis, Chief Investment Officer, Fiera Capital's U.S. Division
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy
Glenn Thibeault was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2015 as the MPP for Sudbury. He currently serves as Minister of Energy. He was previously Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, focusing on Climate Change. Before entering provincial politics, Thibeault was the Member of Parliament for Sudbury. He is a strong advocate for supports for persons with developmental disabilities, and for quality services for families struggling with autism. Thibeault is also a champion for greater retirement security, enhanced consumer protection measures and significant investment in the Ring of Fire. As a director with the United Way, he led many successful campaigns in support of community development. He has also been a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as with minor hockey and football leagues. Thibeault was born and raised in Sudbury, and is a graduate of Cambrian College. He lives in Sudbury with his wife, Yolanda, and their two daughters.
Speaker: The Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Tom Ridge, Former Governor of Pennsylvania On Cyber Terrorism: The Next Wave
Tom Ridge is Co-Founder of Ridge Canada. He provides clients with solutions to cyber security, international security and risk management issues. Following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The creation of the country's 15th Cabinet Department marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration and another call to service for the former soldier, congressman and governor of Pennsylvania. During his DHS tenure, Secretary Ridge worked with more than 180,000 employees from a combined 22 agencies to create an agency that facilitated the flow of people and goods, instituted layered security at air, land and seaports, developed a unified national response and recovery plan, protected critical infrastructure, integrated new technology and improved information sharing worldwide. Tom Ridge served as Secretary of this historic and critical endeavor until February 1, 2005. Before the events of September 11th, Tom Ridge was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania. He served as the state's 43rd governor from 1995 to 2001. Governor Ridge's aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state's advances in economic development, education, health care and the environment. He serves on the boards of the Institute for Defense Analyses, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress and other private and public entities. He is currently chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's National Security Task Force. He graduated from Harvard with honors. After his first year at Penn State University's Dickinson School of Law, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After returning to Pennsylvania and to Dickinson, he earned his law degree and, later, became one of the first Vietnam co Representatives, where he served six terms.
Speaker: Governor Tom Ridge, Co-Founder of Ridge Canada, Former Governor of Pennsylvania
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mr. Chris Overholt, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee With Rio 2016 Olympics
Rio 2016 Olympics: An inside look at how Team Canada exceeded expectations and the road ahead for Pyeongchang Rio 2016 marked a watershed moment for Team Canada. The unqualified success of Team Canada and its athletes at the Summer Games represents a new dawn for sport in this country. For a number of years, the Canadian Olympic Committee has worked to establish an economic foundation that will provide our athletes with the opportunity for continued success. Chris Overholt, Chief Executive Officer of the COC and a few very special guests from Team Canada, provide a behind the scenes look at what made Rio 2016 the most significant Olympic Games for this country since Vancouver 2010, and outlines the COC's vision for the next chapter of sport in Canada.
Speaker: Chris Overholt, CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mr. Patrick Brown, MPP, Leader of the PC Party of Ontario
Patrick Brown was elected Leader of the Ontario PC Party in May, 2015 and MPP for Simcoe North a few months later in September, 2015. He began his public service career when he was elected at the age of 22 to Barrie City Council while still a student. Patrick stepped into federal politics in 2004, running for the newly formed Conservative Party of Canada in Barrie. He lost that year, but ran again in 2006 and defeated a cabinet minister to become MP for Barrie. Patrick served as MP for nine years until stepping down after winning the Ontario PC Leadership. Patrick works tirelessly to listen to and build strong partnerships with individuals, groups, first responder organizations, both at home and abroad, establishing connections that enable him to better serve his constituents and to serve the people of Ontario as Leader of the Official Opposition. An alumni of St. Michael's College School in Toronto, Patrick studied political science at the University of Toronto before earning his LL.B from the University of Windsor. Patrick also attended l'Université du Québec à Trois Rivières for extensive French studies. Patrick is an avid hockey, tennis player and accomplished marathon runner. He has helped to raise nearly $2 million dollars for the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie and other charities, including JDRF, Autism Ontario, ALS Canada, Busby Street Centre, Talk is Free Theatre, and The Bill Wilkins Scholarship.
Speaker: Mr. Patrick Brown, MPP, Leader of the PC Party of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ms. Deryn Lavell, Head of School, The Bishop Strachan School On Women & Education in Canada: How Far We’ve Come. How Far We Have To Go
Part of our Sesquicentennial Series Honouring Canada's 150th.
Deryn Lavell is a highly respected educational leader with over 30 years experience in Canada and internationally. With a Master of Educational Administration and Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria, B.C., Ms. Lavell's career has taken her from the classrooms of Alert Bay, Prince Rupert and Victoria, B.C., to increasingly senior roles in the United Arab Emirates and Canada. Currently she is Head of School at The Bishop Strachan School, BSS, soon to celebrate its 150th anniversary alongside Canada, making it this country's oldest day and boarding school for girls. She is a powerful advocate for equality and empowering girls with the confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world, a philosophy that has distinguished her leadership at BSS.
Speaker: Ms. Deryn Lavell, Head of School, The Bishop Strachan School
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mr. Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer Bombardier Inc.
Alain Bellemare was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. on February 13, 2015. He is also a member of the Corporation's Board of Directors. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Bellemare was President and Chief Executive Officer of UTC Propulsion and Aerospace Systems, a $30 billion US business, from July 2012 to January 2015. In this role, he had leadership responsibility for Pratt and Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems. He led the successful acquisition and integration of Goodrich, which was combined with Hamilton Sundstrand to form UTC Aerospace Systems. His responsibilities also included some of the largest programs in UTC's history, among them the integrated aerospace systems for the Boeing 787, Pratt and Whitney's Geared TurboFan Engine and the F135 engine for the Joint Strike Fighter. Alain Bellemare began his career with UTC at Pratt and Whitney Canada in 1996 as Vice President of Manufacturing. He held leadership roles of increasing responsibility at UTC including President of Pratt and Whitney Canada, 2002, President of Hamilton Sundstrand, 2009, and Chief Operating Officer of UTC Propulsion and Aerospace Systems, 2011. In these roles, he was responsible for global operations, strategic planning and business development. Before joining Pratt and Whitney Canada, Mr. Bellemare spent more than 12 years in a variety of engineering and manufacturing positions with Kraft Canada and Crown Cork and Seal Canada. He earned an MBA from McGill University in 1993 and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Sherbrooke in 1985. He specialized in aeronautical engineering at Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs en Construction Aéronautique, ENSICA, in Toulouse, France. In 2007, Alain Bellemare received the prestigious Flight magazine Publisher's Award in recognition of his leadership in propelling Pratt and Whitney Canada to a position of great strength around the world, and for his contribution to aerospace. In 2006, he received the McGill Management Achievement Award for his community involvement and contributions to the Canadian economy. In 2001, he was honored as Nouveau Performant in recognition for his excellence in management. He also joined the ranks of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 in recognition of his achievements, vision and leadership. Mr. Bellemare is a member of the Faculty Advisory Board of McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management. He also serves on the Board of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Speaker: Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer Bombardier Inc
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mr. John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry Limited In Conversation with Amber Kanwar, Anchor and Reporter, BNN
John Chen is Executive Chairman of BlackBerry's Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. John is a distinguished and proven leader in the technology industry. Prior to joining BlackBerry, he served as Chairman and CEO of Sybase Inc. from 1997 for 15 years, where he developed and led the company's re invention from a mature, slower growth technology company into a $1.5 billion plus high growth innovator. Under his direction, Sybase became the leading provider of enterprise mobility and mobile commerce solutions, achieving 55 consecutive quarters of profitability. John previously held a series of executive positions at Siemens Nixdorf, Pyramid Technology Corp., Unisys and Burroughs Corp, where he started his career as an engineer. John graduated from Brown University magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and holds a master's in electrical engineering from California Institute of Technology. John is actively involved in international relations. He has testified before Congress on U.S. China trade relations. John serves on the board of directors for The Walt Disney Company and Wells Fargo and Co. He is active in the not for profit community, and is also a trustee of Caltech, member of CFR, national trustee of The First Tee and Governor of the San Francisco Symphony
Moderator: Amber Kanwar, Anchor and Reporter, BNN
Speaker: John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry Limited
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Next Generation of Leaders Panel - The Youth Element: Maximizing Your Greatest Resource
A panel discussion with C-level professionals about how their organizations work collaboratively with young professionals to make a difference harnessing twenty first century civic engagement with corporate social responsibility and an evolving work culture. Come and learn how the not for profit sector and public agencies are both responding to and creating the next generation leaders.
Andrea Cohen Barrack, CEO, Ontario Trillium Foundation: Andrea Cohen Barrack is the CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, one of Canada's largest grant making foundations. OTF works to build healthy and vibrant communities through investments in human and social services, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and the environment. A transformative leader, she has a demonstrated history of both developing strategies which promise positive change and leading others to deliver on those promises.
Sevaun Palvetzian, CEO, CivicAction: Sevaun Palvetzian has been CEO at CivicAction since January of 2014. Before CivicAction, Sevaun held several senior executive roles within the Ontario Government including leading the Ontario Place Revitalization project and launching the Youth and New Professional Secretariat, a government wide strategy to attract and retain future generations of leaders which included launching the award winning Learn and Work Program for at risk youth.
Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO of United Way, Toronto and York Region: Daniele Zanotti was named President and CEO of United Way in June 2016. With more than 20 years of experience in the public and non profit sectors, he has earned a reputation as an accomplished, strategic, and energetic leader. Daniele served as CEO of United Way York Region from 2007 to 2015. During that time he led an evolution that transformed the charity from federated fundraiser into a convener, mobilizer, and agent of community change. Under his guidance, the charity launched new initiatives to foster community dialogue; invested in more targeted and effective ways, and brought new social services to the communities most in need.
Moderator: Valerie Chort, VP Corporate Citizenship: As the VP Corporate Citizenship for RBC and Executive Director of the RBC Foundation, Valerie is responsible for the development and execution of RBC's global corporate citizenship strategy which includes strategic philanthropy, employee citizenship engagement; citizenship impact measurement, evaluation and reporting corporate environmental affairs, and social innovation and finance.
Moderator: Valerie Chort, VP Corporate Citizenship, RBC
Panelists:
Andrea Cohen Barrack, CEO, Ontario Trillium Foundation
Sevaun Palvetzian, CEO, CivicAction
Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO of United Way, Toronto and York Region
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Bruce A. Heyman In Conversation With Catherine Murray On Outlook for the U.S. Canada Relationship
Part of our Sesquicentennial Series honouring Canada's 150th. Thank you to IBK Capital Corp. for sponsoring this series. Bruce Heyman was confirmed as President Obama's personal representative to Canada on March 12, 2014. He is a 33 year veteran of Goldman Sachs, where he served as the managing director of the Private Wealth Management Group from 1999 until December of 2013. Mr. Heyman has served as a board member for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation. He also served as an advisor to the Fix the Debt CEO Council of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. He has been a member of The Economic Club of Chicago, The Executives Club of Chicago, and the Facing History and Ourselves Chicago Advisory Board. A Magna cum laude graduate with both a BA and an MBA from Vanderbilt University, Mr. Heyman continues to maintain close ties to his Alma mater. He is past president of the Alumni Board and a former member of the Board of Visitors at the university's Owen Graduate School of Management. He is married to the former Vicki Simons of Ashland, Kentucky. They have three grown children, David, Liza, and Caroline, and three grand children, Emma, Clara and Brooks.
Moderator: Catherine Murray, Television Anchor, BNN
Speaker: The Hon. Bruce A. Heyman, President Obama's Personal Representative to Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan With The Case for Energy East: Why Canadians Should Embrace Their Good Fortune
Hon. Brad Wall, Premier President of Executive Council Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs MLA for Swift Current Brad Wall was first elected Premier of Saskatchewan in the November 2007 provincial election. His government was re elected in the 2011 provincial election with 64 percent of the popular vote and in the 2016 provincial election with 62 percent of the popular vote, the highest percentages of any political party in Saskatchewan history. Premier Wall's government can point to a remarkable list of achievements, including: The largest personal income and property tax cuts in the history of Saskatchewan; Reducing the province's operating debt by 40 per cent and saving $1.2 billion in interest payments since 2008; Saskatchewan receiving a AAA credit rating from Standard and Poor's for the first time; the highest level possible for a provincial government: Population growth of 132,000 people in 8 years, more growth than the previous 75 years combined to an all time high of 1.14 million people; Implementing a Patients' First Review of the province's health care system and reducing surgical wait times from the longest in Canada to among the shortest: The most aggressive youth retention program in the country to ensure Saskatchewan's young people stay and work in the province; Record infrastructure spending to improve roads, schools, hospitals and senior's facilities all across Saskatchewan. Premier Wallis also a passionate advocate for the province's most vulnerable, often saying that the purpose of pursuing economic growth is to secure a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people. His government created a new direct income support for people with disabilities called the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, SAID, program, eliminated service wait lists for those with intellectual disabilities and have increased autism support and services by 1500 percent. During the last few years, Premier Wall has been consistently rated as Canada's most popular premier in public opinion polls. He has earned a national reputation as a forceful and articulate defender of Saskatchewan's and Canada's trade interests, particularly in the areas of energy and agriculture. Premier Wall was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 1999, representing the constituency of Swift Current. Prior to entering elected politics, he was active in his local business community and involved in service work spanning local events, economic development and health care recruitment. Premier Wall was born and raised in Swift Current, which is in Saskatchewan's southwest. He still lives there with his wife, Tami. He and his wife have three children. Premier Wall received his post secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned an Honours degree in Public Administration. In his spare time, Premier Wall enjoys spending his time with family, reading, cooking, golfing, cheering for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and tinkering with his 1967 Dodge Coronet.
Speaker: The Hon. Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada With The First Event of our Sesquicentennial Series: Celebrating Canada's 150th Anniversary
Canada's Legal System at 150: Fostering Canadian Democracy Through an Independent Judiciary. An independent judiciary is an essential feature of a free, democratic society. Canada's sesquicentennial presents an opportunity to take stock of this cornerstone of Canadian democracy. Judicial independence has characterized the Canadian constitutional order even as the country evolved from a system of Parliamentary sovereignty under the British North America Act, 1867, to one of constitutional supremacy under the Constitution Act, 1982 and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Through a survey of this evolution, the address will draw attention to current concerns relating to judicial independence in Canada, and to the need to better understand this most fundamental of constitutional principles.
Chief Justice McLachlin spent her formative years in Pincher Creek, Alberta and was educated at the University of Alberta, where she received a B.A., Honours, in Philosophy in 1965. She pursued her studies at the University of Alberta and, in 1968, received both an M.A. in Philosophy and an LL.B. She was called to the Alberta Bar in 1969 and to the British Columbia Bar in 1971 and practised law in Alberta and British Columbia. Commencing in 1974, she taught for seven years in the Faculty of Law at the University of British Columbia as a tenured Associate Professor. Her judicial career began in April 1981 when she was appointed to the Vancouver County Court. In September 1981, she was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. She was elevated to the British Columbia Court of Appeal in December of 1985 and was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in September 1988. Seven months later, in April 1989, she was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. On January 7, 2000, she was appointed Chief Justice of Canada. She is the first woman in Canada to hold this position. In addition to her judicial duties at the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice chairs the Canadian Judicial Council, the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada and the Board of Go Judicial Institute. The Chief Justice is the author of numerous articles and publications.
Speaker: The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Anthony Haines, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Hydro Corporation
Anthony Haines is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto Hydro Corporation and its subsidiaries, one of the largest urban electricity distribution companies in Canada. He is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in the Canadian energy industry, including 15 years in various senior roles in the natural gas industry. Mr. Haines currently sits on the Ontario Energy Association, OEA, Board of Directors and is the incoming Chair for 2017. In addition, he served as Chair of the Canadian Electricity Association from 2013 to 2015. Anthony is actively involved in fundraising efforts for the Ross Tilley Burn Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital. This is the largest and most advanced burn treatment centre in Canada and a leading researcher on electrical injury rehabilitation. Mr. Haines is the recipient of the Electricity Distributors Association's Chair's Citation Award, OEA's Leader of the Year and the Energy Council of Canada's 2014 Canadian Energy Person of the Year
Speaker: Anthony Haines, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Hydro Corporation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Thomas G. Wellner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Revera
Ironically, as Canada's population rapidly ages, new research from Revera, Canada's leading owner, operator and investor in the senior living sector reveals that ageism continues to be a tolerated and pervasive form of social prejudice in Canada today. While Canadians unanimously agree that independence and choice are essential at any age, troubling gaps exist between how young adults and seniors view the issue, and many older Canadians report that they regularly experience ageist behavior in their daily lives. As society grapples with the rising costs of caring for our aging population it must also confront the importance of how this care is perceived by older Canadians, and the impact this has on their physical and mental health. However, while many issues related to seniors care will require significant government policy as well as public and private investment, Thomas Wellner, President and CEO of Revera, argues that the solution to ageism is within reach. Wellner will speak to new research that sheds light on this major societal issue, and share his company's recommendations on the way forward.
Biography: Mr. Wellner has extensive global experience in biotech, pharmaceuticals and health care services. Since joining Revera in early 2014, he has led the organization through transformational change, developing the company's strategic direction to grow, innovate and lead in the sector. He has worked with a number of strategic partners in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. to grow Revera's reach from approximately 250 to more than 500 properties internationally. Revera serves more than 50,000 seniors through its portfolio and offers seniors' apartments, independent living, assisted living, memory care and long term care. With approximately 45,000 employees dedicated to providing quality care and service, Revera's vision is to celebrate the ageless spirit of people through service and innovation. Revera is committed to challenging ageism through Age is More, the company's social cause of choice.
Speaker: Thomas G. Wellner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Revera
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
William Charnetski, Chief Health Innovation Strategist for Ontario
William Charnetski has been appointed the Chief Health Innovation Strategist for Ontario. Mr. Charnetski is an accomplished national and global executive who has worked in the highest levels of business, law and government. He has a track record of leading transformational change, developing organizations, leading people to realize their potential, fostering internal and external partnerships and collaboration, and delivering results. He has spent more than 10 years working on integrated health solutions in Canada and around the world in the rapidly changing global pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Charnetski most recently worked in the United Kingdom with AstraZeneca, one of the world's largest innovative pharmaceutical companies. He led the global government affairs and public policy function and had responsibilities for corporate social responsibility and regional communications. His team delivered tangible business results while enhancing health outcomes in many places around the world. Prior to that, he was VP, Integrated Health Solutions, and General Counsel for AstraZeneca Canada. He was also a leader of the industry's work with the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, and other Ontario ministries to help bring an integrated approach to adopting value adding innovative pharmaceutical technologies to Ontario. His work across the Canadian health care system has included building collaborative approaches to adopting innovative value adding technologies across a variety of fields of study. In particular, he was an original member of the Advisory Council of the Ivey International Centre for Health Innovation at Western University and the Steering Committee of the Centre for the Advancement of Health Innovation, within the Conference Board of Canada, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Health Economics in Edmonton. Previously a partner in the Toronto office of the law firm Torys LLP, Mr. Charnetski's practice included mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, securities law and public private partnerships. He formed and was Head of the Privacy Law Group. Mr. Charnetski served as the first Chief of Staff to The Hon. William Graham, P.C., Q.C. when Mr. Graham was Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He also was Senior Advisor to The Hon. Allan Rock, PC., Q.C. when Mr. Rock was Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He has worked on a wide range of justice public policy issues, including those related to health care, human rights, constitutional law and criminal law. Mr. Charnetski is also a member of the Board of The Sandbox Project in Toronto, and served as a provincial nominee to the Board of Waterfront Toronto for seven years.
Speaker: William Charnetski, Chief Health Innovation Strategist for Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development With The Innovation Agenda
The Honourable Navdeep Bains is the Member of Parliament for Mississauga Malton and was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development on November 4, 2015. He has extensive parliamentary experience, having represented Mississauga Malton from 2004 to 2011. He served as Privy Councillor and Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Paul Martin and then as Critic for Public Works and Government Services, the Treasury Board, International Trade, Natural Resources, and Small Business and Tourism. Minister Bains was an adjunct lecturer at the Master of Public Service program at the University of Waterloo and a distinguished visiting professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. His private sector experience includes several years at the Ford Motor Company of Canada. In addition to ties within the academic and business communities, he has held Director positions with social and cultural organizations within the non profit sector. He is the recipient of a number of awards recognizing his work in promoting diversity in communities. Minister Bains has a Bachelor of Administrative Studies from York University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Windsor. He also holds a Certified Management Accountant designation. He is a long time resident of Mississauga, where he lives now with his wife and two children.
Speaker: The Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Physician Assisted Dying Panel: Navigating a New Canadian Right
On Feb. 6, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the country's Criminal Code prohibition on physician assisted dying. In their unanimous decision, the justices on the high court ruled that the decades old ban violated Canadians Charter rights to life, liberty and security of the person, and thus, it could not stand. When it comes into effect in June, the Supreme Court's will establish choice in dying as a right for all Canadians. But whether desperately ill patients who qualify under the criteria, set out in the judgment, competent adult patients who are suffering intolerably as the result of a grievous and irremediable medical condition and who clearly consent to the termination of life remains to be seen. Right to die activists charge that the federal government's new assisted dying bill is overly restrictive and doesn't meet minimum standard laid out in the Supreme Court's decision. The wording of Bill 14 raises questions about whether Canadians with excruciating chronic illnesses but who are not actively dying will be forced to endure many months or even years of unwanted intolerable suffering because their natural death is not reasonably foreseeable. Other people, not surprisingly, view this proposed new law as a slippery slope with potential unforeseen consequences. With less than two months until the Supreme Court's decision comes effect, a panel will explore what the new legislation will mean for the right to die movement in Canada and for ordinary Canadians who are exploring their options for end of life. Questions that may be addressed include: Who will have access? Will the rules for assisted dying vary greatly from province to province? Where do we go from here? What does it mean for us as Canadians to have, if worse comes to w our lives? Panelists will include: Dr. James Downar, critical and palliative care physician, University Health Network, and program director for the Conjoint Program in Palliative Care Medicine, University of Toronto; Shanaaz Gokool, CEO, Dying With Dignity Canada and Piya Chattopadhyay, Host, CBC Radio and TVO Television.
Moderator: Piya Chattopadhyay, Host, CBC Radio and TVO Television
Panelists:
Dr. James Downar, Critical and Palliative Care Physician, University Health Network
Shanaaz Gokool, CEO, Dying With Dignity Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada. Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Andy Byford, CEO, Toronto Transit Commission With Hitting the Finish Line – The Last 600 Days of Our 5 Year Plan to Modernize the TTC
Andy Byford was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission in March, 2012. As such, he leads the largest transit agency in Canada, and the third largest in North America, carrying over 540 million riders on an annual basis. Mr. Byford initially joined the TTC as Chief Operating Officer in November, 2011 and was responsible for the delivery of safe, punctual, reliable bus, streetcar, SRT, subway and Wheel Trans services. From 2009 to 2011, as Chief Operating Officer of Rail Corporation, Sydney, Australia, Mr. Byford delivered service to a million customers a day on Australia's largest transit network. From 2003 to 2009, he held the positions of Operations Director and Operations and Safety Director with Southern Railway and South Eastern Trains Limited, UK. During his tenure with London Underground from 1989 to 2003, he held a variety of managerial positions including Group Station Manager, Kings Cross and General Manager - Customer Service for three of the busiest subway lines. Mr. Byford is a graduate of the University of Leicester from which he was awarded a B.A. joint honours degree in French and German. He also holds a Diploma in Transport from the University of London. Mr. Byford is from Plymouth in the United Kingdom. A member of the Institute of Railway Operators, he is married and lives in Toronto.
Speaker: Andy Byford, CEO, Toronto Transit Commission
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Post Budget Breakfast with the Honourable Bill Morneau
This event is in Partnership with Canadian Club of Toronto. Canada's Minister of Finance, The Honourable Bill Morneau, speaks on Budget 2016 and the federal government's plan to grow the economy and support the middle class.
Speaker: The Hon. Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Jan H. Westcott, President and CEO, Spirits Canada/Association of Canadian Distillers With Canada’s World Class Spirits Industry on the International Stage
This year a Canadian Whisky, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, was honoured as 2016 World Whisky of the Year. Canadian Whisky once dominated the world of whiskies. Canadian based Seagram's was the largest distiller in North America, and at one time Gooderham and Worts contributed more to federal coffers than any other enterprise in the country. Canada has shown we can still produce great whiskies. What does it take to nurture a world class industry? Join us to hear Jan Westcott, President and CEO of Spirits Canada and enjoy a taste of the Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, included in your luncheon ticket. Mr. Westcott has represented the Canadian distilling industry since 1998 and was a key player during three major milestones for Canada's beverage alcohol business. As President of the Canadian Wine Institute, he was part of key negotiations with the US and Europe which set the stage for greater access to imported wines. He also represented the industry during the Canada US Free Trade Agreement, helping to lay the ground work for the enormous success currently enjoyed by the Canadian wine industry. During a US dispute before the WTO over Canada's protectionist practices, as CEO of the Brewers of Ontario, he participated in negotiations that led to significant changes to the availability of imported beers. He knows the business! His talk will address the importance of the spirits industry to Canada's economy jobs and wealth creation and its integral role in Canadian agriculture. Canadian Whisky dominated the world stage long before Scotland had even coined the term Single Malt. Other countries have shown what investment in their beverage industries can achieve. Come out to experience a Canadian winner and learn what it will take to propel our own home grown industry to its former glory.
Speaker: Jan H. Westcott, President and CEO, Spirits Canada/Association of Canadian Distillers
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Air Canada With Air Canada: A World of Opportunities
Calin Rovinescu was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada on April 1, 2009. Mr. Rovinescu is also the Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board, CEB, the controlling body of the Alliance with each of the 27 member airlines represented by their respective CEO. He is a Member of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association, IATA, and served as its Chairman from June 2014 to June 2015. From 2004 until his re joining Air Canada, Mr. Rovinescu was a Co founder and Principal of Genuity Capital Markets, an independent investment bank. Mr. Rovinescu first joined Air Canada in 2000 as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy, where he was Chairman of, and had oversight for many of the airline's businesses including loyalty management, Aeroplan, regional carriers Jazz, and maintenance, repair and overhaul, ACTS. He also had overall responsibility for a number of corporate functions including Legal, Information and Technology, E Commerce, People, Labour, Government Affairs, Communications, Alliances and Corporate Secretariat. In addition, Mr. Rovinescu held the position of Chief Restructuring Officer during the airline's 2003 to 2004 restructuring. Prior to 2000, he was the Managing Partner of the law firm Stikeman Elliott in Montreal, where he practiced law for over 20 years in the areas of corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, and was a member of the firm's Partnership Board and Executive Committee. Mr. Rovinescu received his LL.B from the University of Ottawa in 1980, his LL.L. from the University of Montreal in 1978, and his D.E.C. from McGill University in 1974. He is also the recipient of Honorary Doctorate of Laws degrees from each of the University of Ottawa and the University of Montreal, both awarded in 2014.
Speaker: Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Air Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Her Excellency Vivian Bercovici, Canadian Ambassador to Israel With Israel: The Global Tech Innovation Hub. Why Canadian Business Should Be There
Since January, 2014, Ambassador Bercovici has served as Canada's Ambassador to the State of Israel. She has maintained a strong interest in Israel for decades, professionally and personally. In addition to having studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem from 1981 to 1982, Ambassador Bercovici wrote a monthly column for the Toronto Star on Israel and Mid East issues prior to her appointment. From 1990 until January, 2014, Ambassador Bercovici practiced law in Toronto, focusing on media defence work and regulatory insurance matters. She took a brief hiatus from practice from 1995 to 1997, when she was a policy adviser to Ontario's minister of fin president, general counsel and corporate secretary of a major Canadian insurance company. From 2006 until her appointment as Ambassador, Ms. Bercovici was in private practice in Toronto, representing significant Canadian and global clients in the financial services sector as well as the Government of Canada in claims-related negotiations with several First Nations. Ambassador Bercovici has been a member of the boards of CBC Radio Canada and the Canadian Journalism Foundation. As well, she has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto in the Faculty of Law. She has degrees from York University, the London School of Economics and Political Science and the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. A very proud Toronto resident all her life, Ambassador Bercovici also raised her two daughters in the city. She is deeply committed to developing all aspects of the Cana challenges of living and working in Israel. She speaks Hebrew well.
Speaker: Her Excellency Vivian Bercovici, Canadian Ambassador to Israel
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Neil Bruce, President and Chief Executive Officer, SNC Lavalin With SNC Lavalin: Shaping the Future
Neil Bruce is President and CEO, and a member of the Board of Directors, of SNC Lavalin, one of the world's foremost engineering and construction companies, with 40,000 employees operating in over 50 countries and close to $10 billion in revenue. The company serves global and local clients across four sectors Power, Oil and Gas, Mining and Metallurgy, and Infrastructure, as well as has equity participation in infrastructure assets. Mr. Bruce has over 30 years experience in the oil and gas, mining, energy and infrastructure industries, leading global businesses, designing strategic acquisitions that build shareholder value, and growing longstanding relationships with government, industry bodies and clients around the world. Before being appointed President and CEO of SNC Lavalin, Mr. Bruce was Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company's operations to improve operational execution and deliver on the company's business plans. Prior, he was President of the Resources, Environment and Water group, leading the company's global businesses in oil and gas, mining and metallurgy, environment and water. During this period, Mr. Bruce was the architect of the Kentz acquisition that transformed SNC Lavalin's oil and gas business from a niche 3,000-employee player into a 20,000 strong, world class organization. Prior to joining SNC Lavalin, Mr. Bruce spent 15 years at AMEC, as both Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the FTSE 100 company. He was responsible for the operational delivery of the company's high value consultancy, engineering and project management services to the oil and gas, minerals and metals, clean energy, environment and infrastructure markets worldwide. He identified, negotiated and integrated a number of acquisitions to bring the company to over 30,000 employees in 40 countries at his departure. Mr. Bruce is a Chartered Marine Architect and holds a Master's Degree, both from Newcastle University. Throughout his career, he maintained a strong association and supported education in engineering and people development. He is an Honorary Professor at Aberdeen Business School at Robert Gordon University, where he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration. He is also a fellow of both the Energy Institute and the Institute of Directors based in the UK, from whom he was awarded the Director Award for Developing Young People in 2008. Mr. Bruce has also been an avid supporter of industry development and philanthropic organizations, including former Chairman of the UKTI Oil and Gas Sector Advisory Group, a member of the UK Government's new Trade and Economic Growth Board for Scotland, patron of the CLAN Cancer Link Aberdeen and North East, charity, and a Trustee of Engineers Against Poverty. In 2012, Mr. Bruce was appointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, OBE, by The Queen in Her Majesty's New Year's Honours List 2012 for Services to Engineering.
Speaker: Neil Bruce, President and Chief Executive Officer, SNC Lavalin
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario’s Minister of Finance With Investing in Jobs
Charles Sousa is Ontario's Minister of Finance and the Member of Provincial Parliament, MPP, for the riding of Mississauga South. Charles also serves as Vice Chair of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet. Charles was first elected in October 2007. He has held positions as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan and ParaPan American Games, Minister of Labour and Chair of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet. He has also served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development Trade and the Minister of Government Consumer Services. As Minister of Finance, Charles has delivered multiple Budgets and Fall Economic Statements. He negotiated the formation of the Canadian Cooperative Securities Regulator and continues to lead a national discussion on retirement income security. As Minister of Labour, Charles led the largest overhaul of Ontario's occupational health and safety system in 30 years. As Minister of Citizenship and Immigration he introduced an immigration strategy to foster more support of settlement and newcomer representation in Ontario. Charles possesses an extensive background in the financial sector. He worked at RBC Financial Group for more than 20 years in commercial banking. Prior to that, he owned and operated a financing company supporting small businesses. He also served as a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Toronto Board of Trade, and as a director of the American Chamber of Commerce. Charles' commitment to community service earned him the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He was also inducted as a Commander to the Order of Merit in Portugal. Charles graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1982 with an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration. In 1991, he completed a fellowship at the Institute of Canadian Bankers. He earned an Executive MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in 1994. Charles is married with three children.
Speaker: The Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario’s Minister of Finance
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Annual Investment Outlook Luncheon: Making Money in 2016 from Domestic and International Financial Markets Featuring Ian Russell, Nick Barisheff and Greg Greer
lan Russell, President and CEO of the Investment Industry Association of Canada and Nick Barisheff, President and CEO of Bullion Management Group Inc. and Greg Greer, Managing Director and Head, Global Debt Capital Markets, Scotiabank lan Russell is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Industry Association of Canada IIAC. Prior to his appointment at the IAC, Mr. Russell was Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Representation, at the Investment Dealers Association of Canada, IDA. In his 20 year tenure with the IDA and the IIAC, he has participated actively in many committees and working groups involved in regulatory and tax issues related to the securities industry and capital markets. He is a frequent commentator in the media, a regular columnist in industry publications and a sought after speaker on industry issues and developments. In January 2014, Mr. Russell was appointed Chair of the International Council of Securities Associations, ICSA. Mr. Russell has an Honours degree in Economics and Business from the University of Western Ontario, and a postgraduate degree, MSc Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has completed the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Qualifying Examination and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute. Nick Barisheff is the founder, president and CEO of Bullion Management Group Inc., a company dedicated to providing investors with a secure, cost effective, transparent way to purchase and hold physical bullion. BMG is an Associate Member of the London Bullion Market Association, LBMA, as well as the Responsible Investment Association, RIA. Widely recognized as an international bullion expert, Nick has written numerous articles on bullion and current market trends, which have been published on various news and business websites. Nick has appeared on BNN, CBC, CNBC and Sun Media, and has been interviewed for countless articles by leading business publications across North America, Europe and Asia. His first book $10,000 Gold: Why Gold's Inevitable Rise is the Investors Safe Haven, was published in the Spring of 2013. Every investor who seeks the safety of sound money will benefit from Nick's insights into the portfolio preserving power of gold. www.bmgbullion.com Greg Greer is managing Director and Head, Global Debt Capital Markets. He is currently responsible for Scotiabank's Global Debt Capital Markets business, as well as our EMEA and Asia Pacific Risk Solutions businesses...
Speaker:
Ian Russell, President and CEO of the Investment Industry Association of Canada
Nick Barisheff, President and CEO of Bullion Management Group Inc.
Greg Greer, Managing Director and Head, Global Debt Capital Markets, Scotiabank
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mr. Stephen Poloz, Governor of the Bank of Canada With The Evolution of Unconventional Monetary Policy
Mr. Poloz has been Governor of the Bank of Canada since June 3, 2013. Born in Oshawa, Ontario, Mr. Poloz has over 30 years of public and private sector experience. An economist by training, he first joined the Bank of Canada in 1981 and occupied a range of increasingly senior positions over a 14 year span. Mr. Poloz then spent four years at BCA Research as managing editor of its flagship publication, The International Bank Credit Analyst. Mr. Poloz joined Export Development Canada in 1999 as Vice President and Chief Economist. From 2008 to 2010, he was responsible for all of EDC's lending programs, as well as the Economics and Corporate and International Trade Intelligence groups. He became EDC's President and CEO in January 2011, a position he held until his appointment at the Bank of Canada. Mr. Poloz resides in Ottawa with his wife of 36 years, Valerie. He has two children, Jessica and Nicholas, and he is a grandfather.
Speaker: Mr. Stephen Poloz, Governor of the Bank of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Heather Conway, Executive VP, English Services, CBC In Conversation Greg O’Brien, Editor and Publisher, Cartt.ca With You, Me and the CBC
As the saying goes, everyone in Canada has two jobs…their own and running the CBC. Heather Conway, executive vice president of CBC, responsible for English Services, will discuss the role of the national public broadcaster in the 1000 channel universe, as a unique Canadian voice, a critical pillar in sustaining the creative sector as a competitive advantage for Canada.
Heather Conway joined CBC as Executive Vice President of English Services in December 2013. Ms. Conway is responsible for all of CBC Radio Canada’s English language services including CBC Radio One, CBC Radio 2, CBC Television, CBC News Network, CBC.ca, documentary and digital operations.
Prior to joining CBC, Ms. Conway was Chief Business Officer at the Art Gallery of Ontario, where she was in charge of human resources, digital services, marketing, security and membership, among other things. Under her tenure, the Gallery saw its attendance increase by 20 percent and achieved its highest membership levels.
Previously, Ms. Conway spent six years as Executive Vice President at Alliance Atlantis Communications. There, she oversaw strategic marketing, publicity and on air creative for 13 Canadian cable specialty channels, transformed the business model for channel distribution and increased subscription revenue. She later became Chief Executive Officer of Edelman Public Relations Canada. Earlier in her career, Ms. Conway held other senior management and consulting positions with TD Bank Financial Group, Hill and Knowlton and The Neville Group.
Ms. Conway has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Queen’s University and a Master of Arts in Industrial Relations from the University of Warwick, England. In 2001, Ms. Conway received a Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award. In 2014, Heather was on Toronto’s Top 50 Most Influential People.
Greg O’Brien has been a journalist for over 25 years, the last 17 of which have been spent exclusively covering the Canadian cable, radio, television and telecom sectors. He launched his own business, Cartt.ca, in May, 2005, and since then, it has become that industry’s news leader, the place where thousands of professionals working in these once separate, but now undeniably intertwined, industries turn to for breaking news, in depth feature stories, analysis and opinion about their industry.
Speaker:
Heather Conway, Executive VP, English Services, CBC
Greg O’Brien, Editor and Publisher, Cartt.ca
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Carol Browner, Former Director of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy and Former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator With Tackling Climate Change with a Modern, Clean Electricity System
Former Director of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy under President Obama and the longest serving United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator will discuss the important role a modern, clean electricity system is to tackling climate change and keeping the air we breathe clean.
Speaker: Carol Browner, Former Director of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy and Former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Minister Glen Murray, Ontario's Minister for Environment and Climate Change With Ontario’s Low Carbon Future
Ontario will be releasing a Climate Change Strategy before its leaders travel to the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference,COP21, in Paris. This long term strategy will guide the government’s approach to climate change and outline a path for the province as it transitions to a low carbon economy. Join the Hon. Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, as he discusses how Ontario will build on its actions to fight climate change and help ensure that future generations are left with healthy and prosperous province.
Glen Murray was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2010 as the MPP for Toronto Centre. He was re elected in 2011 and 2014.Murray currently serves as Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. He was appointed the Minister of Infrastructure and the Minister of Transportation in February 2013.
He has had a lifetime of activism in urban planning, sustainable development and community health. Murray is a founding member of the Canadian AIDS Society. He was Director of Health Education and HIV Prevention Services at the Village Clinic, 9 Circles Community Health Centre in Winnipeg. Murray was also part of the World Health AIDS Service Organization’s working group for the Global Program on AIDS.
He served as mayor of Winnipeg from 1998 to 2004. As Chair of the Big City Mayors Caucus, Murray led the successful campaign to transfer the equivalent of five cents per litre of the federal gas tax to municipalities for infrastructure renewal and construction.
In 2004, he moved to Toronto and served as Senior Resident at Massey College and a Visiting Fellow at the Faculty of Architecture and Landscape Design at the University of Toronto. Murray was a Managing Partner of AuthentiCITY, a Toronto based urban sustainability consulting and planning firm. He was appointed Chair of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy by former prime minister Paul Martin in 2005. Murray became president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute in 2007.
He has served on several university, hospital and community boards, including the Expo 2015 Bid Committee and the Toronto District School Board’s Reference Group for Improving Services for Marginalized Students. He has logged more than 5,000 kilometres cycling for Habitat for Humanity to raise money for affordable housing. Murray has won several public service awards, including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Fight for LGBT Justice and Equality award from Egale Canada in 2003.
Murray was born in Montreal, where he earned a diploma from John Abbott College. He then attended Concordia University’s School of Community and Public Affairs for four years, majoring in Urban Studies.
Speaker: Minister Glen Murray, Ontario's Minister for Environment and Climate Change
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Vishnu Prakash, High Commissioner of India to Canada With What's Next for the World's Fastest Growing Large Economy
Mr. Prakash joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1981. After postings in Moscow and New Delhi he was assigned to New York where he handled Economic and Commercial matters.
In 1992 he was appointed Consul General of India in Vladivostok. Within a span of two years a dozen Indian companies set up offices in the Russian Far Eastern region and direct trade links were established.
He was Director in the Ministry of External Affairs, looking after Nepal and Bhutan between 1994 and 1997 during which period he also did a three month sabbatical with the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, USA.
Mr. Prakash was next assigned as Counsellor, Political first in Tokyo, 1997 to 2000, and then in Islamabad ,2001. In 2002 he was posted as Minister, Economic and Commercial, in Cairo. He actively promoted Indian investments in Egypt.
He assumed office of the Consul General of India, Shanghai in January 06 and served there till August 08, when he was appointed as Joint Secretary, XP, and Official Spokesperson of MEA in New Delhi. He demitted office in January 2012.
He moved to Seoul as the Ambassador of India on 12 January 2012.
On 22 August 2013, he was conferred an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Business Administration by the Tongmyong University in Busan. On 22 January 2015 he was bestowed the Ambassador of the Year, 2014 award by the Asia Society, Korea Center in Seoul.
Mr. Prakash assumed the office of High Commissioner of India in Ottawa on 8 March 2015.
High Commissioner Prakash is married with two children. His wife Mrs. Neelam Prakash has a Master’s degree in Economics. She is a keen practitioner of Yoga and loves golf. His son Abhimanyu Prakash, 32, is with a financial company in New York and his daughter Katya Prakash, 28, is a doctor in San Diego, California
Speaker: Vishnu Prakash, High Commissioner of India to Canada
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Michael Medline, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Tire With Innovate or Die: Competing in a World of Digital Disruption
The digital disruption of business is affecting every industry and is way bigger than any of us could have ever imagined. As a business leader, if you are not tackling it head on, there will be no chance of catching up. To win in business today, leaders must be at the forefront of this change, and tackle disruption head on. I believe Canadian companies have a unique opportunity to lead the charge and show the rest of the world what true innovation looks like.
A seasoned retail veteran with a passion for innovation, Michael Medline’s career at Canadian Tire has been marked by bold strategic thinking, creative ideas and a steadfast drive to keep the Company on offence. Michael believes in the power of sport, is relentless in his commitment to giving back to communities and is dedicated to creating initiatives that help children get into the game and live more active and healthy lives.
Over the course of his 14 year career with Canadian Tire, Michael has led many of the Company’s most important strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of Mark’s in 2002, the acquisition and subsequent integration and leadership of the Forzani Group in 2011, and the Scotiabank partnership in May 2014.
Michael is driving the Company’s business units to innovate with a focus on adapting to the changing expectations and needs of customers, including being more relevant in a world of rapidly changing technology. He is dedicated to evolving Canadian Tire Corporation into a world class digital organization.
Michael holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, an LL.B. from the University of Toronto, and a BA from the University of Western Ontario. In addition to his corporate leadership roles, Michael is Vice Chairman of the board of the Retail Council of Canada, a member of the Board of Governors of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and Honorary Chair of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame 2015 Induction Celebrations and a board member of SickKids Foundation. He has sat on the boards of Canadian Tire Bank, Jumpstart and Pan Asia Paper Company.
Speaker: Michael Medline, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Tire
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Dr. Graham D. Sher, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Blood Services With A Bridge Across Silos: Collaboration and Leadership for Innovation and Better Value in Health Care
While meaningful debate on health care has yet to make its way into the federal election, one thing that is not debatable is that good things happen when we collaborate for greater health care innovation, argues Dr. Graham Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services. Dr. Sher will share his organization’s unique perspective, as a publicly funded, national health service delivery organization, on how collaboration, integration and innovation can improve system performance and patient outcomes, as well as equity and access to care. Innovation in health care is not just about technology, it’s about thinking, acting and behaving differently. Dr. Sher will discuss how Canadian Blood Services’ various programs, such as nationally shared blood inventory, organ donation and transplantation registries and bulk purchasing of plasma derived drugs, are examples of what’s possible when we collaborate across provincial health system silos to benefit patients and deliver better value. One week prior to heading to the polls, we hope you will vote to join us for this important national perspective on health care reform.
Biography: Graham has been with Canadian Blood Services since it began operations in September 1998. He first served as vice president of medical, scientific and clinical management, and was appointed CEO in June 2001. Graham continues to lead Canadian Blood Services through an extensive, multi year transformation journey. The early phases of this transformation focused on a comprehensive service delivery model redesign to ensure safety, adequacy and modernization of systems. Leveraging these early changes, Canadian Blood Services’ current strategy positions the organization as a trusted partner in healthcare delivery across Canada and has at its roots a focus on quality excellence, sustainable efficiency and a committed, engaged workforce. Graham is a recognized expert in transfusion medicine and science, and is a sought after speaker both nationally and internationally. He sits on a number of blood system and healthcare related boards and advisory bodies, and has provided consulting support to other countries in the transformation of their blood systems. Graham is a founding member of the Alliance of Blood Operators and is the first international director on the board of the AABB, formerly the American Association of Blood Banks, serving as its president in 2013 and 2014. Beyond blood system governance, he is passionate about health system design and management, and is active in a number of areas of health system performance improvement and policy development. A hematologist by training, Graham acquired his medical and doctoral degrees at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and his specialty certification at the University of Toronto. He was formerly a physician and scientist on staff at the Toronto Hospital and on faculty at the University of Toronto. He is happily married, has three sons, and is constantly struggling to find more time for his other passion: photography
Speaker: Dr. Graham D. Sher, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Blood Service
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario With Canada at the Crossroads: Why National Leadership Matters to Ontario's Economic Plan
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne: Executive Biography Kathleen Wynne is Ontario's 25th Premier. She was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 as the MPP for Don Valley West. Wynne was re elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014. She became the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in January 2013. In addition to her role as Premier, Wynne currently serves as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. She has also served as Minister of Agriculture and Food. Some of her key achievements as Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food include a new Youth Jobs Strategy, record investment in transit and transportation, a jobs plan to attract and keep businesses in Ontario, and a Local Food Act. Prior to becoming Premier, Wynne served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Education. As the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, she finalized a new funding agreement with the federal government to improve access to affordable housing. In her role as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Wynne worked in partnership with First Nations communities to address issues such as mining development and First Nations land claims, and improving the quality of life for aboriginal peoples living off reserve through affordable housing and recreation programs. As Minister of Education, Wynne led the government's efforts to reduce class sizes, implement full day kindergarten and provide more opportunities for high school students to reach their full potential. During her tenure as Minister of Transportation, she secured a new transit expansion plan for Toronto, including the Eglinton Scarborough LRT. Wynne also oversaw Ontario's largest highway investments, including the Highway 407 East Extension and the Windsor Essex Parkway. Before becoming an MPP, she served as a trustee with the Toronto District School Board. And prior to that, Wynne, who has lived with her partner, Jane, in North Toronto for more than 25 years, has led citizens groups in a number of grassroots community projects and played a major role as an organizer and facilitator. Wynne has three adult children, Chris, Jessie and Maggie, and three grandchildren.
Speaker: The Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta With State of the Province and Its Economy
Premier Rachel Notley will speak on the state of the province and its economy, and will discuss the Government of Alberta's key fiscal, economic, social and environmental priorities at a time of both remarkable challenge and opportunity for Alberta. Premier of Alberta biography: Rachel Notley was sworn in as Alberta's 17th Premier on May 24, 2015. She leads Alberta's first New Democratic government, with a strong majority and a diverse caucus, including the highest percentage of women of any government in Canada. She also serves as Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations. Rachel Anne Notley was born on April 17, 1964, in Edmonton, Alberta, and raised in Fairview. The area is part of a constituency now named for her father, Grant Notley, a long time and well respected MLA who served as the leader of the province's first NDP Opposition. Her mother, Sandy, was also a strong influence in Rachel's life, taking her to protest marches before her tenth birthday and shaping a social conscience that continues to guide her. Rachel Notley completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of Alberta, and earned a law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. Her legal career focused on labour law, workers' compensation advocacy, and workplace health and safety issues. She worked for several labour unions in Alberta and British Columbia, and also served as an advisor to BC's Attorney General. In 2008, Rachel followed in her father's footsteps and was elected as an NDP MLA, serving the constituency of Edmonton Strathcona. She was subsequently re elected in 2012 with the highest share of the vote of any MLA in the province. She became party leader on October 18, 2014, and was elected to her third term as MLA on May 5, 2015, in the same historic election that saw the NDP sweep the Progressive Conservative party from office after almost 44 years. Rachel Notley represents a new generation of Albertans. Her party ran on a platform of creating jobs, restoring honest and open government, preserving and building the health care and education systems, and rebalancing government revenues to make them more fair. This vision, with a balance between a strong economy, environmental responsible justice, was welcomed by Albertans, who elected NDP candidates in more than 50 of Alberta's 87 ridings. Rachel and her husband, Lou Arab, live with their two teenage children in Edmonton.
Speaker: The Hon. Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
David Plouffe, Chief Advisor, Uber and Former Senior Advisor and Campaign Manager for President Obama With The Future of Transportation.
David Plouffe, Uber's Chief Advisor and Member of the Board of Directors will discuss the future of transportation and the advent of new on demand ridesharing services. Mr. Plouffe will share his insights on new innovations in urban transportation and the impact this is having on city and economic life. Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through its mobile application, the company is making cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. From its founding in 2009 to its launches in over 320 cities today, Uber's rapidly expanding global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer. Bio: David Plouffe is widely referred to as the architect of President Obama's two presidential campaign victories. After serving as the campaign manager in the 2008 presidential election, he served inside the White House as Senior Advisor to the President. Plouffe currently serves on the Board of the Barack Obama Foundation and is a member of the Uber Board of Directors. Plouffe has managed campaigns at all levels of politics, served as an award winning producer of television advertisements, served as a consultant to leading Fortune 500 companies and has been a ubiquitous presence on national news shows. In September 2014. Plouffe joined Uber and in addition to his board duties serves as the Chief Travis Kalanick, Plouffe has won plaudits for the use of technology and pioneering new applications, his message development and discipline, his management skills and his focus and competitiveness. The Obama Biden presidential campaign and Plouffe were awarded the Titanium and Integrated Grand Prix Awards from the Cannes International Advertising Festival, 2009. The campaign won for the effort's digital savvy, its success in community building and its willingness to allow the Obama brand to be created by consumers rather than top-down communications mandates. In 2010, Plouffe was number 4 on Newsweek's list of New Thought Leaders, and The Daily Beast named him as one of the 25 Smartest People of the Decade. GQ named Plouffe in 2012 the third most powerful person in Washington. Plouffe is the author of The New York Times best seller. The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama's Historic Victory and has been a Contributor for ABC News and Bloomberg Television. In 2013 he was inducted into The American Association of Political Consultants' Hall of Fame.
Speaker: David Plouffe, Chief Advisor, Uber and Former Senior Advisor and Campaign Manager for President Obama
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
2015 Women Who Lead Panel featuring Andrea Stairs, Ilse Treurnicht and Shelley Martin In Conversation With Amber Kanwar
As eBay Canada's managing director, Andrea Stairs leads the Canadian strategy and operations of one of the world's largest online marketplaces and Canada's second largest e commerce business. In this role, Andrea is responsible for cultivating eBay's community of Canadian users, from individual consumers to established brands and retailers, and for overseeing all of eBay's Canadian functions, including product management, business development, and public and government relations. Andrea was most recently head of marketing for eBay Canada, managing the brand's marketing strategy and execution. She was also instrumental in launching eBay's French Canadian website and in leading the eBay Motors team in Canada. After receiving a BA from McGill University, Andrea obtained LLB and MBA degrees from the University of Toronto. Andrea sits on executive committee of the board of directors of the Information Technology Association of Canada, ITAC. A native of Montreal, Andrea now lives in Toronto with her husband and young son and daughter.
Ilse Treurnicht is the CEO of MaRS Discovery District, a leading innovation centre located in Toronto. She oversees both the development and operations of the MaRS Centre and its broad suite of entrepreneurship and innovation programs. Ilse joined MaRS in early Primaxis Technology Ventures, a startup stage venture capital fund focused on the advanced technologies sector. Prior to Primaxis, she was an entrepreneur with senior management roles in a number of emerging technology companies. Ilse is an active member of Canada's innovation community. She served as Chair of the Canadian Task Force on Social Finance in 2010, and is a member of the Science, Technology and Innovation Council, STIC. Ilse holds a DPhil in chemistry from Oxford University, which she attended as a Rhodes scholar.
Shelley Martin is President and CEO of Nestlé Canada Inc., a leading company that produces some of the world's most recognized and trusted foods and beverages. In this role, Shelley has executive responsibility for Nestlé in Canada which includes the following divisions: Beverages, Confectionery, Frozen Meals and Pizza, Ice Cream, Nestlé Professional, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Nestlé Waters, Nestlé Health Science and Nestlé Nutrition. Nestlé in Canada businesses employ approximately 3,600 people in 23 facilities, including manufacturing sites, sales offices and distribution centres nationally. Shelley joined Nestlé Canada in March 1990 working on the PetCare Business in Marketing and in 1997, was promoted to Vice President of Confectionery. Shelley actively participates in industry initiatives and is currently the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Food and Consumer Products Canada, FCPC. She serves on the Board of the Grocery Innovation Foundation which has raised over $75 million to provide a better life for challenged...
Moderator: Amber Kanwar, Anchor and Reporter at Business News Network
Panelists:
Andrea Stairs, Managing Director, eBay Canada
Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of MaRS Discovery District
Shelley Martin, President and CEO, Nestlé Canada Inc
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Senator Evan Bayh, Former Governor of Indiana and U.S. Senator With Ontario’s Nuclear Advantage
Senator Bayh will discuss the important role Nuclear Power plays in the Great Lakes Region as a key source of reliable, affordable electricity, while growing the economy and keeping the air we breathe clean. Biography: Senator Evan Bayh is a former two term governor of Indiana and U.S. senator and currently serves as a strategic advisor for McGuireWoods and the Leadership of Nuclear Matters, which is a group dedicated to inform the public about the clear benefits that nuclear energy provides. Sen. Bayh had a very distinguished career in public service being elected overwhelmingly as Governor and Senator in his home state of Indiana. As a moderate Democrat, he was a leader, working in a bipartisan manner to seek consensus on several key issues, including financial services reform and healthcare. He was also a leading voice advocating fiscal restraint on government spending. Sen. Bayh served on several committees, including Armed Services; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources: Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Aging, and Senate Intelligence. Prior to being elected to the Senate, he was elected to two terms as governor of Indiana, where he enacted welfare reform, cut taxes, and brought about fiscal discipline to the state's budget. He also served as Secretary of State in Indiana, 1986 to 1989. Sen. Bayh also currently serves as a senior advisor at Apollo Global Management in New York and on the board of directors for Fifth Third Bank, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Berry Plastics Corporation, RLJ Lodging Trust, and McGraw Hill Education. He also serves on the advisory board for the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA.
Speaker: Senator Evan Bayh, Former Governor of Indiana and U.S. Senator
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Witness History: Dennis Edney, Lawyer for Omar Khadr, In conversation with Michelle Shephard of the Toronto Star
The Empire Club of Canada and Ramsay Talks welcome Alberta lawyer Dennis Edney as he discusses the legal and human rights issues associated with his noted client, Omar Khadr. This is a rare and important opportunity to hear first hand, the details of a uniquely Canadian international story of politics, terrorism, and jurisprudence. Omar Khadr is a Canadian citizen. In July 2002, at age 15, he was captured by the U.S. military after they bombed and assaulted the Afghanistan compound where he was living. The U.S.raid and subsequent firefight resulted in the death of a U.S. soldier and Khadr being severely wounded. At age of 16, he was sent to the U.S. detention facility in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where he remained for 10 years before being sent back to prison in Canada. This May, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled against the Government of Canada and granted him parole. Professors, doctors, businessmen and even a former senior member of the U.S. military have put their reputations on the line to support the bail application of a man the Canadian government and other detractors have branded a dangerous jihadi terrorist. Foremost among those backing Omar K are his long time lawyer Dennis Edney and his wife, Patricia, who have also taken him into their home.
Moderator: Michelle Shephard, Reporter with the Toronto Star
Speaker: Dennis Edney, Lawyer for Omar Khadr
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable David R. Peterson, Chairman, Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games With Building on the success of the Pan Am Games
Mr. Peterson is Chairman of the Toronto law firm of Cassels Brock and Blackwell LLP, where he practices corporate/commercial law. Mr. Peterson is Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 2015 Pan American, Parapan American Games. He is Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Toronto, a director of St. Michael's Hospital Foundation and was Chairman of the successful 2009 Toronto bid for 2015 Pan Am Games. He has been a director of over 30 public and private companies. He is currently a director of Rogers Communications Inc., Franco Nevada Corporation and Ivanhoe Cambridge. He was the Founding Chairman of the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club Inc. and Chapters Inc. Mr. Peterson is or was Chairman or Director or active with a number of charitable, educational and environmental organizations including the Shaw Festival, Advisory Board of the Coady International Institute, Toronto City Summit Alliance, the Ontario March of Dimes, the Ontario Canada Day Committee, Canadian Club, Cercle Canadien, Council for Canadian Unity, Young President's Organization, World President's Organization, the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada, Frontier College, Peter Lougheed Medical Research Foundation, Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, Magnetic True North Theatre, West Park Health Centre and Toronto Abuse Centre. He was chairman of the Commonwealth Team observing the 1992 elections in Guyana. He was chief federal negotiator for the devolution of the Northwest Territories and has worked on a number of important negotiations with the First Nations, including Caledonia and the Ontario Gaming Agreement. He is a senior fellow at Massey College, a fellow of McLaughlin College and Executive in Residence at Rotman School of Management and was an adjunct professor at York University. He speaks often on national and international issues, as well as being a frequent commentator on television. Mr. Peterson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Toronto and studied at the University of Caen, France. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1969 and appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1980 and was appointed by Her Majesty to the Privy Council in 1992. Mr. Peterson has received many honorary doctorates, including from the University of Toronto the University of Western Ontario and the University of Ottawa. In 1994 the government of France appointed him a Knight of the Order of the Legion of Honour of France. In 1995 the International Assembly of French Speaking Parliamentarians presented him with the Ordrede la Pléiade. He was awarded the Order of Ontario in 2009. In 1975 he was elected as a Member of the Ontario Legislature, and became the leader of the Ontario Liberal party in 1982. He served as Premier of the Province between 1985 and 1990, overseeing a very active period of reform and playing a major role in the country's constitutional discussions. He resides in Toronto and Caledon with his actress/author wife Shelley...
Speaker: The Hon. David R. Peterson, Chairman, Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Victor G. Dodig, President and Chief Executive Officer, CIBC With The Future of Banking: Importance of Innovation and Technology
Victor Dodig is President and Chief Executive Officer of the CIBC group of companies, one of North America's largest financial services institutions. Mr. Dodig joined CIBC in 2005 as Executive Vice President, CIBC Wealth Management. In 2007, he became Executive Vice President, Retail Distribution, CIBC, where he led the bank's retail banking distribution and sales teams. He was appointed Group Head, Wealth Management in 2011, taking on responsibility for the bank's brokerage, private wealth, and asset management businesses in both Canada and the US. Mr. Dodig was named President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of CIBC's Board of Directors in September 2014. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the C.D. Howe Institute and is a member of the Catalyst Canada Advisory Board. Prior to joining CIBC, Mr. Dodig was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in Canada for UBS Global Asset Management. Earlier in his career, he spent five years as Managing Director in Canada, the US and the UK for Merrill Lynch and Company, where he gained international experience, following three years as a Management Consultant with McKinsey and Company. Mr. Dodig is a past recipient of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 award. He holds an MBA from Harvard University where he was a Baker Scholar, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto, St. Michael's College. He also holds a Diploma from the Instituts d'études politiques in Paris.
Speaker: Victor G. Dodig, President and Chief Executive Officer, CIBC
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Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada With Towards 2017: What Are We Giving to Canada
David Johnston began his professional career as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Law at Queen's University in 1966, moving to the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law in 1968. He became dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario in 1974. In 1979, he was named principal and vice chancellor of McGill University, and, in July 1994, he returned to teaching as a full time professor in the McGill Faculty of Law. In June 1999, he became the fifth president of the University of Waterloo. Mr. Johnston has served on many provincial and federal task forces and committees, and has also served on the boards of a number of public companies. He was president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and of the Conference des recteurs et des principaux des universites du Quebec. He was the founding chair of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, and chaired the federal government's Information Highway Advisory Council. His academic specializations include securities regulation, information technology, and corporate law. Mr. Johnston holds an LL.B. from Queen's University, 1966, an LL.B. from the University of Cambridge, 1965, and an A.B. from Harvard University, 1963. While at Harvard, he was twice selected for the All American hockey team and was named to Harvard's Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the first non American to chair Harvard's Board of Overseers. He is the author or co author of 24 books and new editions, holds honorary doctorates from over 20 universities, and is a Companion of the Order of Canada. He was born in Sudbury, Ontario, and is married to Sharon Johnston. They have five daughters and 11 grandchildren. Sworn in on October 1, 2010, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston is the 28th governor general since Confederation.
Speaker: His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
A Pioneer Series Event of the Empire Club of Canada featuring Jim Balsillie, Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff With Blackberry: Lessons Learned from One of Canada’s Most Riveting Technology Companies
Losing the Signal: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of BlackBerry
JACQUIE McNISH is a senior writer with The Globe and Mail and previously The Wall Street Journal. She has won six National Newspaper Awards for her groundbreaking investigations into some of the biggest business stories of the past three decades. She is a regular host on Canadian business news station BNN and an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School. She has authored three bestselling books: The Big Score: Robert Friedland, Inco and the Voisey's Bay Hustle; Wrong Way: The Fall of Conrad Black,winner of the 2005 National Business Book Award, and The Third Rail: Confronting our Pension Failures, which was co authored by Jim Leech. In his 2005 New York Times review of Wrong Way, author Bryan Burrough praised her as, long one of Canada's best business writers. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons.
SEAN SILCOFF is an award winning business writer with The Globe and Mail. During his seventeen year career, he has covered just about every area of business, from agriculture to the credit crisis, toys to airplane manufacturing. He led the paper's coverage of the rise and fall of BlackBerry and many of the other major business stories of the decade, including the takeover battle for telecom giant BCE Inc., the contentious merger between brewers Molson and Coors, and the near death struggles of plane and train manufacturer Bombardier Inc. He has won a National Newspaper Award, an Aerospace Journalist of the Year Award and the Edward Goff Penny Memorial Prize for Young Canadian Journalists. He lives in the Gatineau Hills near Ottawa with his wife and three children.
JIM BALSILLIE, B.Comm. Toronto, FCA Toronto, MBA Harvard, currently chairs the Board of Directors of Sustainable Development Technology Canada. He was appointed to this role by the Government of Canada in 2013. He is a co founder and former co CEO of Research In Motion, BlackBerry, and founder of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, CIGI. He is also the founder of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, BSIA; Arctic Research Foundation, and co founder of Communitech. He was the private sector representative on the UN Secretary General's High Panel for Sustainability. His awards include: Mobile World Congress Lifetime Achievement Award, India's Priyadarshni Academy Global Award, Time Magazine World's 100 Most Influential People, three times Barron's list of World's Top CEOs and once CNBC's list of Worst CEOs.
Speakers:
Jim Balsillie, Chair of the Board of Directors of Sustainable Development Technology Canada
Jacquie McNish, Senior Writer, The Globe and Mail
Sean Silcoff, Business Writer, The Globe and Mail
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
His Worship Mayor John Tory, Mayor for the City of Toronto With The Future of the Gardiner Expressway.
Toronto Mayor John Tory will outline his vision for the future of the eastern portion of the Gardiner Expressway and the impact on traffic, economic development and the need to build a truly great city. This historical decision will be debated and voted on just days after the Mayor's address at the Empire Club of Canada. The Gardiner Expressway has been debated for decades by past Councils and now is the time to make a decision on how we can continue to build a livable city for everyone. Biography: John Tory is the 65th Mayor of Toronto. Born and raised in Toronto, Mayor Tory has spent his career promoting and giving back to the city he loves. He has an extensive background in volunteer community service and his community work has been widely recognized. As a lawyer, talk show host, businessman, Member of Provincial Parliament and Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen's Park, and now as Mayor, he has long believed that the diversity of Toronto is our greatest strength. As Mayor, his focus is on bringing the city together as One Toronto alongside tackling transit and traffic congestion.
Speaker: His Worship Mayor John Tory, Mayor for the City of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Dr. Laura Toogood in conversation with Mr. John Cruickshank With Journalism and PR: News Media and Public Relations in the Digital Age
What is the future of journalism and public relations in the new media age? Laura Toogood co authored the book Journalism and PR: News Media and Public Relations in the Digital Age and she will discuss some of the key themes that are raised in this Reuters Institute publication. During the last century, public relations needed journalism because journalists were the gatekeepers of news and information. This is no longer the case and the book analyses the complex nature of the relationship between Public Relations and Journalism, while also considering how it has evolved. The Internet, especially social media, has changed the landscape dramatically and access to news and information is no longer controlled by journalists alone. Certain developments in corporate PR and political communications mean that the news media outlets are less and less important to the persuaders. The communications business is often able to bypass the gatekeepers. While reputation is more precarious than ever before, the digital revolution has empowered companies, governments and public figures with new channels of communication, some of which they own exclusively and which allow direct outreach. The need to proclaim and protect the brand personal, corporate or political, means that public relations is now a top table profession. Meanwhile, journalism struggles for survival and is seeking ways to adapt to this new environment.
Dr. Laura Toogood has a PhD from University College Dublin in Social Informatics and her thesis considered the impact of technology on social interaction and communication. She is Managing Director of Private Clients at Digitalis Reputation, where she specialises in the field of Online Reputation Management. Laura has worked as a journalist and been published in the Telegraph, Irish Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. She also contributes expert comment in relation to digital issues for ITV, the BBC and London Live television. Laura has spoken and lectured on a broad range of topics including: Online Reputation Management, Social Media, Information Security and Information Privacy. She has given lectures at Nuffield College, University of Oxford and the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Queen Mary, University of London. She spoke at the Workshop on Internet Trust, Reputation, Identity and Privacy that formed part of the International Conference of Social Informatics in Lausanne and was a keynote speaker at the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment forum about social media.
John Cruickshank is the Publisher of the Toronto Star, Canada's largest newspaper, and President of Star Media Group. Mr. Cruickshank is the 9th publisher in the newspaper's 123 year history. Mr. Cruickshank has enjoyed a distinguished career in newspapers and television in both Canada and the United States. Prior to his appointment as the Star's Publisher in November, 2008, he served as Publisher of CBC News...
Moderator: Mr. John Cruickshank, Publisher of the Toronto Star
Speaker: Dr. Laura Toogood, PhD, Managing Director of Private Clients at Digitalis Reputation
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Dr. Meric Gertler, President of the University of Toronto With Foundations for Canada’s Prosperity: Signposts and Directions
Meric S. Gertler began his term as the 16th President of the University of Toronto on November 1, 2013. Prior to that, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, the largest faculty at the University, from 2008 to 2013, where he championed many important innovations in undergraduate teaching and learning. He is a Professor of Geography and Planning, and the Goldring Chair in Canadian Studies at the University of Toronto. He is a Co-Founder of a large research program at UofT's Munk School of Global Affairs investigating the role of city regions as sites of innovation and creativity in the global economy. His work engages in comparative analysis of North American and European cities to understand how local social and cultural dynamics create the foundations for economic success and prosperity. He has served as an advisor to local, regional and national governments in Canada, the United States and Europe, as well as to international agencies such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris, and the European Union. He has authored or edited seven books, including Manufacturing Culture: The Institutional Geography of Industrial Practice and The Oxford Handbook of Economic Geography, with Gordon Clark and Maryann Feldman. He has held visiting appointments at Oxford, University College London, UCLA, and the University of Oslo. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and received the 2007 Award for Scholarly Distinction in Geography from the Canadian Association of Geographers. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, UK. He holds a doctor of philosophy honoris causa from Lund University in Sweden. Most recently, Gertler received the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of California, Berkeley and the 2014 Distinguished Scholarship Honor from the Association of American Geographers, AAG.
Speaker: Dr. Meric Gertler, President of the University of Toronto
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The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Brad Duguid, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure With Opportunities and Challenges Facing Ontario’s Economy Today and Into The Future
Ontario has long been the economic driver of the country, but shifts in the traditional landscape of manufacturing, the fluctuating dollar, the growing presence of industrializing nations, and a changing demographic have all left their mark on our economy. After faring well in the global economic downturn, the Ontario government is focusing on policy levers that further drive innovation and productivity, merge new sectors with well established ones, and lay the foundation for long term economic success. But, the private sector also has important role to play. Minister Duguid will seek to provide insights on how the government and the private sector can work together to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Speaker: The Honourable Brad Duguid, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Robert Deluce, President and CEO, Porter Airlines Inc. With Porter Airlines: Taking off at Billy Bishop
Born in Chapleau, Ontario, Robert Deluce grew up in nearby White River and was destined to be in the aviation business Robert's father was a flyer for the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War, and in 1951, he formed White River Air Service, flying Beaver, Otter and Cessna aircraft from bases across Northern Ontario. Robert's father, along with Robert and his siblings, also played a critical role in the creation of norOntair and Air Creebec, and became owners or partners in several regional airlines, including Austin Airways, Air Ontario, Air Manitoba, Air Alliance and Canada 3000. As a youth, Robert was a pilot with White River Air Service and has maintained his pilot's license since age 17. Deluce earned a B.Sc. from McGill University in 1971. He founded Porter Airlines in 2006 as a small regional service. It is now the third largest scheduled airline in Canada, serving 19 markets in Canada and the United States. Robert is also President and CEO of Deluce Capital Corp., and serves as a Board Member for Mount Sinai Hospital, and as a Director of Vector Aerospace Corporation. He is a former Director of the Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Foundation of University Health Network, and also a former Director with Invesprint Corp., and Spar Aerospace Limited. Robert has received many honours and awards, including the Ernst and Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the CPRS CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations, and an Honourary Doctorate from Laurentian University, Sudbury.
Speaker: Robert Deluce, President and CEO, Porter Airlines Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ontario’s First Ever State of the North Summit With Opportunities and Challenges in the North: A Panel Discussion with the Business and Political Leaders from Northern Ontario
The Empire Club of Canada is pleased to host a rare and very special public event featuring business and political leaders from North Ontario as they discuss, debate, and offer solutions on the opportunities and challenges of investing in the North. The panel will include: Dave Canfield, President, Northern Ontario Municipal Association, NOMA, and Mayor of Kenora Al Spacek, President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, FONOM, and Mayor of Kapuskasing Lawrence Martin, Grand Chief, Mushkegowuk Council Jamie Lim, President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association, OFIA Joelle Faulkner, President AreaOne Farms Gerald Panneton, Founder and Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Detour Gold Corporation The future wealth of Ontario, and indeed much of Canada, will come from Northern Ontario. Power from rivers, minerals from the Ring of Fire, lumber from the Boreal Forest, and emerging tracks of new agriculture lands are on the near horizon. Yet today, much of Ontario's northern heartland is in crisis. New power projects are mired in government bureaucracy. First Nations communities are struggling. And, there is friction between the new infrastructure and the influence of well meaning environmental groups that has stalled or cancelled projects that threaten not only the future of the North, but the prosperity of Ontario. Yet, there is much to celebrate about Ontario's north, including new investments in lumber and agriculture.
Panelists:
Dave Canfield, President, Northern Ontario Municipal Association, NOMA, and Mayor of Kenora
Al Spacek, President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, FONOM, and Mayor of Kapuskasing
Lawrence Martin, Grand Chief, Mushkegowuk Council
Jamie Lim, President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association, OFIA
Joelle Faulkner, President AreaOne Farms
Gerald Panneton, Founder and Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Detour Gold Corporation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Phil Soper, President and CEO, Royal LePage and Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc. With The Canadian and GTA Housing Market: Room for Optimism, Cause for Concern
Phil Soper is President and CEO of Royal LePage and Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc., Brookfield RES, a Toronto Stock Exchange listed firm that trades under the symbol BRE. The company is the leading provider of brokerage and technology services to real estate professionals in Canada, with over 17,000 agents in its Royal LePage, Royal LePage Commercial, Johnston and Daniel, Via Capitale and Prudential Real Estate businesses. Phil Soper was named President of Royal LePage in 2002 and CEO of Brookfield RES in 2004. The business has more than tripled revenue and doubled agent count during Mr. Soper's tenure. From 2008 until 2012, Brookfield Real Estate Services made a series of strategic acquisitions in the American market, including GMAC Real Estate, Real Living and Prudential Real Estate, with a combined agent count of over fifty thousand professionals. In 2012, these businesses became Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, a joint venture between Brookfield and Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway. The new firm was named U.S. Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year in a 2013 Harris EquiTrend study. Phil Soper is a frequent commentator on economic issues and the North American real estate industry. He was an early adopter in leveraging social media channels to enhance his firm's effectiveness and communications reach. U.S. based Swanepoel Report named Mr. Soper the most influential leader in Canadian residential real estate and number 18 worldwide, and Real Estate Marketing magazine declared him one the 25 most important leaders of the past 25 years. In January of 2015, Phil Soper will be honoured as CEO of the Year by the Canadian Public Relations Society, Toronto, a first for the industry in the twenty five year history of the award. Soper's board responsibilities include Brookfield RES, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, Canada's largest charity focused on domestic violence education and victim support, the Brookfield RES Foundation, which supports at risk youth focused and employee driven charitable initiatives, and Ryerson University's Ted Rogers School of Business. He is a former governor of the University of Alberta. Prior to joining the real estate industry, Phil Soper was a senior executive with technology giant IBM where he held various national and global leadership roles in professional services, business development, finance, marketing and sales. When he left IBM, Mr. Soper was General Manager, Information Technology Consulting and Services, the largest such business in the nation. He is married to Toronto lawyer, Melanie Yach. Mr. Soper graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce, and from the University of Western Ontario's Ivey Executive Program
Speaker: Phil Soper, President and CEO, Royal LePage and Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Anthony Lacavera in conversation with Amanda Lang With The Internet of Things and the Future of Canada's Telecom Industry
Anthony Lacavera, Chairman and CEO of the Globalive Group and Wind Mobile, is a Canadian born telecom entrepreneur Anthony founded Globalive in 1998 and co founded Wind Mobile in 2008. In January, 2013 Anthony founded Globalive Capital to focus on accelerating early stage technology and telecommunications companies. Since 2000, the Globalive group has founded, seeded, financed, operated, and divested of a number of companies in the Internet, Communications, and Technology sectors. Under Anthony's leadership, Globalive received numerous best in business awards, including first ranking on Profit Magazine's 2004 list of Canada's 100 fastest growing companies, Canada's 30 Best Workplaces and Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies award, of which Globalive has been a recipient for 10 consecutive years. Anthony was named Canada's CEO of the Year in 2010 by Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine, made the Canada's Top 40 Under 40 list in 2006 and was publicized as one of the 50 Most Influential Torontonians by Toronto Life Magazine in 2013. Anthony was named an Honorary Fellow of St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto in 2012. The University of Toronto Engineering School, where Anthony graduated in 1997, welcomed Anthony to the Engineering School Hall of Distinction in 2013. In 2007, Anthony founded the SHAMBA foundation, a unique charity that assists other charities with fundraising and organizational efforts. The SHAMBA foundation raised nearly S1M for a variety of social and charitable causes. Anthony is a founding supporter of the Art Gallery of Ontario's Gallery Italia. Anthony is an aviation enthusiast and enjoys flying for both work and leisure. He also enjoys snow skiing, golf, personal fitness and staying active in the Arts community.
Amanda Lang, Senior Business Correspondent, CBC News, Host, Lang and O'Leary Exchange Award winning business journalist Amanda Lang is CBC's senior business correspondent, reporting for its flagship nightly news program The National. She is also host of The Exchange with Amanda Lang, a daily business program airing on CBC News Network. She also occasionally anchors The National. Lang studied Architecture at the University of Manitoba, before becoming a journalist. Her first job in journalism was for the Globe and Mail, and subsequently Lang joined the Financial Post newspaper, where she became the paper's New York correspondent. In New York she made the leap to television, where she first was part of the team that launched BNN and before long wound up at CNN as a reporter and anchor. She returned to Canada in 2002 to re join BNN, and has been with CBC since 2009. Her new book, The Power of Why, HarperCollins, October 2012, explores the connection between curiosity and success.
Moderator: Amanda Lang, Senior Business Correspondent, CBC News, Host, Lang and O'Leary Exchange
Speaker: Anthony Lacavera, Chairman and CEO of the Globalive Group and Wind Mobile
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long Term Care With The Next Phase of Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care
Minister Hoskins will speak to the Empire Club about his vision for health care over the next three years. Building on past successes achieved under the first Action Plan for Health Care, Minister Hoskins will speak about how the Ontario government will continue to transform the health care system always with a focus on improving the patient experience by enhancing access to care, providing patients with the information they need to make decisions about their care, and protecting our health care system for generations to come. Biography: Dr. Eric Hoskins was first elected to the Ontario legislature as the MPP for St. Paul's in 2009. He was re elected in 2011 and 2014. Hoskins currently serves as Minister of Health and Long Term Care. Hoskins was appointed as Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment in February 2013. He has previously served as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Hoskins is also a renowned humanitarian, family doctor and a proud Ontarian with a long and dedicated record of public service. After finishing his medical studies at McMaster University, and subsequently at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, Hoskins spent nearly a decade as a doctor and humanitarian in war torn regions in Africa and around the world. From 1997 to 2000, he served as the senior advisor to then Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy on issues such as human rights, child soldiers, peacekeeping and the landmines ban. He and his wife, Dr. Samantha Nutt, founded the international charity War Child Canada to help hundreds of thousands of children in war affected regions across the globe. Hoskins was also Advisor to the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations in 2002 to 2003. Hoskins has been recognized for his humanitarian work and public service. In 2008, he was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada. He has also received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Cross, and has been awarded the United Nations Lester B. Pearson Peace Medal. Hoskins and his wife have one son, Rhys.
Speaker: The Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long Term Care
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Samer Salameh, Executive Chairman of Pacific Future Energy With Building Our Future and Protecting our Coast: Why Building the World's Greenest Refinery is the Key to Unlocking Asian Markets
The issue: Canada has a problem. We are blessed with a resource oil needed by people around the world. However, we are selling 97 per cent of our oil exports to one customer, the United States, and we are selling those exports at a significant discount. We do this because it's what the pipeline infrastructure in North America obliges us to do. Refineries in the U.S. Midwest are currently making an average of $25 a barrel profit refining Canadian product. Expanding access for Canadian oil products to new markets, especially those with growing demand in Asia, is the clear solution. This is becoming increasingly important as we experience declining demand from the United States. The key to opening up these markets in a manner that is acceptable to the majority of British Columbians, as well as to First Nations, is through a near net zero carbon emissions refinery built in true partnership with First Nations, delivering jobs and economic benefits for Canadians, while protecting our coast. Biography: Samer F. Salameh, Executive Chairman of Pacific Future Energy, has more than 20 years of management experience leading private and public companies in the United States and Latin America. Mr. Salameh has a very well known reputation in the international telecommunications field as a distinguished marketing strategist, a turn around specialist and a broker of multi billion dollar mergers and acquisitions. He currently leads the Telecom practice and new business development at Grupo Salinas, a multi billion industrial conglomerate operating in 11 countries in the Americas. Previously, Mr. Salameh managed the development and deployment of complex infrastructure projects for some of the world's leading investors, including Carlos Slim, Grupo Carso America Movil, and Ricardo Salinas, Grupo Salinas. Most recently, in South America, he led the deployment of one of the largest greenfield fibre optics infrastructure projects in the world for Grupo Salinas. Mr. Salameh holds a Masters Degree in International Business from the Fletcher School and a BS in Management and Economics from Polytechnic University
Speaker: Samer Salameh, Executive Chairman of Pacific Future Energy
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Investment Outlook 2015 featuring Ian Russell, Thomas Caldwell and Avery Shenfeld
lan Russell is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Industry Association of Canada. IIAC. a position he has held since its inauguration in April 2006. Prior to his appointment at the IIAC, Mr. Russell headed the Industry Relations and Representation group of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada. In his 20 year tenure at the Association, he has participated actively in many committees and working groups involved in regulatory and tax issues related to the securities industry and capital markets in Canada. He is a frequent columnist in industry publications and is a presenter and speaker on industry issues and developments. In January 2014, it was announced that Mr. Russell was appointed Chair of the International Council of Securities Associations, ICSA. He is first Canadian in 20 years to serve in this capacity. Mr. Russell has an honours degree in economics and business from the University of Western Ontario, and a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics. He has completed the Partners, Directors and Officers Qualification Examination and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
Thomas S. Caldwell graduated from McGill University in 1965, and has been actively involved in the investment industry since that time. Mr. Caldwell is Chairman of Caldwell Securities Ltd., an organization founded in 1980. Caldwell Securities Ltd. is a diversified investment company with affiliate organizations providing investment management, brokerage and insurance services to a broad spectrum of investors throughout North America and around the world. In June 2014, Mr. Caldwell was inducted into the IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame. Mr. Caldwell is CEO and a Director of Urbana Corporation, a publicly traded investment company and Chairman of the Canadian Securities Exchange, CSE, The Exchange for Entrepreneurs. He also serves on the Board of the Conference of Defence Associations Institute in Ottawa. Mr. Caldwell was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of The Lincoln and Welland Regiment in January 2014. Mr. Caldwell is a past Governor of the Toronto Stock Exchange and one of the leading experts in capital markets, particularly in trading environments. He is recognized as one of the world's foremost investors in securities exchanges. Caldwell Securities Ltd. and its affiliates were the second largest owners of the New York Stock Exchange prior to the NYSE's demutualization. Mr. Caldwell has, through his career, been actively involved in addressing social and community needs. He was awarded Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for his activities on behalf of Canadian Veterans. In 2003 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his work in assisting those in need as well as contributing to institutions working to better the lives of others. In 2012, he received Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee for his efforts on behalf of the disadvantaged...
Speakers:
Ian Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Industry Association of Canada
Thomas Caldwell, Chairman of Caldwell Securities Ltd.
Avery Shenfeld, Managing Director and Chief Economist of CIBC World Markets Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario At The Empire Club Holiday Luncheon
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell was installed as Ontario's 29th Representative of Her Majesty The Queen on September 23rd, 2014. She is an energetic and highly regarded renaissance woman, an accomplished civil servant with wide ranging interests, and is passionately devoted to the advancement of humanity. An intelligent, perceptive, and compassionate woman, Ms. Dowdeswell has devoted herself to public service, where her talents and skills have contributed greatly to many important initiatives, most notably those that integrate environmental, economic, social, educational, and cultural concerns. She cares deeply about the environment, which she considers the fundamental basis for life on earth. She has led provincial, federal, and international institutions, and has served on the boards of corporate and non profit organizations. Her years as an Under Secretary General at the United Nations profoundly shaped her worldview and continue to inform her thinking as she undertakes her role as 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Her overarching and ambitious vision is Ontario in the world. She wants to listen to dialogue about what they can contribute and learn from others in meeting the common challenges of our interconnected world. Her Honour's aim is to bring multiple perspectives to the table, encourage innovation, and cultivate new ideas, sparking action and commitment to seeing these ideas move forward. Ms. Dowdeswell is an Officer of the Order of Canada and holds 10 honorary degrees.
Speaker: The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Janet L. Ecker, President and CEO, Toronto Financial Services Alliance With P3s are Working: The Role of the Financial Sector in Successful Infrastructure Projects and Why You Should Care
Janet L. Ecker is President and CEO of the Toronto Financial Services Alliance, TFSA, a growing public private partnership dedicated to building Toronto as an international financial services centre. With government and industry support, she has also established the Global Risk Institute in Financial Services to leverage the sector's global reputation for stability, as well as the Centre of Excellence in Financial Services Education to capitalize on the region's talent advantages. The Centre has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a best practice in collaborative public private partnerships. A former Ontario Finance Minister and the first woman to actually deliver a budget in the province, Ms. Ecker also delivered significant public policy reforms as the Minister of Education, the Minister of Community and Social Services and Government House Leader. Before entering public life, Ms. Ecker was the Director of Policy for the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the doctors' regulatory body. She currently sits on a number of boards and agencies and is also a member of the Ontario Finance Minister's Economic Advisory Panel, the Premier's Advisory Council on Government Assets and C.D. Howe Institute's National Council. A frequent public speaker and media commentator, she received the “Excellence in Leadership” award from the Transformation Institute for Leadership and Innovation in 2014, a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for public service in 2012 and was recognized as one of the “Most Influential People in the World’s Financial Centres” by Financial Centres International in 2010. She also received one of “Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award” from the Women’s Executive Network and the Richard Ivey School of Business in 2003. Ms. Ecker is one of the founders of Equal Voice, a national, multi-partisan organization working to elect more women.
Speaker: Janet L. Ecker, President and CEO, Toronto Financial Services Alliance
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Critical Role of Transparency in the Fight Against Corruption Featuring Claire Woodside and Pierre Gratton In Conversation With Akaash Maharaj
The linkages between resource revenue transparency, improved oversight, and development outcomes from extractive industries. For governments worldwide, mining investment holds promise of change: the opportunity to increase infrastructure and social investments, and a chance to establish broad based economic growth. The past decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in resource development in many countries, particularly in the developing world. However, despite the sudden influx of resource revenues, many countries have struggled to convert this newfound wealth into economic growth and prosperity. Unfortunately, citizens, elected officials, municipal and state governments often remain in the dark about the natural resource revenues received by their national governments from mining activity. This environment can foster corruption, mismanagement and, sometimes, conflict. As a major mining country, Canada is helping to turn this around with legislation which was tabled recently in the House of Commons that would require the mandatory disclosure of payments made by Canadian extractive companies, including mining companies, to host governments. This would result in a source of credible information that citizens can use to hold their governments accountable and fight corruption. Akaash Maharaj, Executive Director of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption, will moderate a discussion between two organizations that have been pushing Canada to implement mining payment transparency legislation a unique collaboration between industry and civil society. Join Claire Woodside of Publish What You Pay Canada, Pierre Gratton of the Mining Association of Canada, and Akaash Maharaj for this important discussion.
Moderator: Mr. Akaash Maharaj, Executive Director, Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption
Speakers:
Claire Woodside, Director, Publish What You Pay Canada; Board Member, Transparency International Canada
Pierre Gratton, President & CEO, Mining Association of Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Shelley Broader, President and CEO of Walmart Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada With Leadership Today: Staying Ahead of the Curve in Today’s Hyper Changing World
As the world's largest retailer, Walmart is at the forefront of the constant transformation shaping the global retail climate as consumer needs continue to grow and evolve. Within this context Walmart Canada is marking its 20th anniversary in Canada this year, a timeframe characterized by two decades of unprecedented growth, evolution, reinvention, and a host of learnings. As the President and CEO of Walmart's operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Canada, Shelley Broader leads more than 1,300 retail units and 285,000 employees. Throughout a career spanning 25 years of international leadership and broad life experiences, Shelley has distinguished herself with a new generation brand of management. Speaking to The Empire Club of Canada on November 17, Shelley will address the topic of leadership in today's hyper changing corporate world, from leveraging groundbreaking inclusiveness and diversity as a competitive edge, to building world class management teams that are creative, flexible and innovative, to reinforcing and staying true to your culture and roots while building your own personal brand, to driving social leadership from your own unique sphere of influence. Biography: Shelley Broader was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart's EMEA region in June, 2014. She has responsibility for Walmart's retail operations and business development across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Canada, and leads 1,345 retail units and more than 285,000 associates. Previously Shelley was President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Canada, Chief Merchandising Officer for Walmart Canada, and Senior Vice President with Sam's Club, Walmart's membership warehouse format in the U.S. Shelley joined Walmart in 2010 following more than 20 years of leadership experience across the North American retail industry. Prior to Walmart, Shelley was President and Chief Operating Officer of Michael's, the world's largest retailer of arts and crafts and was responsible for the chain's 1,000 U.S. and Canadian stores. Before joining Michael's, Shelley enjoyed a 17 year career with Belgium based Delhaize Group where, under the Hannaford banner, she held a broad range of leadership roles across the company's operations, merchandising, distribution, strategy and marketing divisions. She was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of the company's Kash n' Karry chain, and then to President and Chief Executive Officer of the Sweetbay Supermarkets Division. Shelley Began her career in the investment banking sector advising clients in the U.S. supermarket industry. She has a lengthy track record of public speaking and community engagement. Shelley is a Member of the Board of Directors of Raymond James Financial, Inc., The Retail Council of Canada, and Catalyst Canada.
Speaker: Shelley Broader, President and CEO of Walmart Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Greg Sorbara, Chancellor, York University; Chair, The Sorbara Group Advisory Board With Reflections on Two Very Different Governments Within The Battlefield of Ontario Politics
Greg Sorbara has enjoyed one of the most successful careers of any Ontario politician, and in two different Liberal administrations. He was appointed minister of finance by Premier Dalton McGuinty in 2003, and served as campaign chair for the Liberals’ three consecutive election victories, the first time that had happened in more than a century. First elected in 1985, he was also in Premier David Peterson’s cabinet, the first Liberal government in 42 years. Through his quarter century in public life in Ontario, Sorbara had an enviable record of introducing new policies to help Ontarians, while having the guts to raise taxes to pay for those programs. A reinvigorated health care system, the Ontario Child Benefit, and a subway to York University all had Sorbara’s fingerprints on them. As chairman of the Liberals’ three consecutive election wins, Sorbara had a front row seat on some of the most significant changes in Ontario history. Greg Sorbara served in two Liberal administrations and was Ontario’s minister of finance from 2003 to 2007. He most recently represented the riding of Vaughan as a member of the legislative assembly of Ontario until his retirement in 2012. In the 2014 he was appointed Chancellor of York University. He lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
Speaker: Greg Sorbara, Chancellor, York University; Chair, The Sorbara Group Advisory Board
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Joseph Pennachetti, City Manager of Toronto with Looking Forward: Investing for the Future
Joseph P. Pennachetti was named City Manager for the City of Toronto in October 2008, with overall responsibility for 37,000 staff, an Operating budget of about $11 Billion and a 2014 to 2023 Capital Plan of $28.5 billion. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and the 6th largest government in the country. In 2013, Mr. Pennachetti led the development of 26 Strategic Actions for 2013 to 2018. These Strategic Actions are designed to advance City Council’s vision, mission and goals for Toronto as articulated in its Strategic Plan. Under Mr. Pennachetti’s leadership, the City of Toronto continues to be recognized internationally for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Mr. Pennachetti is committed to service excellence. In 2010, he awarded the first City Manager’s Award for Public Service Excellence. The highly successful program continues and now includes recognition of divisional and cross-corporate projects as well as a category that recognizes divisional initiatives that contribute to the City’s goal of removing barriers for equity seeking groups and or contribute to the City’s human rights, equity and diversity goals. Mr. Pennachetti joined the Toronto Public Service in 2002 as the City’s Chief Financial Officer. As Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Pennachetti contributed to the enhancement of Toronto’s business climate through a 15 year plan to reduce business property taxes and a 10 year plan to reduce property taxes on small business. Mr. Pennachetti has also worked on the City’s numerous financing partnership agreements with the federal and provincial governments and the private sector, which have resulted in significant new infrastructure for the City. Prior to joining the City of Toronto, Mr. Pennachetti was the Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance for the Regional Municipality of Peel for six years, 1995 to 2002; from 1990 to 1995, he was the Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance for the Regional Municipality of York. Mr. Pennachetti previously worked in the finance departments of the Regional Municipality of Durham and the City of Edmonton. Mr. Pennachetti holds both a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Administration and is a Certified General Accountant. He is married and has two children.
Speaker: Joseph Pennachetti, City Manager of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary: The Two Calgaries
Mayor Naheed Nenshi is currently serving his second term and is Calgary’s 36th mayor. During his first term in office, Mayor Nenshi’s leadership resulted in many positive changes in Calgary to build better communities, keep Calgarians moving, and transform government to reinforce a culture of constant citizen focused improvement at The City of Calgary. Prior to becoming mayor, he was Canada’s first tenured professor in the field of nonprofit management at Mount Royal University’s Bissett School of Business and a trusted business advisor to corporate leaders in Canada and the USA. His real passion is to make cities, especially Calgary, work better. He’s the lead author of Building Up: Making Canada’s Cities Magnets for Talent and Engines of Development and has long put his ideas to work in Calgary. Mayor Nenshi grew up in Calgary and has lived and worked in cities around the world before returning home. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, with distinction, from the University of Calgary and a Master in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he studied as a Kennedy Fellow.
Speaker: His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
How Google Works, Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg in conversation with Amanda Lang
What we all want to know is How Google Works. So Google Chair Eric Schmidt and their former head of products, Jonathan Rosenberg, have written a new book about exactly that. This exclusive event held in partnership with Ramsay Talks to hear IT pioneer Eric Schmidt unveil how Google works. Google remains one of the most important innovations of our time. It has transformed the way we interact with business, information and one another. What we all want to know is How Google Works. This is your chance to hear it first hand from Google’s Executive Chairman and Former Head of Products.
Eric Schmidt served as Google’s CEO from 2001 to 2011. During that time he shepherded the company’s growth from a Silicon Valley start up to a global technology leader that today has over $55 billion in annual revenues and offices in more than 40 countries. Eric is now Google’s executive chairman.
Jonathan Rosenberg joined Google in 2002 and managed the design and development of the company’s consumer, advertiser, and partner products, including Search, Ads, Gmail, Android, Apps, and Chrome. He is currently an advisor to Google CEO Larry Page.
Moderator: Amanda Lang, Senior Business Correspondent, CBC News, Host, The Lang and O'Leary Exchange
Speakers:
Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google
Jonathan Rosenberg, Design and Development, Google
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Toronto Mayoral Debate 2014 Featuring John Tory, Olivia Chow and Doug Ford Moderated by Ryan Doyle
Moderator:
Ryan Doyle, NewsTalk 1010
Panelists:
John Tory, Toronto Mayoral Candidate
Olivia Chow, Toronto Mayoral Candidate
Doug Ford, Toronto Mayoral Candidate
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ed Clark, Group President and CEO, TD Bank Group: Final Major address as TD's CEO
This will mark Ed Clark's last major public address as TD's CEO.
Ed Clark was appointed Group President and Chief Executive Officer of TD Bank Group on December 20, 2002. On April 3, 2013, Ed announced his intention to retire as President and CEO effective November 1, 2014 at age 67, after 12 years as CEO. He will remain a Director until TD’s 2015 Annual Meeting.
Following TD's acquisition of Canada Trust Financial Services in February of 2000, Ed joined TD Bank Group as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TD Canada Trust. In this role he oversaw the successful integration of the TD and Canada Trust banking operations. He then served as President and Chief Operating Officer starting in July 2000. Before joining TD, Ed was President and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Trust Financial Services.
In 1985, he joined Merrill Lynch, and three years later Ed was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Financial Corporation, a position he held until he joined Canada Trust Financial Services Inc. in 1991. From 1974 to 1984, Ed held a number of senior positions in the federal government.
Ed graduated from the University of Toronto in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned his Master's degree and Doctorate in Economics from Harvard University in 1971 and 1974 respectively. Ed has also received honorary degrees from Mount Allison University, Queen's University, Western University and the University of Toronto.
Ed serves as Chairman of the Board of TD Bank N.A. and its subsidiary banks, and also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. He was the 2010 Cabinet Chair for United Way Toronto, and is currently a member of the Chair's Advisory Council for Habitat for Humanity Toronto, and provides support to WoodGreen Community Services, an organization that delivers programs to build sustainable communities in the Toronto area. Ed is also chair of the Advisory Board for the School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto.
Ed has been honoured numerous times for his vision, integrity and strong leadership. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2010 – one of the country's highest distinctions – for his "contributions to Canada's banking and financial industry, and for his voluntary and philanthropic endeavours." Ed has also received Egale's Leadership Award in honor of his leadership in supporting LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) communities, and the inaugural Catalyst Canada Honour, awarded to individuals who have made a critical and visible difference to women's advancement. In 2010, Ed was named Canada's Outstanding CEO of the Year – widely viewed as the most prestigious award in Canadian business. In 2011, Ed was named Ivey Business Leader of the Year by the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He was acknowledged by GTA Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) with the "2011 Outstanding Philanthropist" award. In 2012 and 2013, Ed was named to Barron's prestigious annual list of the world's 30 best CEOs.
Speaker: Ed Clark, Group President and CEO, TD Bank Group
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Hina Rabbani Khar, 26th Foreign Minister of Pakistan: Realizing South Asia's Potential, Beyond Conflict, Perspective from Pakistan
Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar began her political career in 2002 in the government of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and subsequently served in the Finance Ministry and Foreign Ministry as Minister of State. After successfully contesting the 2008 general election, she served again in the Finance Ministry and directed policies concerning the national economy in the absence of the then Finance Minister in 2009. She was appointed the first female Foreign Minister in July 2011.
Speaker: Hina Rabbani Khar, 26th Foreign Minister of Pakistan
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario With Looking Ahead: A Strong Plan for Ontario
Charles Sousa is the Member of Provincial Parliament, MPP, for the riding of Mississauga South and Ontario's Minister of Finance. Charles also serves as the Vice Chair of the Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet. Previously, he has been the province's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan and Para Pan American Games. Sousa also served as Minister of Labour from 2010 to 2011 after having been Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade. Charles grew up in Mississauga, and is currently living in Clarkson with his wife and their three children.
Accomplishments: Charles successfully introduced the 2013 Budget and Fall Economic Statement during his first year as Minister of Finance. He also negotiated a deal to establish a Cooperative Securities Regulator and has lead a national discussion on retirement income security. As Minister of Labour, Charles led the largest overhaul of Ontario's occupational health and safety system in 30 years. On October 8th 2009, Charles debated his private member's resolution calling on the Ministry of Education to include financial literacy education in Ontario's elementary and secondary school curricula. Citing a need to better prepare students to make financial decisions, the resolution passed unanimously. Community Involvement: Charles continues to champion the protection and revitalization of Mississauga's waterfront for Lakeview and Clarkson. He also works closely with the Mississauga Halton LHIN, Trillium Health Centre and Credit Valley Hospital to improve health services in our community. Charles fundraises for numerous charitable events in the community including the United Way, the Rainbow Ball Foundation of Mississauga and the Community Foundation of Mississauga. He also served as a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Toronto Board of Trade and a director of the American Chamber of Commerce. He is a past president of the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals and member of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Toronto, EUCOCIT. Charles received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service to the community. In 2009, he was inducted as a Commander to the Order of Merit, Portugal.
Speaker: The Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Paul Bedford, Ken Greenberg and Patrick Luciani In Conversation With Christopher Hume On Visions for the Toronto of the Future
Toronto regularly makes the list as one of the world's 10 most livable cities, and is viewed by many in Canada and abroad as a city that works on a number of fundamental levels. It is, of course, nothing more and nothing less than the many decades of good planning and vision that have gone into building it up from the muddy old town of York to the fourth largest metropolis on the continent, and a business and cultural centre that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Toronto Star has been inviting citizens to share with others their vision for the future of Toronto, what we must do to continue to be the envy of so many around the world and continue to attract major investment and great people. Whether this vision is based on new architecture, access to the lakefront and river systems, improved mass transit or more technology, readers have responded enthusiastically to Toronto Star journalist Christopher Hume's call for vision papers, and there has been a wealth of original and often inspirational submissions that give us all food for thought. Christopher Hume and three outstanding visionaries on Toronto's future reflect on what our City could and should look like as we get further into this new century, and the impact of these visions on the quality of everyday life. Christopher Hume is the architecture critic and urban issues columnist of the Toronto Star. Since the 1980s, when he began working for the Star, he has received five NNA nominations. In 2009, the RAI of Canada gave Hume its President's Award for Architectural Journalism. Hume was named Toronto's best newspaper columnist by NOW magazine in 2005 and Eye magazine in 2006. In 2009, Hume hosted and wrote a one hour special about Canadian cities for CBC TV's flagship series, The Nature of Things. Born in England in 1951, he came to Canada as a child. He was educated at the University of Toronto and Glendon College.
Ken Greenberg is an architect, urban designer, teacher, writer, former Director of Urban Design and Architecture for the City of Toronto and Principal of Greenberg Consultants. Diverse cities have benefited from his advocacy and passion for restoring the vitality, relevance and sustainability of the public realm in urban life. In each city, with each project, his strategic, consensus building approach has led to coordinated planning and a renewed focus on urban design. He is the recipient of the 2010 American Institute of Architects Thomas Jefferson Award for public design excellence and the author of Walking Home: the Life and Lessons of a City Builder published by Random House.
Patrick Luciani is currently Senior Fellow at the Global Cities Program at the Munk Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto He has authored two best selling books on economic policy and served as Executive Director at the Donner Canadian Foundation. He is also Co-Founder of the popular Salon Speakers Series at Grano and is Co-Director of the Munk Debates.
Moderator: Christopher Hume, Columnist, the Toronto Star
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
What Will WorldPride Mean to Toronto: A Panel featuring Scott Mullin, Rev. Brent Hawkes, Gavin Crawford and Kevin Beaulieu in discussion with Kristyn Wong Tam
Toronto is the first North American city to host WorldPride. For ten days in June this city will be the focus of international LGBTQ communities. There are very few facets of Toronto life that won't experience an impact from WorldPride, including tourism, finance, arts and politics.
Speaker: Kristyn Wong Tam, Toronto City Councillor
Panelists:
Scott Mullin, Vice President, Government Relations TD Bank Group
Rev. Brent Hawkes, Senior Pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
Gavin Crawford, Comedian and Actor, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Gavin Crawford Show
Kevin Beaulieu, Executive Director of Pride Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Dr. Geoff W. Taylor, Chief Scientist, POET Technologies Inc With Spirit of a Pioneer Series
Dr. Geoffrey Taylor, POET Technologies Chief Scientist, discusses POET's semiconductor solution in the industry's race to sustain Moore's Law beyond the constraints of traditional silicon, and POET Technologies' Executive Chairman and CEO, Peter Copetti. POET is developing a way for manufacturers to build a faster, more efficient microprocessor. For almost 50 years, Moore's Law has dictated the pace of technological change. As the number of transistors on a chip double approximately every 1.5 to 2 years, this increases the performance capabilities of computing devices and the many functions they make possible. Unfortunately, with present silicon based integrated circuits and manufacturing processes, performance and cost improvements under Moore's Law are increasingly unsustainable, and will soon come to an end. These physical limitations will increasingly impede electronics manufacturers from continuing to build smarter, faster, more efficient and cheaper devices. POET believes that its integrated electro optical chip is the next great leap forward in technology and will have the ability to power numerous electronic devices such as wearable technology, everyday appliances, phones, tablets, computers, and military applications. By integrating optics and electronics onto one monolithic chip, POET's gallium arsenide semiconductor will provide its customers with a rebirth for Moore's Law and usher in a new wave of innovation in integrated circuits for massive improvements in size, power, speed and cost. POET will lower power consumption by 4x to 10x compared to silicon chips and provide 20x to 50x speed improvement depending on the application. Monetization of the POET Platform is on the horizon, with fully integrated optical electronic chips leading the way for not only the semiconductor industry, but also the entire electronic world. Dr. Geoff W. Taylor Dr. Geoff W. Taylor, a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Connecticut and Chief Scientist of POET Technologies Inc, has dedicated the past 18 years towards the development of a gallium arsenide, GaAs, semiconductor chip. Research on the GaAs semiconductor chip began while Geoff worked at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. His background is in the areas of materials, devices and circuits for microelectronics. In 1994, Dr. Taylor joined the University of Connecticut, where this GaAs technology has been developed and a semiconductor chip produced. A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Dr. Taylor received his B.Sc, Electrical Engineering, Queens University in 1966, M.A.Sc, Electrical Engineering, University of Toronto in 1968, and Ph.D, Electrical Engineering, University of Toronto in 1972
Speaker: Dr. Geoff W. Taylor, Chief Scientist, POET Technologies Inc
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario With Jobs, Opportunity and Security for Today and Tomorrow
Kathleen Wynne is Ontario's 25th Premier and the first woman to serve in that role. She was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 as the MPP for Don Valley West, and she became the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in January, 2013. She has focused on introducing practical progressive solutions throughout her extensive political career, including roles as Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Transportation, and Minister of Education. Premier Wynne has three adult children, Chris, Jessie and Maggie, and three grandchildren, Olivia, Claire and Hugh. She and her partner Jane have lived in North Toronto for more than 25 years. Premier Wynne got her start in politics as a Public School Trustee. She has a long history of serving her community by participating in citizens groups and grassroots community projects.
Speaker: The Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
J. Robert S. Prichard, Chair, Metrolinx With Transforming the Way the Region Moves: Metrolinx’s Current and Future Plans
J. Robert S. Prichard is chairman of Torys LLP, a leading international business law firm with offices in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and New York. He is also chair of Metrolinx, the regional transportation agency for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, where he previously served as President and CEO. Rob is also chairman of the Bank of Montreal. Prior to joining Torys in 2010, Rob had careers as a law professor, academic leader and business leader. He was a professor of law at the University of Toronto from 1976 to 2001, specializing in law and economics and served as dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto from 1984 to 1990. Rob served as the 13th president of the University of Toronto from 1990 to 2000. Rob's business experience includes serving from 2002 to 2009 as president and CEO of Torstar Corporation, a leading Canadian media company with newspaper and book publishing businesses. He currently serves as a director of Onex Corporation and George Weston Ltd, as Lead Director. In the volunteer sector, Rob serves as a trustee of the Hospital for Sick Children and also serves as a member of Canada's Economic Advisory Council and Ontario's Economic Advisory Panel. Rob has previously served as vice chair of Canada's Science, Technology and Innovation Council, chairman of the Ontario Innovation Trust and chair of the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School. Rob studied honours economics at Swarthmore College, received his MBA, Dean's List, in finance and international business from the University of Chicago and earned law degrees from the University of Toronto, Gold Medallist, and Yale University, Viscount Bennett Fellow. Rob has been recognized by appointment as an officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of Ontario and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He has received honorary degrees from ten colleges and universities in Canada and the United States and received the David Smith Award for contributions to public policy in higher education in Canada and the Champion of Public Education award from the Learning Partnership.
Speaker: J. Robert S. Prichard, Chair, Metrolinx
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
His Excellency Georgiy Mamedov, Russian Federation Ambassador to Canada With Russia, Ukraine, and Crimea: The Russian Perspective
The Empire Club of Canada is excited to launch a new series of events, The Ambassadors Speak. Continuing the Club's 110 year tradition of providing Canada's podium of record to the world's newsmakers, groundbreakers, and opinion leaders, The Ambassador Series will provide our members and guests with direct access to some of the official representatives to Canada of the most prominent nations in world.
No country on the planet has attracted more attention than the Russian Federation. Many complex issues, such as sexual orientation, the hosting of the Winter Games in Sochi, and the recent events in the Ukraine have brought Russia to the forefront of international consciousness and political opinion.
Our guest speaker, Ambassador Georgiy Mamedov, has served as Russia's ambassador since 2003. In the 1990s and the early 2000s, he was his country's chief interlocutor with the United States on such subjects as NATO, arms control, and Kosovo. During that time, he was Russia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
This event is part of The Empire Club's special series, The Ambassadors Speak. Join us on April 22nd to hear, first hand, the Government of Russia's perspective into one of the most important political issues of our time. Mamedov Georgiy Enverovich was born in 1947. In 1970 graduated from Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Holds Ph.D. in history. Speaks English and Swedish. Entered diplomatic service in 1972. Has been stationed at the Embassy in the USA in 1972 to 1973 and in 1977 to 1981. Since 1991, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Holds diplomatic rank of Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Canada. Mr. Mamedov is married, has son and daughter, both adult.
Speaker: His Excellency Georgiy Mamedov, Russian Federation Ambassador to Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Hon. Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development With Increasing Aboriginal Participation in the Workforce
Bernard Valcourt was first elected to the House of Commons in 1984 and re elected in 1988. In 1984, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and to the Minister of State, Science and Technology. From 1984 to 1993, Mr. Valcourt subsequently served as Minister of State, Small Businesses and Tourism, Minister of State, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister of Employment and Immigration and Minister of Labour Assembly of New Brunswick as the member for Edmundston, and he served until 1999. He was Leader of the Opposition party for the province from 1995 to 1997. He was re elected to the House of Commons in 2011 as the Member of Parliament for Madawaska Restigouche. In May 2011, he was appointed Minister of State, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, La Francophonie. He was appointed Associate Minister of National Defence in July 2012. In February 2013, Mr. Valcourt was appointed Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. Mr. Valcourt is a barrister and solicitor who practised law in Edmundston, New Brunswick, where he lives today.
Speaker: The Hon. Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada With Ukraine and Russia: The Ukrainian Perspective
Recent events in the Crimea have been difficult for everyone involved in this part of the world, but no one has found the situation more difficult than Ukraine itself. Where does this country stand on these issues and how will it deal with what it and some Western countries view as recent unacceptable military and political aggression by the Russian government? How does the Republic of Ukraine see the next twelve months, and is there a constructive way forward for all of the various players in this conflict? Should the West be as concerned by recent events as Ukraine itself? Our guest speaker, Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, was appointed by the President of Ukraine in November, 2012. He is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian and English, has had a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors, and holds a Master Degree from the Ukrainian Academy of Foreign Trade as well as a degree in Computer Science.
Speaker: His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
John Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Waterfront Toronto With Our Waterfront - Progress Report
John Campbell, Waterfront Toronto's President and CEO, provides a progress report on the revitalization of Toronto's waterfront and learn how waterfront renewal is building an enduring legacy of economic returns and social benefits for the city, province and country. Bio: John Campbell is President and Chief Executive Officer of Waterfront Toronto, formerly known as the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. The Corporation is responsible for leading the estimated $30 to $35 billion renewal of Toronto's waterfront. Before joining Waterfront Toronto in April 2003, John was a senior executive at Brookfield Properties. He headed up the Canadian property management subsidiary and prior to that played a leadership role in the development of the company's most prestigious property, Brookfield Place. He has an MBA from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Carleton University and has his Institute of Corporate Directors, designation, ICD.D.
Speaker: John Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Waterfront Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Peter Aceto, President and CEO, ING Direct Canada With Leading in Times of Change: The cornerstones of Transformational Change
Change is rampant and it is fast. Today, you either position your organization to adapt quickly or you'll end up with your back against the wall. That is what Peter Aceto, President and CEO of ING DIRECT, will share with the Empire Club. What it takes to see the upside of transformational change. And how to get employees to believe that change is not only good, but also that it is vital. Peter will address the changes that ING DIRECT underwent since inception and how they plan to move forward, in a big way, with their new name Tangerine. Bio: Peter Aceto, President and Chief Executive Officer of ING DIRECT Canada, is a passionate leader. His career with ING DIRECT began in Canada more than 16 years ago as a founding member of its senior leadership team. Peter leads the cornerstones of success for ING DIRECT with a relentless focus which includes: a simple and efficient business model, a winning and adaptable strategy, outstanding customer service, risk management, return and growth, and building a solid team to execute the company's vision. He is a sought out public speaker, a social media leader and author of his DIRECT TALK blog. Peter was profiled in Forbes magazine as the Social CEO, and Huffington Post as one of top 50 Social CEOs on Twitter. He was named 2012 Business Person of the Year by Western Law School. He was recognized as 2010 Communicator of the Year by the IABC Toronto Chapter. In addition, Peter was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee award for his contribution to Canada's leadership as a digital nation and for his contribution to his community. Peter achieved his Bachelor of Law in 1994 from the University of Western Ontario, where he also earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology. Peter is involved with numerous charities including Covenant House and Mount Sinai Hospital. He enjoys spending time with family and coaches his son's hockey team. He lives in Toronto with his wife and three children.
Speaker: Peter Aceto, President and CEO, ING Direct Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care and Deputy Premier of Ontario With Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care: Year Two Update
Deb Matthews was elected to the Ontario Legislature by the people of London North Centre in 2003, and re elected in 2007 and 2011. In 2007 she was appointed Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister Responsible for Women's Issues. She has been Minister of Health and Long Term Care since 2009 and in February 2013 was named Deputy Premier of Ontario. As Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Poverty Reduction, Deb led the development of Breaking the Cycle, an ambitious strategy that has, at last count, lifted 40,000 children and their families out of poverty. She is recognized as being a driving force behind the historic Ontario Child Benefit. She also introduced the Poverty Reduction Act, which legislated an ongoing commitment to poverty reduction. As Minister of Health and Long Term Care, she led a major initiative to significantly reduce the cost of prescription generic drugs for all Ontarians. As well, she spearheaded the unanimous passage of the Excellent Care for All Act, ECFAA. This act has strengthened the health care sector's public focus and accountability to deliver high quality patient care. She also introduced Ontario's Action Plan for Health Care, which is transforming Ontario's health care system to provide better care and get better value for our health dollars. Deb was born in London where she has lived her entire life. She has three children and five grandchildren.
Speaker: The Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care and Deputy Premier of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Jim Leech and Jacquie McNish On Confronting Our Pension Failures
Jim Leech Before becoming president and CEO of the OTPP in 2007, JIM LEECH was president and CEO of Unicorp Canada Corporation, one of Canada's first public merchant banks, and Union Energy Inc., then one of North America's largest integrated energy and pipeline companies. During the 1990s, he guided two start up technology companies, Disys Corporation and Kasten Chase Applied Research, to the revenue generation stage. Leech serves on the boards of Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation, the MasterCard Foundation and was a founding director of Right To Play International. He also chairs the advisory board of the Queen's School of Business and is on the advisory board for The Learning Partnership, the advisory Council for the Toronto Region Board of Trade and the Toronto Financial Services Leadership Council. In 2012, Leech was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal in recognition of his work with the True Patriot Love Foundation.
Jacquie McNish is a senior writer with the Globe and Mail and regular host on BNN, Canada's business news network. She is the winner of six National Newspaper Awards and the author of two best selling books including The Big Score, Robert Friedland, Inco and the Voisey's Bay Hustle and Wrong Way: The Fall of Conrad Black, which she co-wrote with Sinclair Stewart and was the recipient of the 2005 National Business Book award.
Speaker:
Jim Leech, President and CEO of the OTPP
Jacquie McNish, Senior Writer with the Globe and Mail
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Minister Leitch will highlight the importance of hiring and promoting women in all sectors of the economy and will outline how increasing the number of women leaders within an organization, particularly on the corporate board, can improve overall performance. The Minister will discuss how the Government of Canada is supporting women in leadership roles and will encourage business leaders to foster supportive work environments that empower women to succeed. The Honourable Kellie Leitch was elected to the House of Commons in May 2011. In July 2013, Dr. Leitch was appointed Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women. Previously, she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour in May 2011. Dr. and an associate professor of surgery. She is the former Chair of the Ivey Centre for Health Innovation and Leadership and has served on various councils and boards, including the YMCA and Community Living. As a volunteer, Dr. Leitch served as council member on the National Research Council of Canada, was a board member of Genome Canada, a director on the YMCA of Greater Toronto board of directors, Vice President of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research and founder of The Sandbox Project. Dr. Leitch earned her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Toronto in 1994 and her MBA from Dalhousie University in 1998. Dr. Leitch has been recognized with the Order of Ontario for her advocacy work on behalf of Canadian children, and in 2005, she was selected as one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 for her work in both medicine and business. Dr. Leitch lives in Clearview, Ontario.
Speaker: The Hon. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Investment Outlook 2014 featuring Ian Russell, Nick Barisheff and Andre Philippe Hardy
lan Russell is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Industry Association of Canada, a position he has held since its inauguration in April 2006. Prior to his appointment at IIAC, Mr. Russell headed the Industry Relations and Representation group of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada. In his 20 year tenure at the Association, he has participated actively in many committees and working groups involved in regulatory and tax issues related to the securities industry and capital markets in Canada. He is a frequent columnist in industry publications and is a presenter and speaker on industry issues and developments. This past June, Mr. Russell was appointed Chariman of the Standing Committee on Regulatory Affairs at the International Council of Securities Associations, ICSA. Mr. Russell has an honours degree in economics and business from the University of Western Ontario, and a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics. He has completed the Partners, Directors and Officers Qualification Examination and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
Nick Barisheff is the founder, president and CEO of Bullion Management Group Inc., a company dedicated to providing investors with a secure, cost effective, transparent way to purchase and hold physical bullion. BMG is an Associate Member of the London Bullion Market Association, LBMA, as well as the Social Investment Organization, SIO. Widely recognized as international bullion expert, Nick has written numerous articles on bullion and current market trends, which have been published on various news and business websites. Nick has appeared on BNN, CBC, CNBC and Sun Media, and has been interviewed for countless articles by leading business publications across North America, Europe and Asia. His first book $10,000 Gold: Why Gold's Inevitable Rise is the Investors Safe Haven, was published in the Spring of 2013. Every investor who seeks the safety of sound money will benefit from Nick's insights into the portfolio preserving power of gold.
Andre Philippe Hardy is Head of Canadian Research at RBC Capital Markets, an investment bank that provides a focused set of products and services to corporations, institutional investors and governments around the world. Prior to assuming his current position in November 2013, Andre led RBC Capital Markets Canadian financial services Equity Research team for six years, with direct coverage of banks and insurance companies. Throughout his career as an equity analyst, Andre was ranked consistently as a top analyst in his sectors in industry surveys, while his stock-picking success was validated by his StarMine rankings and his work was often quoted in the financial press. His primers on banking and insurance were unique products, which were widely read by investors as well as management teams. Andre joined RBC Capital Markets in 2007 after ...
Speakers:
Ian Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Industry Association of Canada
Nick Barisheff, President and CEO of Bullion Management Group Inc.
Andre Philippe Hardy, Head of Canadian Research at RBC Capital Markets
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, Hon. David C. Onley With Putting the Human back in Humanitarianism
In the rush of the holiday season, the Empire Club of Canada would like to remind its members and guests of the core of humanity that truly drives our celebrations. Our annual Christmas luncheon, hosted by the Honourable David C. Onley, our province’s official representative of the Queen in Ontario. Entertainment will be provided by Duke of Connaught Public School, and the Lieutenant Governor will present the Empire Club’s Community Service Award. The event makes a special holiday gift for clients, employees, and friends. We hope you can join us in celebrating the 110th anniversary of The Empire Club.
Speaker: The Hon. David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
DJ Schneeweiss, Consul General of Israel in Toronto and Western Canada With Navigating the Middle East Upheaval: How Israel is Meeting the Challenges and Opportunities of a Changing World
DJ Schneeweiss was born in Sydney, Australia in 1964 and immigrated to Israel in 1987. A Masters Graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, DJ joined Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994, serving as Policy Assistant to Foreign Ministers Ehud Barak, 1995 to 1996, and David Levy ,1996 to 1998. His first overseas posting was as Press Secretary at Israel’s London Embassy from 1998 to 2002, during which time he was recognized by Diplomat magazine as the most effective Embassy spokesman in London. From 2003 to 2006, Consul General Schneeweiss served as Policy Advisor to Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and from 2006 to 2009 as Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to China. From 2009 until taking up his duties in Canada in August 2012, the Consul General was Director of Civil Society Affairs in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A dynamic public speaker, Consul General Schneeweiss has established a global reputation as one of Israel’s most eloquent representatives, always communicating both the essence and the complexities of Israel’s story in a most compelling and engaging manner.
Speaker: DJ Schneeweiss, Consul General of Israel in Toronto and Western Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Hon. Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy In Conversation With David McFadden On Long-Term Energy Plan Unplugged: A Behind The Scenes Live Interview With Minister Chiarelli
A behind the scenes discussion with Ontario's Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli to talk about what to expect in the upcoming 2013 Long Term Energy Plan. Don't miss this must see, off the cuff discussion. The Hon. Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy A well known figure in Ottawa, the Hon. Bob Chiarelli returned to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in March 2010, following a by election in the riding of Ottawa West Nepean. The Minister was previously MPP for the riding of Ottawa West from 1987 to 1997. He was appointed Minister of Energy in February 2013. He has served as Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. As Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, he was responsible for implementing Ontario's first 10 year infrastructure plan, Building Together. The Minister also served as the Regional Chair of Ottawa Carleton and was later elected as the first Mayor of the amalgamated City of Ottawa. He was on the board of Ottawa Hydro from 2000 to 2006 and a director for the Independent Electricity System Operator from 2007 to 2010.
Moderator: David McFadden, Chair International, and Partner, Gowlings LLP
Speaker: The Hon. Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Hon. Bob Rae, Chief Negotiator and Counsel for the Matawa First Nations With Canada and First Nations: Time for a New Partnership
Bob Rae works as a mediator and arbitrator in Toronto. He has a particular interest in conflict resolution, first nations and aboriginal issues, and governance in both the public and private sectors. He speaks and consults widely on issue of public policy at home and abroad. Since April 2013, Mr. Rae has been acting as an advisor to the Matawa Tribal Council, and since June 2013, he has been acting as the Chairman of the First Nations Limited Partnership in British Columbia. He is a Senior Distinguished Fellow at the School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto, and is also a Senior Fellow at Massey College. Bob Rae served as Ontario’s 21st Premier from 1990 to 1995, and was elected eleven times to federal and provincial parliaments between 1978 and 2013. From 1982 to 1996 Bob Rae was leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party and from 2011 to 2013, he served as the Interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada at a time of significant restructuring. He resigned from the Parliament of Canada on July 31, 2013. In 2011, Mr. Rae was named by his colleagues as Parliamentarian of the Year. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Queen’s Counsel, a Privy Councillor, and a Member of the Order of Ontario. Mr. Rae studied History, Politics and Law at the University of Toronto and Balliol College, Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He has been a practicing lawyer since 1980, and from 1996 to 2006 was a Partner at Goodmans LLP in Toronto. Mr. Rae is the past president and founding Chairman of the Forum of Federations ,where he remains a Fellow, and served as Chairman of the Institute of Research on Public Policy ,IRPP. He was chair of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and has been the Chairman Emeritus of the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as National Spokesperson of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. He was the Chief Negotiator of the Canadian Red Cross Society in its restructuring, and also served as a member of the Canada Transportation Act Review and the Security and Intelligence Review Committee for Canada. He has served on the boards of a number of public companies and charities. He was Chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University from 2002 to 2007. Mr. Rae’s books ,From Protest to Power, The Three Questions, Canada in the Balance, and Exporting Democracy are published by McClelland and Stewart. As a student, he co authored a report on governance at the University entitled Towards Community in University Government. In 2005 he wrote a provincial report Ontario, a Leader in Learning, and a federal report on the 1985 Air India bombing Lessons to be Learned. He has received numerous honourary degrees and awards from universities, colleges, governments, and organisations in Canada and abroad. He is married to Arlene Perly Rae, and they have three daughters. Mr. Rae lives in Toronto.
Speaker: The Hon. Bob Rae, Chief Negotiator and Counsel for the Matawa First Nations
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Linda Hasenfratz, CEO, Linamar Corporation With Myths and Realities of the Global Automotive Industry
Linda Hasenfratz was named Chief Executive Officer of Linamar Corporation on August 12, 2002. From April 1999 to August 2002 she was President of Linamar Corporation. Ms. Hasenfratz joined Linamar Corporation in July 1990 and embarked on an extensive training program to gain familiarity with all aspects of the business. Positions held in the Corporation range from Machine Operator all the way up to General Manage of the company's Vehcom Manufacturing and Comtech Manufacturing Ltd. Divisions. Ms. Hasenfratz completed an Executive MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in June 1997. In addition, Ms. Hasenfratz holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the same institution. The analytical and strategic planning skills gained during the MBA program in combination with practical skills gained at Linamar are key factors in Ms. Hasenfratz' executive development. Since Ms. Hasenfratz assumed corporate level responsibilities, Linamar sales have grown from $800 million to more than $2.8 billion. The corporation has undergone significant change in terms of formalization, development, communication and execution of a vision and strategy for future growth as well as development of communication, performance management and operating systems utilized throughout the company. Linamar Corporation is a diversified global manufacturing Company of highly engineered products powering vehicles, motion, work and lives. The Company is made up of 2 operating segments, the Powertrain and Driveline segment and the Industrial segments which are further divided into 4 key divisions, Manufacturing, Driveline, Industrial Commercial Energy ICE, and Skyjack, all world leaders in the design, development and production of highly engineered products. The Company's Manufacturing and Driveline divisions focus on precision metallic components, modules and systems for engine, transmission and driveline systems designed for passenger vehicle markets. The ICE group concentrates on similar products for on and off highway vehicle, energy and other industrial markets. The Company's Skyjack division is noted for its innovative, high quality mobile industrial equipment, notably its class leading aerial work platforms and telehandlers. With more than 17,200 employees in 40 manufacturing locations, 5R and D centers and 15 sales offices in 12 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, Linamar generated sales of more than $3.22 Billion in 2012.
Speaker: Linda Hasenfratz, Chief Executive Officer, Linamar Corporation
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
The Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario With Creating Jobs and Growing the Economy
Minister Charles Sousa was born and raised in Mississauga, has been the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Mississauga South since 2007, and is the current Minister of Finance for the Province of Ontario. He is a husband and father, and former Bay Street banker, labour minister and minister of citizenship. Minister Sousa is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and received his MBA from the Ivey School of Business. On Thursday, Minister Sousa will rise in the legislature to deliver the government’s fall economic statement. Charles Sousa is known for always saying: “In Ontario, there is room for everyone.”
Speaker: The Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Tim Leiweke, President and CEO, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment With Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
Tim Leiweke was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, MLSE, on April 26, 2013. Leiweke brings more than 30 years of sports and entertainment experience to MLSE, having been deeply involved in the growth and development of the NHL, NBA and MLS. Leiweke joins MLSE after 17 years with AEG, one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. In 2013, he ranked fifth on the Sports Business Journal's 50 Most Influential People in Sports Business and eighth on Billboard's 100 Most Powerful Music Industry Executives. The only President and CEO to rank on both lists. One of Leiweke's first moves upon officially taking the reins at MLSE on June 3, 2013, was hiring the 2012 to 2013 NBA Executive of the Year, Masai Ujiri as President and General Manager, Basketball Operations of the Toronto Raptors.
Speaker: Tim Leiweke, President and CEO, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
David Mirvish In Conversation With Christopher Hume On Legacy and the Public Realm: Dreaming with Frank Gehry
David Mirvish is a Canadian theatre producer, entrepreneur and art collector. A passionate supporter of the theatre and Canada's artistic community, Mr. Mirvish is the owner and operator of Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre and Panasonic Theatre. Mr. Mirvish and his father, Ed Mirvish, also purchased and restored the renowned Old Vic Theatre in London, England which they operated from 1983 to 1998. The Toronto facilities were renovated, refurbished and, in the case of the Princess of Wales built by the Mirvish family, providing the city with premiere theatre space where they have mounted outstanding productions such as Les Miserables, The Lion King Horse, The Wizard of Oz and many others. Mirvish Productions, a company founded by Mr. Mirvish in 1986, has produced plays and musicals for these and other venues throughout Canada, on Broadway and in London's West End. In addition Mirvish Productions has presented over 500 touring productions in the city of Toronto. The Mirvish family is widely credited with making Toronto a major centre of theatre. David Mirvish is also the owner and operator of Honest Ed's, the beloved discount emporium and Toronto landmark, which was opened by his father in 1948.
Christopher Hume is the architecture critic and urban issues columnist of the Toronto Star. In 2009, he won a National Newspaper Award, Canada's highest award in print journalism, for his columns. Since the 1980s, when he began working for the Star, he has received five NNA nominations. In 2009, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada gave Hume its President's Award for Architectural Journalism. He has also received a certificate of appreciation from the Ontario Association of Architects. His book, William James' Toronto Views, won a Toronto Heritage Award in 2000 and in 2004 he received a Landscape Ontario communications award. NOW magazine named Hume Toronto's best newspaper columnist in 2005. He hosted and wrote a one hour special about Canadian cities for CBC TV's flagship series, The Nature of Things. He appears frequently on radio and television as a commentator on city issues. Hume was educated at the University of Toronto and Glendon College and lives in Toronto.
Moderator: Christopher Hume, Columnist, Toronto Star
Speaker: David Mirvish, Owner and Operator, Toronto Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre and Panasonic Theatre
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Christie Blatchford, Kevin Donovan and Lisa Taylor In Conversation with Edward Keenan On Beyond the Headlines: Have the Media Treated Mayor Ford Fairly
A video that allegedly shows the Mayor of Canada's largest city smoking crack cocaine has generated headlines around the world. News of the video, which was not produced by the journalists, has also raised questions, some of them for the first time in Canada, on the way in which journalists gather and report on people and events. A panel will look beyond the headlines of this watershed moment to discuss the media's treatment of Mayor Ford, who has not acknowledged the allegations, and the broader implications for society.
Christie Blatchford has written for all four Toronto based newspapers. She has won a National Newspaper Award for column writing and in 2008 won the Governor General's Literary Award in non fiction for her book Fifteen Days: Stories of Bravery, Friendship, Life and Death from Inside the New Canadian Army Christie is currently the National Post and Postmedia columnist.
Kevin Donovan is the Investigative Editor at the Toronto Star and a senior reporter. He has won the Michener Award for Public Service Journalism, three National Newspaper Awards and three Canadian Association of Journalists Awards. He is the author of ORNGE: The Star Investigation Broke the Story.
Edward Keenan serves as senior editor and lead columnist at The Grid magazine in Toronto. An eight time finalist at the National Magazine Awards, he was the top editor at Eye Weekly, is a contributing editor at Spacing magazine and writes widely on politics, sports and culture.
Lisa Taylor, LLM, teaches at the School of Journalism, Ryerson University. Lisa spent a decade with CBC Radio and Television in a wide range of journalistic roles, including a co creator and host of two nationally broadcast series. Among other courses, Lisa, a former lawyer, teaches Law and Ethics in the Practice of Journalism.
Moderator: Edward Keenan, Senior Editor and Lead Columnist at The Grid magazine
Speakers:
Christie Blatchford, Columnist, National Post and Postmedia Network Inc
Kevin Donovan, Investigative Editor and Senior Reporter, Toronto Star
Lisa Taylor, LLM, Associate Professor, School of Journalism, Ryerson University
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Mayor Brenda Halloran and Mayor Dan Mathieson In Conversation With John Jung On Intelligent Communities: The Key To Driving Local Prosperity and Global Competitiveness
Moderator: John Jung, Chairman and Co-founder of the Intelligent Community Forum
Speakers:
Brenda Halloran, Mayor of the City of Waterloo
Dan Mathieson, Mayor of Stratford, Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Lieutenant General the Honourable Romeo A. Dallaire, O.C., C.M.M., G.O.Q, M.S.C., C.D., Retired Senator With A New Conceptual Base for Conflict Prevention
The Honourable Romeo Dallaire has a distinguished career in the Canadian military, achieving the rank of Lieutenant General and Assistant Deputy Minister of Human Resources. In 1994, General Dallaire commanded the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, UNAMIR. His experiences there became the subject of the book Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda, which was awarded the Governor General's Literary Award for Non Fiction in 2004 and was the basis of a full length feature film released in 2007.
Medically released in 2000, due to PTSD, Senator Dallaire has worked as an author, lecturer and humanitarian, conducting research on conflict resolution and child soldiers at the Kennedy School at Harvard. His most recent book, They Fight Like Soldiers, They Die Like Children - the Global Quest to Eradicate the Use of Child Soldiers, introduces the Child Soldier phenomenon and solutions to eradicate it. General Dallaire helped reform the assistance provided to the new generation of veterans particularly affected by post traumatic stress disorder.
General Dallaire was appointed to the Senate effective March 24, 2005, and is the Vice Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence as well as President of the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs. He was appointed with Bishop Desmond Tutu to the United Nations Secretary General's Advisory Committee on Genocide Prevention in the spring of 2006 and is a Fellow at the Montreal Institute of Genocide Studies, Concordia University. He is an officer in the Order of Canada since 2002, a recipient of the Pearson Peace Medal in 2005, a Grand Officer of the Order of Quebec in 2006. He holds honorary doctorates and fellowships from almost three dozen universities in Canada and the United States.
Speaker: Lieutenant General the Hon. Romeo A. Dallaire, O.C., C.M.M., G.O.Q, M.S.C., C.D., Retired Senator
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Rick Waugh, Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank With The Future of Financial Services: Finding the Right Balance for Stability and Economic Growth
As Rick Waugh prepares to step down after a decade as CEO of Scotiabank and several years as Vice Chair of the Institute of International Finance, he will take an in depth look at the ongoing fallout from the global financial crisis and what it means for the future of the financial services industry, the world economy and Canada.
Speaker: Rick Waugh, Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins in conversation with Anna Maria Tremonti on White Smoke: The Papal Conclave, A Personal View
In this unique event, Cardinal Collins will share insights on the March 2013 Papal Conclave and subsequently will discuss what it all means with CBC's Anna Maria Tremonti. For anyone interested in the process behind one of the most significant historical events of our time, this discussion will provide a rare first hand account.
Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Thomas Collins was ordained a priest in 1973. He considered other paths, but was inspired by a high school English teacher who suggested he should consider the priesthood. He earned undergraduate and master's degrees in English, later pursuing theological training in Rome. Specializing in the Book of Revelation, he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a Doctorate in Theology from Gregorian St. Paul, Alberta in 1997 and Archbishop of Edmonton in 1999. Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Collins the tenth Archbishop of Toronto in December 2006. On February 18, 2012, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals in Rome. Cardinal Collins was one of three Canadian cardinals that participated in the 2013 conclave to elect Pope Francis.
Anna Maria Tremonti, Host of CBC Radio's The Current Every day, Anna Maria Tremonti transfixes tens of thousands of listeners across Canada, as the host of CBC Radio One's most popular news magazine radio program, The Current. Whether sharing stories from her 30 years of reporting or explaining the importance of traditional media in today's information overloaded world, her talks keep audiences absolutely captivated. Tremonti is a former foreign correspondent and war correspondent who spent close to a decade posted in Berlin, London, national stories includes the breakup of the former Soviet Union. the war in Bosnia, the Israeli Palestinian conflict, and the politics of the United States, Europe, and the Arab world. She also boasts extensive experience covering Canadian federal and provincial politics. Tremonti has won two Gemini Awards, and a Life Achievement Award from Women in Film and Television Toronto. Her awards for The Current include The New York Festival Gold for Best Talk Special Interview, bronze for Best Talk News Story Long Form, silver for International Programming, Talk Special, Host Driven; and Science in Society Journalism and South Asian Journalists Association, Best Special Project Kabul honours. Tremonti is a graduate of the Communications Studies program at the University of Windsor. She has honorary doctorates from the University of Windsor and Carleton University
Moderator: Anna Maria Tremonti, Host of CBC Radio's The Current
Speaker: His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Steven L. Beshear, Governor of Kentucky on Growing our Future Together: The Value of Advancing the Strong Economic Ties Between Canada and Kentucky
Steven L. Beshear was elected Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in November 2007. An attorney by profession, Gov. Beshear has a long background in public service, having served as a state representative in the Kentucky General Assembly, attorney general and lieutenant governor prior to being elected governor. To each of these positions he has brought a foundation of integrity and ethics, as well as a deeply felt commitment to improving the lives of fellow Kentuckians. During three terms as state representative, Beshear helped modernize the Kentucky Judicial System and proposed legislation that resulted in the modernization and more than doubling of neo natal capacities at the University of Kentucky Hospital. As attorney general, Beshear saved countless taxpayer dollars by successfully cracking down on statewide food stamp fraud and pursued several controversial investigations involving state government employees. As lieutenant governor, Beshear helped push for reform of the child welfare system. He also created and spearheaded the Kentucky Tomorrow Commission, a strategic planning initiative that identified daunting challenges facing the state then and far into the future. After taking nearly two decades off to practice law, Beshear entered a crowded field in the governor's race and beat the incumbent. As governor, Beshear has helped restore public trust by creating a culture of integrity in state government that has included rooting out cronyism and implementing stronger ethics standards. He has also spending with a trimming of the state workforce, implemented a more efficient way of designing and building roads and won bipartisan support for a complex reform of the beleaguered public pension system. Despite inheriting an austere budget and a struggling economy, he has focused on initiatives to help Kentucky families. These have included expanding efforts to bring health coverage to 35,000 uninsured children, designing a plan to bring prescription drugs to those who can't afford them, securing bridge funding to save Kentucky's student loan agency and calling for a new analysis on higher education affordability and access. Gov. Beshear is a native of Dawson Springs in Hopkins County, Ky., where he was one of five children of a Baptist minister and a mother dedicated to her community. Beshear has a bachelor's degree and law degree from the University of Kentucky, where he was president of the student body. He also served as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he also carried out certain Judge Advocate General duties. He and his wife, Jane, have been married since 1969. They own a small farm in Clark County. They have two sons Jeff, a veterinarian, and Andy, an attorney and three grandchildren. Beshear has long been deeply involved in the community, and his various civic activities include such organizations as CommerceLexington Inc. the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, God's Pantry Food Bank, Bluegrass Tomorrow, the Kentucky World Trade Center, and the UK College of Law Visiting Committee.
Speaker: Stephen Beshear, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Amar Varma, Anthony Lacavera, Dr. Michael Bloom and John Ruffolo in conversation with Mike Eppel on Venture Capital in Canada: Bridging the Expectations Gap between Venture Capitalists and Entrepreneurs
Moderator: Mike Eppel, Senior Business Editor, 680 News
Speakers:
Amar Varma, Co-Founder & CEO, Xtreme Labs and Managing Partner, Extreme Venture Partners
Anthony Lacavera, Chairman & CEO, Globalive Communications and WIND Mobile
Dr. Michael Bloom, Vice-President, Organizational Effectiveness and Learning, The Conference Board of Canada
John Ruffolo, CEO, OMERS Ventures
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Andy Byford, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission on Next Steps: TTC's 5 Year Plan
Andy Byford was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission in March, 2012. He is responsible for the day to day operations of the largest transit agency in Canada, and the third largest in North America, carrying over 500 million riders on an annual basis. Andy joined the TTC as Chief Operating Officer in November, 2011 and was responsible for the delivery of safe, punctual, reliable bus, streetcar, subway and Wheel Trans services. From 2009 to 2011, as Chief Operating Officer of Rail Corporation, Sydney, Australia, Mr. Byford was responsible for delivery of service to a million customers a day on Australia's largest transit network. From 2003 to 2009, Mr. Byford held the positions of Operations Director and Operations and Safety Director with Southern Railway and South Eastern Transit Limited, UK During his tenure with London Underground from 1989 to 2003, he held a variety of managerial positions including Station Manager, Kings Cross and General Manager Customer Service for three of the busiest subway lines. Mr. Byford graduated from the University of London with a Diploma and Certificate in Transport. He holds a B.A. degree in French and German from the University of Leicester. Mr. Byford is a member of the University Club of Toronto, the Institute of Railway Operators and the Institute of Transport and Logistics. He is married and lives in Toronto.
Speaker: Andy Byford, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Sheldon Levy, President of Ryerson University on Young innovators, our future: supporting postsecondary (r)evolution
In 2009 a group of Ryerson students approached Sheldon Levy with a radical idea. Inspired by next generation technology, and wanting their education to make an impact, they asked for a new kind of learning and research space for entrepreneurial development and invention. In 2010 the Digital Media Zone opened its doors and became an immediate international phenomenon. In three years the DMZ has incubated 75 startups, initiated more than 125 projects, graduated 23 companies, created over 600 jobs and hosted nearly 650 tours. The explosion of entrepreneurial activity in the Ryerson Digital Media Zone weighs in on issues like the environment, transportation, health, global culture and empowering public opinion. Projects range from biomedical technology to consumer driven profitability, photography, financial literacy, green corporations, interactive advertising, and the GoMobile app, among many more. International fellowships are bringing exceptional teams to Canada to collaborate and develop their ideas. What started as a single space at 10 Dundas Street East now occupies three floors, and demand for admission continues to grow. Getting into the Zone is rigorous and competitive, and you have to make the grade to stay. It is a model that invests the highest academic standards with the vigour of emerging technology and the urgency of economic and social progress, and assumes a thriving partnership with government industry and business. While the tools are new, entrepreneurial innovators possess the time honoured qualities of leadership: they are passionate, principled, indefatigable and persistent, able to create and design, undeterred by failure, and great team players. They are defining the future. The presentation will feature a panel of young DMZ entrepreneurs joining Sheldon Levy in an exploration of the postsecondary (r)evolution, and what is needed for Canada to be among the world's best. The venue is the Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens, Ryerson's new facility on Carlton Street, included in the ESPN list of Top 10 Most Historic Stadiums in North America. Sheldon Levy has been President of Ryerson University since 2005. He is dedicated to student success, distinctive academic programs and research, and the university's role as city builder. He was named one of Toronto Life's 50 most influential people in the city and was named CEO of the Year by the Canadian Public Relations Society.
Speaker: Sheldon Levy, President of Ryerson University
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Matthew Teitelbaum, Director and CEO, Art Gallery of Ontario on Invent the Future: Invest in Creativity
Matthew Teitelbaum became the fifth Director of the Art Gallery of Ontario in September 1998. His leadership and vision was instrumental in achieving the 300 million dollar transformation of the AGO by world renowned, Toronto born architect Frank Gehry in November 2008. During his tenure at the AGO, its permanent collection has experienced significant growth, the Gallery has acquired nearly 60,000 works, and its international reputation has been strengthened. Under his leadership, the AGO has become the central repository of works by such contemporary artists as Betty Goodwin, Paterson Ewen, Kazao Nakamura, Jack Chambers, David Blackwood and Greg Curnoe, reinforcing the AGO’s position as a passionate advocate for Canadian art. In 2001, Mr. Teitelbaum created the first permanent archival position in a Canadian art museum, positioning the Gallery as a leader in research and study of the lives, contributions and working methods of artists. Born in Toronto in 1956, he holds an honours bachelor of arts in Canadian history from Carleton University, a master of philosophy in modern European painting and sculpture from the Courtauld Institute of Art, and an honorary Doctor of Laws from Queen’s University. He has taught at Harvard, York University and the University of Western Ontario, and has lectured across North America. Mr. Teitelbaum is a past president of the Association of Art Museum Directors and has been a member of its committees. He and his wife Susan Cohen have two sons.
Speaker: Matthew Teitelbaum, Director and CEO, Art Gallery of Ontario
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Wanted in the GTA: Honesty, Boldness and Big Thinking
John Tory is a Canadian businessman, political activist, former leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, former Member of Provincial Parliament and broadcaster. He also is the volunteer chair of the Greater Toronto Civic Action Alliance. Tory received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1978 from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1980. From 1980 to 1981, and 1986 to 1995, Tory held various positions Tory, Tory, DesLauriers and Binnington, including partner, managing partner, and member of the Executive Committee. From 1981 to 1985, Tory served in the Office of the Premier of Ontario as Principal Secretary to the Premier and Associate Secretary of the Cabinet. In 1985 Tory joined the Office of the Canadian Special Envoy on Acid Rain, as Special Advisor to the Special Envoy. Tory later served as Tour Director and Campaign Chairman to then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. From 1995 to 1999, he returned to Rogers Communications Inc., as president and CEO of Rogers Media. In 1999, Tory became president and CEO of Rogers subsidiary Rogers Cable. Tory was leader of the Ontario PC party from 2004 to 2009. In January of 2010, Tory became the Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, now named the Greater Toronto Civic Action Alliance. In August 2012, Tory was appointed Co Chair of Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance. He currently hosts Newstalk 1010′s Monday to Friday Live Drive, which airs from 4pm to 7pm. John Tory’s community work has been widely recognized. He is a recipient of the Order of Ontario and the Diamond Jubilee Medal and both the Paul Harris and Mel Osborne Awards from the Rotary and Kiwanis organizations respectively. He was named a Life Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He is also the recipient of the African Canadian Achievement Award, the Harry Jerome Award and the 2011 Negev Dinner Honouree.
Speaker: His Worship John Tory, Mayor of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Blake Hutcheson, Stephen Diamond, Paul Bedford in conversation with Christopher Hume
E.M. Blake Hutcheson, President and CEO, Oxford Properties Group Blake Hutcheson is the President and CEO of Oxford Properties Group and is responsible for overseeing the global business, consisting of approximately 21 billion dollars of assets under management and 1,400 employees in Canada, Europe and the USA. Prior to taking this appointment, Mr. Hutcheson was based in New York as the Head of Global Real Estate Investing for a multi strategy private equity firm, with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong and Mumbai. Prior to that, Mr. Hutcheson was the Chairman and President of CB Richard Ellis Canada from 1999 to 2008, and Latin America from 2001 to 2008, overseeing all operations in multiple countries with over 2.500 employees. Mr. Hutcheson has also served on several boards and committees including: Director of Algoma Central Corporation; Chair of Build Toronto, Chair of the Mayor of Toronto's Fiscal Advisory Committee; President of the University Club of Toronto, Director of RealNet Canada, Director of REALpac and Chair of the Canadian Real Estate Forum. Mr. Hutcheson is a long time member of YPO and WPO and was selected as one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40. He is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, the London school of Economics, England and Columbia University, New York.
Stephen Diamond, President and CEO, Diamond Corp Stephen Diamond is President and CEO of Diamond Corp, a Toronto based land development company actively engaged in the acquisiti development of real estate. Diamondcorp manages the Whitecastle New Urban Fund and the recently launched Whitecastle New Urban Fund 2. Prior to the creation of Diamondcorp, Stephen served as partner at the law firm McCarthy Tétrault where he was head of the Municipal Law and Planning Group and also served on the Board of Directors. Stephen sits on the board of directors of Sunnybrook Hospital, and is Director of Whitecastle Investments Ltd. He is also actively involved in a number of community organizations including the Partnership to Advance Youth Employment, a City of Toronto initiative with a mandate to increase economic opportunities for youth.
Paul J. Bedford RPP, FCIP, Principal, Paul Bedford and Associates Paul Bedford is a Member and Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners with over 40 years of experience in urban planning. As Toronto's Chief City Planner for eight years, he championed numerous innovative planning strategies including the Kings, a new City wide Official Plan and a principles plan for the Central Waterfront called Making Waves. Since his retirement in 2004, he has been appointed Adjunct Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. He serves on the National Capital Commission's Planning Advisory Committee, the Waterfront Toronto Design Review Panel and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Property Committee During 2006 to 2011, he served on the Metrolinx Board of Directors and helped develop a 50 Billion..
Speakers:
Blake Hutcheson, President and CEO, Oxford Properties Group
Stephen Diamond, President and CEO, Diamond Corp
Paul Bedford, RPP, FCIP, Principal, Paul Bedford and Associates
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Richard Garneau, President and CEO, Resolute Forest Products With Resolute on Sustainability: Taking Corporate Responsibility to the Next Level
Richard Garneau, President and CEO of Resolute Forest Products, the largest forest products company in Canada and a global leader in the industry, will speak about how the industry has met the challenges of the current operating environment and why he believes the industry has turned the corner.
Forestry in Canada is a 57 billion dollar industry and a significant segment of the Canadian economy. Continual innovation and a strong commitment to sustainability are key to not only the industry's future but the success of Resolute as well.
Mr. Garneau will outline the steps that the forest products industry, and Resolute in particular, is taking to meet these responsibilities. He will also explain the intricate balance of environmental, social and economic priorities that will lead the Company to become more efficient, a better employer, a stronger partner for customers and a good neighbor in the communities where Resolute operates. Mr. Garneau has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Resolute Forest Products since January 2011 and has served as a director of the Company since June 2010.
Before joining Resolute, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst Paper Corporation from 2007 through 2010. Prior to his tenure at Catalyst, Mr. Garneau was Vice President of Pulp and Paper Operations at Domtar Inc. and also held a variety of roles at Norampac, Copernic.com, Future Electronics, St. Laurent Paperboard, Finlay Forest Industries, and Donohue Inc. He was named by RISI as the North American CEO of the Year for 2012.
Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including newsprint, commercial printing papers, market pulp and wood products. The Company owns or operates 21 pulp and paper mills and 21 wood product facilities in the United States, Canada and South Korea. Marketing its products in close to 80 countries, Resolute has third party certified 100 percent of its managed woodlands to sustainable forest management standards. The shares of Resolute Forest Products trade under the stock symbol RFP on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Resolute and other member companies of the Forest Products Association of Canada, as well as a number of environmental organizations, are partners in the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement. The group works to identify solutions to conservation issues that meet the goal of balancing equally the three pillars of sustainability linked to human activities: environmental, social and economic. Resolute is also a member of the World Wildlife Fund's Climate Savers program, in which businesses establish ambitious targets to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work aggressively toward achieving them.
Speaker: Richard Garneau, President and CEO, Resolute Forest Products
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Justin Trudeau, Candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party
Justin was first elected to Parliament in the Montreal riding of Papineau in 2008, defying political insiders who believed that a federalist candidate would have little chance against an incumbent member of the Bloc Québécois. In the past five years, he has worked tirelessly to represent an electoral district where close to 50 percent of voters' mother tongue is neither French nor English. For Justin, the people of Papineau exemplify Canada's rich diversity, evolving identity, and the struggle for equality of opportunity. He has served the hard working middle class families and small businesses of his constituency who, in recent years have faced economic challenges. He has worked alongside local community organisations by bringing together different cultures and religions, and establishing local initiatives on social issues, the environment, and the arts. As a Member of Parliament, Justin has had many responsibilities including the Liberal Party Critic for Youth, Post Secondary Education, Amateur Sports, Multiculturalism, Citizenship and Immigration. Furthermore, he previously sat on the Parliamentary committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development and Citizenship and Immigration. As a Parliamentarian, and prior to that, Justin travelled the country and met with Canadians in every region, consistently speaking about shared values, the importance of youth empowerment, protecting our wilderness, and living up to our place in the world. Some of Justin's proudest accomplishments include his adv 2010, his activism to protect the Nahanni river in the Northwest Territories in 2005 and holding the post of chair of Katimavik, Canada's national youth service program, from 2002 to 2006. At the heart of Justin's professional achievements, whether as a math and French teacher in British Columbia, or his leadership role in Katimavik, or even his strong defense of Quebec as a Member of Parliament, is deep respect for Canadians coast to coast to coast and his desire to serve them. Justin has a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University, and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. He was born on December 25, 1971, the eldest son of the late former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Margaret Sinclair Trudeau Kemper. Justin is married to Sophie Grégoire. The couple welcomed their first child, Xavier James Trudeau on October 18, 2007 and added to their family with the arrival of Ella Grace Trudeau on February 5, 2009.
Speaker: Justin Trudeau, Candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Tony Griffiths In Conversation With Howard Green On Real Life Governance Matters in the Boardroom
Tony Griffiths: Born in Rangoon, Burma, and educated in the United States and Canada. He holds an MBA from Harvard. He is the chairman of Russel Metals Inc., and Novadaq Technologies, and a director of Vitran Corp., and is a director of The Brick. Previous directorships include Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., Canadian Tire Corp., Hub International Ltd., Leitch Technology Corp., and ShawCor Ltd., Shaw Communications.
Howard Green is the anchor of BNN's flagship interview program, Headline with Howard Green. His first book, Banking on America: How TD Bank Rose to the Top and Took on the U.S.A., was recently published by HarperCollins. Green is also an award winning documentary maker whose work has been broadcast worldwide. His best known film is The Investigation of Swissair 111, which won a Gemini Award and was nominated for two Emmys. Green is a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Moderator: Howard Green, Anchor of BNN's Headline with Howard Green
Speaker: Tony Griffiths, Chairman of Russel Metals Inc.
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Andrea Horwath, Leader of Ontario NDP on Creating Jobs and Building a Stronger Economy: Building a Budget that Works for Ontario Families
Andrea Horwath is the Leader of Ontario's New Democrats. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Andrea knows that the financial success of our province depends on the financial success of families who make the province work. Horwath has been a political and community leader for 20 years Andrea has provided strong effective leadership that has lead to real results and positive change. After working in community development and housing in Hamilton and Niagara region, she was elected to Hamilton's City Council in 1997. Horwath was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in a 2004 by election in the riding of Hamilton East and has been re elected twice in the riding of Hamilton Centre. As Leader of Ontario's NDP since 2009, Horwath has grown New Democrats seat count and popular support and in Ontario's minority government she's worked hard to deliver real results and positive change for the people of the province.
Speaker: Andrea Horwath, Leader of Ontario NDP
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
His Excellency Jean Marc Ayrault, Prime Minister of France
Born on January 25, 1950, in Maulévrier, Maineet Loire, Jean Marc Ayrault was appointed Prime Minister of France on May 15, 2012, by the President of the Republic of France, François Hollande. A member of the Socialist Party, Jean Marc Ayrault was the Mayor of the city of Nantes, Loire Atlantique, from 1989 to 2012. He was also the leader of the Socialist Party in the National Assembly for three terms between 1997 and 2012. Mr. Ayrault started his political career as the Mayor of Saint Herblain, Loire Atlantique, from 1977 to 1989. In 1976, he was elected as General Councillor of Loire Atlantique, a position that he held until 1982. He served as representative of the Loire Atlantique departement to the National Assembly from 1986 to 1988 and as representative of Loire Atlantique's third constituency from 1988 to 2012. In 1992. Mr. Ayrault was elected President of the agglomerated area of Nantes Métropole. In 2001, he was elected of the Urban Community of Nantes Metropole. He left this position in May 2012 to take office as Prime Minister. Mr. Jean Marc Ayrault has a degree in German and a CAPES degree, which is a French degree by virtue of which he can teach German. Mr. Ayrault has been married to Brigitte Terrien since 1971. They have two daughters: Ysabelle and Elise.
Biographie: Né le 25 janvier 1950 à Maulévrier , Maine et Loire, Jean Marc Ayrault est nommé Premier ministre le 15 mai 2012 par le Président de la République, François Hollande. Membre du Parti socialiste, Jean Marc Ayrault est élu, en 1977, Maire de la commune de Saint-Herblain, Loire Atlantique, qu'il administer jusqu'en 1989, année lors de laquelle il est élu Maire de Nantes, Loire Atlantique. Entre temps, M. Ayrault occupe les fonctions de Conseiller général de Loire Atlantique de 1976 à 1982, de Député de Loire Atlantique de 1986 à 1988 et de Député Loire Atlantique de 1988 à 2012. En 1992, il devient Président du District de l'agglomération nantaise jusqu'en 2001 puis est nommé Président de la Communauté urbaine de Nantes Métropole, fonction qu'il quitte en mai 2012 pour accepter le poste de Premier ministre. A l'Assemblée Nationale, Jean Marc Ayrault est élu Président du groupe socialiste, radical, citoyen et divers gauche, fonction qu'il occupe durant trois mandats jusqu'en 2012. Diplômé d'une licence et d'un Capes d'allemand, M. Ayrault est professeur d'allemand. Jean Marc Ayrault est marié à Brigitte Terrien depuis 1971. Ils ont deux enfants : Ysabelle et Elise.
Speaker: His Excellency Jean Marc Ayrault, Prime Minister of France
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
David Naylor, President, University of Toronto With Zombie versus Zombies: Tackling Two Dangerous Myths in Higher Education and Advanced Research
David Naylor has been President of the University of Toronto since 2005. He earned his MD at Toronto in 1978, followed by a D Phil at Oxford where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. Naylor completed clinical specialty training and joined the Department of Medicine of the University of Toronto in 1988. He was founding Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 1991 to 1998, before becoming Dean of Medicine and Vice Provost for Relations with Health Care Institutions of the University of Toronto, 1999 to 2005. Naylor has co authored approximately 300 scholarly publications, spanning social history, public policy, epidemiology and biostatistics, and health economics, as well as clinical and health services research in most fields of medicine. Among other honours, Naylor is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Foreign Associate Fellow of the US Institute of Medicine, and an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Speaker: David Naylor, President, University of Toronto
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Piers Handling, Director and Chief Executive Officer, TIFF With TIFF Takes on the World
Piers Handling is the Director and Chief Executive Officer of TIFF. He has held this position since 1994, responsible for leading both the operational and artistic growth of the organization. TIFF has a $33 million annual operating budget and employs more than 150 full time staff. For the last four years, TIFF has been named one of the Greater Toronto Area's Top Employers. Under Handling's direction, the organization has grown to become an internationally institution. In 2010 TIFF opened its own permanent home which presents daily programming. TIFF Bell Lightbox, houses five cinemas, two exhibition galleries, and educational and learning studios. He led the $196 million fundraising campaign. Handling has curated numerous film retrospectives and presented programmes of Canadian cinema at The Sundance Film Festival, the British Film Institute, the Havana Film Festival and sat on festival juries including Cannes, Tokyo, Rotterdam, San Sebastian, Torino, and Istanbul. Prior to joining the Toronto International Film Festival in 1982, Handling began his career at the Canadian Film Institute, ultimately becoming Deputy Director. After leaving the CFI, he taught Canadian cinema at Carleton University in Ottawa and Queen's University in Kingston. He has published extensively on Canadian cinema and edited numerous books. Handling has been honoured with the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, France's highest cultural insignia. In 2003, he was named CEO of the Year by the Canadian Public Relations Society. He holds three Honorary Doctorates from Ryerson University, York University and OCAD University, and has sat on a number of Boards and advisory Councils including Festivals and Major Events, the Canadian Film Centre, Tafelmusik, Luminato, Telefilm Canada's Feature Film Advisory Committee, and Ontario's Minister of Culture's Advisory Council for Arts and Culture
Speaker: Piers Handling, Director and Chief Executive Officer, TIFF
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ambassador David Jacobson, U.S. Ambassador to Canada With What Obama's Second Term Will Mean for Canada
David Jacobson presented his credentials to the Governor General of Canada and became the 22nd U.S. Ambassador to Canada on October 2, 2009. Before coming to Ottawa, Ambassador Jacobson served as Special Assistant to the President. Prior to serving in the White House, Ambassador Jacobson spent 30 years as a lawyer in Chicago as a partner at the law firm Sonnenschein, Nath and Rosenthal LLP. Ambassador Jacobson has traveled widely through Canada, visiting all ten provinces and Canada's northern most point, Alert. Ambassador Jacobson spends his time working on four major priorities: bilateral trade, the balance between energy and the environment, the mutual defense of North America, and the U.S. Canada shared approach to the world. Since coming to Canada, Ambassador Jacobson has become an avid curling fan. Ambassador Jacobson received a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center and was the Administrative Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal. He received his B.S. from the Johns Hopkins University Ambassador Jacobson and his wife, Julie, have two children, Wynne and Jeremy.
Speaker: Ambassador David Jacobson, U.S. Ambassador to Canada
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Thorsten Heins, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blackberry with Special Introduction by Nadir Mohamed, CEO Rogers Communications
Thorsten Heins was named President and Chief Executive Officer at Research In Motion in January 2012. Over the past year he has undertaken an extensive program to revitalize the organization while readying for the launch of BlackBerry 10. Join The Empire Club in hearing Thorstens first public address since the launch of BlackBerry 10, when he will discuss the future of mobile computing and share his vision for the future of technology in Canada and around the world. Thorsten Heins was named President and Chief Executive Officer at Research In Motion in January 2012. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer, Product Engineering, overseeing the BlackBerry smartphone portfolio world wide. Prior to joining RIM in 2007, Thorsten held several positions in the wireless arena including the Chief Technology Officer of Siemens Communications Division and several general management positions in Hardware and Software businesses. Thorsten holds a master's degree in Science and Physics from the University of Hannover in Germany. Thorsten also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc.
Speaker:
Thorsten Heins, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blackberry
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Ian Russell, President and CEO, Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) With Getting the Facts: What Clients Actually Value and Demand from Financial Advisors
lan Russell is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Industry Association of Canada, a position he has held since its inauguration in April 2006. Prior to his appointment at IIAC, Mr. Russell headed the Industry Relations and Representation group of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada. In his 20 year tenure at the Association, he has many committees and working groups involved in regulatory and tax issues related to the securities industry and capital markets in Canada. He is a frequent columnist in industry publications and is a presenter and speaker on industry issues and developments. This past June, Mr. Russell was appointed Chairman of the Standing Committee on Regulatory Affairs at the International Council of Securities Associations. Mr. Russell has an honours degree in economics and business from the University of Western Ontario, and a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics. He has completed the Partners, Directors and Officers Qualification Examination and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
Speaker: Ian Russell, President and CEO, IIAC
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Former Ambassador Ken Taylor In Conversation With Senator Pamela Wallin
Ken Taylor, a graduate of University of Toronto, Victoria, B.A. and the University of California Berkeley M.B.A., joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1959. His assignments ranged from Guatemala, Detroit, Pakistan, London, Ottawa, Tehran and New York. He resigned from the diplomatic service in 1984 to join Nabisco Brands, RJR Nabisco as Senior Vice President International. He formulated and implemented polices to strengthen the $21 billion company's international presence. Following change of control of the company in 1989 he has served either in an advisory capacity as a director for a number of companies both in Canada and abroad. On return from his posting in Iran as Canadian Ambassador during the revolution he received the United States Congressional Gold Medal, The Order of Canada and the key to the city of New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Dallas. From 1998 to 2004 he served as Chancellor of Victoria University in The University of Toronto. He has recently visited Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Sudan, China, London, Paris, Moscow, Colombia and Mexico on behalf of business interests. Ken Taylor resides in New York but visits Canada frequently.
Moderator: The Hon. Pamela Wallin, OC SOM, Canadian Senator
Speaker: Ken Taylor, OC, Former Ambassador
The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.