Empire Club of Canada

Епизоди

• 
  LA Times Studios & Empire Club of Canada Present AI and the New Rules of Cinema: Experience, Economics & Ethics Behind the Camera 12.09.2026 57мин

  Cinema is entering a new frontier where algorithms sit alongside directors, producers and performers, quietly reshaping what stories are told and how they reach the world. “AI and the New Rules of Cinema: Experience, Economics & Ethics Behind the Camera” brings together the people designing that next era of entertainment to ask what artificial intelligence really means for the audience experience, the business of content, and the ethics of storytelling when code becomes part of the creative team. In a city that has become a global crossroads for film talent and AI innovation, this conversation offers a rare, front-row look at how the entertainment ecosystem is evolving before our eyes: from premieres and red carpets to production pipelines, investment decisions and the trust between storytellers and th`1e public.On September 11, 2026, the Empire Club of Canada and the LA Times Studios convened studio and streamer executives, institutional public policy leaders and creative voices to examine the choices that will define cinema’s next chapter, and the role Canada will play in the global entertainment ecosystem. Moderated by Anna Magzanyan, President of LA Times Studios & NantGames, the conversation featured Tammy Frick, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, and Shamier Anderson, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bay Mills Studios, Canadian Actor and Producer. Together, they explored the intersection of innovation and the creative process as AI reshapes the audience experience and the economics of development, production and distribution—and as it raises questions about authorship, artistic voice, talent, rights and public trust.Taking place during a pivotal moment in the global film calendar, this is an opportunity for leaders across industry, technology, investment, government and the creative sector to engage with one of the defining questions of the moment: how can AI expand the possibilities of cinema while preserving the human creativity, integrity and accountability that give storytelling its value?
• 
  Building a Modern Army for Canada’s Security and Sovereignty — featuring Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army 05.06.2026 58мин

  At a time of heightened geopolitical tension and with the acknowledgment of diverse threats to our sovereignty and security, Canada is redefining what sovereignty means and how stakeholders can contribute to the defence of our great nation. In alignment with the Government of Canada’s command signal that Canada must defend its own sovereignty on its own terms, the Canadian Army is undergoing a generational modernization to become the Army Canada now needs.In parallel, the Government of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy charts a path to a more sovereign, innovation‑driven defence industrial base, with implications for businesses, researchers, and communities across the country.On June 4th, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada welcomed Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army for a keynote entitled, Forging the Army Canada Needs: Stakeholder Opportunities to Contribute to the Defence of Canada.  The Commander laid out his vision for a modern Army and how it aligns with the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) and broader government priorities to enhance, equip, develop and future-proof the land forces for Canada’s sovereignty.Following the speech, Jody Thomas, Senior Advisor at Counsel Public Affairs moderated a fireside chat that also included Bernie Derible, Ontario’s Agent General ASEAN and Ontario’s Military and Defence Representative and Patrick Kelly, Director General, Defence Investment Agency, on how the private and public sector can collaborate to ensure that Canada forges the Army it needs to meet this inflection point in Canada’s National Defence.
• 
  Talent, Technology and Trust: Launch of the Council of Ontario Universities’ AI Task Force Report 31.05.2026 1ч

  Artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace—reshaping industries, redefining work, transforming student learning, and accelerating global competition in real time. Jurisdictions that move quickly will lead; those that hesitate risk falling behind. Ontario is at a pivotal moment—and must act decisively.On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Empire Club of Canada convened a thought-provoking panel bringing together leaders from universities, industry, and Canada’s AI ecosystem to examine how Ontario can respond with urgency and turn this moment into sustained economic growth, productivity gains, and global competitiveness—while maintaining public trust.Drawing on the insights of the Council of Ontario Universities’ AI Task Force, this discussion focused on the actions required now to move beyond early-stage adoption toward leadership in the global AI economy. The conversation will examine how Ontario can rapidly prepare students for an AI-driven workforce through accelerated curriculum transformation and AI-enabled learning; build secure, Canadian-based data and computing infrastructure to ensure sovereignty and strategic control; and support industry in scaling AI adoption to drive innovation, investment, intellectual property creation, and productivity across key sectors.The panel featured Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo and Chair of the COU AI Task Force, a leading voice on advancing AI talent and responsible adoption; Shannon Bell, Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information, OpenText, with deep expertise in scaling Canadian innovation in highly competitive global markets; and Glenda Crisp, President and CEO of the Vector Institute, at the forefront of Canada’s AI research and talent ecosystem. Together, they brought a cross-sector perspective on what it will take for Ontario to act decisively and compete at speed. The panel was moderated by Vass Bednar, Managing Director, Canadian Shield Institute.Brief remarks were also be delivered by The Honourable Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security; and Karim Bardeesy, Member of Parliament, Taiaiako’n—Parkdale—High Park and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minster of Industry. This event also served as the official public launch of the Council of Ontario Universities’ AI Task Force report.  Attendees gained early access to its findings and engage directly with leaders shaping Ontario’s response to one of the most consequential technological shifts in decades.
• 
  What’s Good for the Game? The Future Business of Sport in Canada with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum 22.05.2026 59мин

  Golf Canada’s story offers a compelling vision for the future of sport in Canada. With 6 million players, 70 million rounds played annually, and a diversified funding model built on corporate partnerships, major events, and foundation support—underscored by a shift from a “sport of invitation” toward greater accessibility—Golf Canada shows how strategic innovation can drive both growth and resilience. At the same time, many National Sport Organizations are grappling with rising costs, flat government investment, fragmented structures, and heightened expectations around governance, safety, and inclusion—pressures that force difficult choices about how to sustain programs, support athletes, and deliver community value over the long term.On Thursday, May 21st the Empire Club of Canada brought together Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum; Ontario’s Minister of Sport, The Honourable Neil Lumsden and Jacqueline Ryan, CEO, Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, Canadian Olympic Committee to ask: What’s good for the game?—and what that question reveals about building sport ecosystems that are financially resilient, community‑focused, and aligned with national priorities and public sentiment about Canadian sport in a changing North American landscape. Using golf as a sharp, real‑world case study, NHL Features Reporter for Prime Monday Night Hockey, Christine Simpson moderated the discussion, unpacking the decisions and conditions that have enabled Golf Canada’s success—from evolving its business model to leveraging emerging technologies and shifting consumer behaviours to redefine how people engage with the sport. Attendees left with concrete, transferable insights that leaders across Canadian sport can apply as they design sustainable models and navigate the trade‑offs required to move from short‑term survival to sustained performance and long‑term impact for athletes, organizations, and communities alike.
• 
  Culture as Infrastructure: Toronto’s Next Decade of Live Experiences 20.05.2026 1ч 3мин

  Canada’s visitor and experience economy is breaking records. Toronto alone welcomed more than 28 million visitors last year, generating over $9 billion in spending across hotels, restaurants, venues, attractions, and neighbourhood main streets. At the heart of this growth is the experience economy: live music, major league sport, festivals, immersive events, and the cultural life of the city. Yet even as demand soars, Toronto’s infrastructure and long‑term commercial and cultural strategies—which aim to align infrastructure, policy, and investment with the realities of a modern experience‑driven city—struggle to keep pace.Live Nation’s new Rogers Stadium build and longstanding cultural events like the Juno Awards offer a high‑profile glimpse into evolving approaches and models that work to overcome the challenges and barriers to progress for Toronto’s next decade of live experiences. On Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, the Empire Club of Canada brought together Wayne Zronik, Live Nation, President of Business Operations and Kristy Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer, The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (producer of the Juno Awards) and the Honourable Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming to ask: If live experiences are the new infrastructure of a modern city, what will it take for Toronto to build the stages, streets, stories, and social ecosystems that keep us globally competitive and ensure culture continues to drive both community and commerce?Following special remarks from Wayne Zronik and Minister Cho, Laura deCarufel, Director of Culture and Lifestyle at the Toronto Star and Editor-in-Chief of The Kit, moderated a discussion exploring how Toronto can design the connective tissue—partnerships, talent pipelines, neighbourhood anchors, and social ecosystem—that turns individual events into lasting momentum for communities, small businesses, and the broader visitor economy.Join us for this first event in the Empire Club of Canada’s emerging Experience Economy series as we explore how live experiences function as critical economic, social, and civic infrastructure.
• 
  EMPIRE NIGHTS: AI at the Helm: The Next Horizon of Strategy, Competition, and Agency 14.05.2026 1ч 15мин

  We are living through what is arguably the largest innovation in human history. Artificial intelligence is no longer just a productivity tool; it is everyday infrastructure. It is embedded in the operating system of business, governance, and daily life. But, what comes next?On May 12, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada hosted renowned U.S.-based AI engineer and educator Harper Carroll alongside technology visionary and Trent University Chancellor Emeritus Don Tapscott to unpack the next phase of the AI revolution and what it means for competitive strategy, global markets, and civic power. The conversation moved beyond generative AI toward something far more transformative: the emerging frontier of agentic AI and the notion of “Identic” AI: highly personalized digital counterparts that can extend our cognitive capacity and learn, decide, and act on our behalf. Together, they explored how emerging AI innovations will reshape business models, customer trust, and citizen agency, and identity.Oriented toward leaders navigating an era of rapid technological change, this conversation explored the strategic, economic, and human implications of the next generation of AI and what they should prioritize to stay ahead of both opportunity and risk. This event also served as the 2026 Tapscott Lopes Business and Society Lecture – a Trent University lecture series focused on the intersection of business, technology, and society, generously supported by Ana Lopes and Don Tapscott.
• 
  State of the Airport: Positioned to Grow — Toronto Pearson Enters a New Era 13.05.2026 1ч 5мин

  On Tuesday May 12, The Empire Club of Canada hosted the Second Annual State of the Airport featuring President and CEO of Toronto Pearson Deborah Flint.  Deborah’s address reflected on the state of air travel at Canada’s gateway airport, and previewed how the airport is entering its next era that will be defined by change and growth across Pearson’s facilities, customer experiences, commercial enterprises and in partnerships.The Pearson Economic Zone is a powerful engine of growth for the country that is increasingly enabling collaboration with Canadian companies, which will be explored further in a panel discussion that shows how strategic alignment across the Pearson ecosystem can drive growth, competitiveness and long-term national prosperity.Following her keynote speech, Deborah was joined by Alison Nankivell, President and CEO of Export Development Canada in fireside chat moderated by Andrew Willis, Business Columnist at The Globe and Mail.
• 
  Canada Strong for All: United in Time of Uncertainty — Hon. François‑Philippe Champagne 07.05.2026 1ч 3мин

  Canada confronts a period of global volatility, shifting trade dynamics, and the challenge of sustaining long‑term growth in a rapidly changing world. Navigating these complexities requires clear fiscal leadership, strategic policy choices, and a steady commitment to economic resilience and shared prosperity.One week after the Government of Canada’s Spring Economic Statement, The Empire Club of Canada is pleased to welcome The Honourable François‑Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, for “Canada Strong for All: United in Time of Uncertainty,” a fireside chat moderated by David Herle, Co-founder, Air Quotes Media, Host of the Curse of Politics and The Herle Burly podcasts and Partner at Rubicon Strategy on May 6, 2026Minister Champagne will reflected on the government’s fiscal and economic priorities, and what lies ahead for Canadians as the country navigates a complex international and domestic landscape.
• 
  Accelerating a Mining Superpower: Galvanizing the Mining and Critical Minerals Sector for a More Sovereign and Prosperous Canada 28.04.2026 57мин

  The shifting geopolitical landscape has created new imperatives for Canada’s prosperity — chief among them, effectively leveraging our abundant natural resources for strategic advantage. To compete globally, industry and government must work together to strengthen sectors that differentiate Canada in world markets and drive trade diversification. From gold and iron to critical minerals such as nickel, lithium, and cobalt, our mining sector underpins energy transition strategies and the technologies that define the modern economy.Realizing the potential of our resources requires overcoming persistent challenges: lengthy permitting, steep capital demands, labour shortages, and significant infrastructure gaps.On Monday April 27, join The Empire Club of Canada as Robert Peterman, Chief Commercial Officer Toronto Stock Exchange and Global Capital Formation, TMX Group, moderated a timely discussion between  prominent mining leaders — Tony Makuch, President & CEO of Discovery; Mario Grossi, President & CEO of Technica Mining; and Shastri Ramnath, CEO of Exiro Minerals — for an in-depth discussion on what it will take to position Canada as a global superpower in resource supply and manufacturing, powering defence, EVs, clean energy, and advanced industry — fueling both today’s resilience and tomorrow’s competitive edge.
• 
  The Honourable Tim Hodgson: One Year of Nation Building: Looking Back, Moving Forward 25.04.2026 1ч 11мин

  At this pivotal time for our country, The Empire Club of Canada is pleased to welcome The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, for “One Year of Nation Building: Looking Back, Moving Forward” a keynote address and fireside chat on April 24, 2026.One year after the election of Mark Carney’s government – and Minister Hodgson’s first time taking office – “One Year of Nation Building: Looking Back, Moving Forward”  was a timely conversation about a pivotal year for Canada’s economic and strategic future, and what comes next.  Minister Hodgson examined the federal government’s efforts to get Canada building again through major, nation-building infrastructure projects and the Major Projects Office, navigate a rapidly changing relationship with the United States amid trade uncertainty and a shifting global order, and advance a new approach to economics, national security, and defence, grounded in energy and critical minerals.The moderated discussion, featuring The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Office of the CEO, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) also touched on landmark moments, including the Canada–Alberta Memorandum of Understanding, and consider what Canadians and business can expect as next steps. With a year of foundations laid, Minister Hodgson shared his perspective on where Canada is headed, and how the country can seize this moment to build with confidence, resilience, and purpose.The full scope of Minister Hodgson’s responsibilities — appointed by Prime Minister Carney to also oversee “nation-building” projects focused on energy, critical minerals, and infrastructure through the new Major Projects Office — far exceed what his Ministerial portfolio-title implies.  The significance of this keynote by Minister Hodgson and the impact that his decisions will have on the infrastructure of our country, cannot be understated.
• 
  Panel: Caring More, Losing Ground or Caring Up, Caring Down—And Burning Out 17.04.2026 1ч 3мин

  Millions of Canadians step into caregiving roles when the people they love begin to age or face serious health challenges. For many, this responsibility arrives not at a quiet stage of life, but in the midst of their most demanding years. In 2026, caregiving continues to fall disproportionately on women—particularly those in the sandwich generation, who are caring for young children while also supporting aging parents or relatives.These women are often maintaining full-time careers in dual-income households, yet remain the first call when a child is sick, the primary coordinators of household life, and the default caregivers when an elderly parent’s needs increase. The result is a relentless, overlapping set of responsibilities with little margin for rest.This reality carries consequences for families, for employers and for society at large. Many women see their health suffer, their workplace productivity decline, or are forced to scale back—or leave—their careers altogether. A recent McKinsey report on the Women’s Health Gap identifies informal caregiving as a significant factor shaping health outcomes and productivity, underscoring the scale and urgency of the issue.These realities raise critical questions for 2026 and beyond: What responsibility do our health systems, employers, and governments have to better support caregivers? What tools, policies, and services are needed to make caregiving more sustainable—for individuals, families, and the economy as a whole?On April 17th, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada explored these questions in an empowering and timely examination of the sandwich generation, featuring  The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Board Director, Baycrest Seniors Care;  Amy Coupal, Chief Executive Officer at the Ontario Caregiver Organization; Ann Hui, Generations Reporter, Globe and Mail, and moderated by Teri Hart, Journalist and Host, “The Hart of It All”. To kickoff the event, we were excited to hear from  Liza Vityuk, Partner, McKinsey & Company about the latest research from the McKinsey Health Institute – which highlights that unpaid caregivers in the workforce are growing significantly. Liza outlined the impact to business and women in the workforce. This event also featured closing remarks from Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director of The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.Through personal stories, evidence-based insights, and practical solutions, this event offered meaningful guidance for both organizations and individuals—and affirm a powerful truth: individual women should not have to carry this burden alone.
• 
  Eric Chassard CEO, Bruce Power – Canadian at our Core: Advancing Nuclear Innovation For Canada’s Bright Energy Future. 09.04.2026 1ч

  Canada is at a pivotal moment—one that will define its energy future, economic security, and prosperity for generations. As electricity demand accelerates and global competition intensifies, Ontario must build an energy system that is strong, resilient, and independent. With its largescale nuclear generation, world leading medical isotope production, and thousands of skilled workers, Bruce Power and Ontario’s nuclear sector stand at the centre of this opportunity.On April 8th, The Empire Club of Canada is proud to welcome Eric Chassard, President and CEO of Bruce Power, for a timely and forward-looking address entitled Canadian at Our Core: Advancing  Nuclear Innovation For Canada’s Bright Energy Future —on the future of Ontario’s energy system and Canada’s role as a clean energy leader.Eric will outline how the steps being taken today—from life extension and refurbishment to planning for future nuclear capacity—are laying the foundations for a bright energy future Ontarians can count on. Grounded in a “Canadian at our core” philosophy, he will speak to how the province can leverage its tools, talent, and innovation to become a clean energy superpower, powering industries, supporting families, and strengthening the economy.
• 
  Hon. Steve MacKinnon — Connecting Canada: The Trade Infrastructure Strategy to Power Canada’s Economic Future 28.03.2026 58мин

  Timing is everything. Canada has what the world wants, from critical minerals and energy to advanced manufacturing, agri-food, technology, and talent. Yet, it is entering a more protectionist, volatile era of trade just as global demand for our resources, expertise, and innovation is accelerating. To future proof our economy, we must prove that we can move goods, ideas, and people reliably, predictably, and at the pace global partners now expect.It’s not just about managing risk; it is about seizing opportunity at a key inflection point. And the world is watching to see if we can deliver at scale and on time.Unlocking Canada’s potential requires a trade infrastructure strategy that is built with tomorrow in mind despite today’s constraints, one that ensures that our supply chains work end to end. It requires us to recognize strengthening ports, rail networks, and aviation systems, modernizing trade corridors, and advancing nation-building projects such as high-speed rail as not only transportation projects, but as productivity strategies, labour mobility enablers and long-horizon investments in Canada’s economic resilience and growth.On March 27, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada hosted The Honourable Steve MacKinnon, Canada’s Transport Minister, for Connecting Canada: The Trade Infrastructure Strategy to Power Canada’s Economic Future, a strategic conversation on how Canada is responding, where the next wave of trade-enabling infrastructure took shape, and why Toronto and Ontario sit at the centre of a national strategy to ensure Canada not only adapts, but leads in a more competitive world. Following the speech, a fireside chat was moderated by Tim Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Affairs Officer of Aecon Group Inc.
• 
  Building Trust and Competitiveness in Ontario’s AI Economy: Hon. Stephen Crawford 13.03.2026 1ч

  Ontario stands at a crossroads: home to world-class AI research and a $16.5 billion technology ecosystem, yet facing an adoption gap that could undermine long-term competitiveness. In this Empire Club keynote and conversation, The Honourable Stephen Crawford—Ontario's Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement—joins Bob Courteau, Board Chair of Kinaxis, to map how AI is transforming government services, global supply chains, and economic opportunity.Minister Crawford outlines Ontario's unique five-part advantage (technology talent, manufacturing, financial services, critical minerals, and energy infrastructure), explains howBill 194 establishes gold-standard governance for responsible AI deployment, and addresses why trust—not just technical capability—determines adoption.This conversation offers business leaders, policymakers, and technology professionals clarity on Ontario's AI strategy, concrete examples of public sector productivity gains, and a framework for understanding how responsible governance accelerates—rather than hinders—innovation.Watch, listen, and join the conversation on how Ontario can lead the AI revolution while building the public trust that makes adoption possible. Subscribe to the Empire Club for more conversations shaping Canada's economic future, explore membership opportunities, or discover how your organization can partner with us to bring critical dialogues to decision-makers nationwide.
• 
  Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: The Ontario Finance Minister’s Annual Pre-Budget Address 11.03.2026 1ч 2мин

  The world has changed – as Ontario continues to navigate a period of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, it is more important than ever to unleash our economy and continue to make Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs, and do business.On March 10, 2026,  The Empire Club of Canada hosted The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance for The Ontario Finance Minister’s Annual Pre-Budget Address in anticipation of the 2026 provincial Budget.  Following the speech, the conversation was moderated by David Herle, Co-founder, Air Quotes Media, Host of the Curse of Politics and The Herle Burly podcasts and Partner, Rubicon Strategy.Long regarded as a cornerstone event for policymakers, business leaders, and observers of provincial economic policy, this year’s pre‑budget speech will offer an early look at how the government intends to strengthen Ontario’s economic resilience while positioning the province to compete and grow amid shifting trade rules, supply chains, and investment flows.
• 
  Empire Nights: The European Commissioner for Trade and Canada’s Minister of Trade 06.03.2026 1ч 6мин

  Strategy, Resilience and Growth: Canada–EU Trade Next Steps under CETACanada and the European Union are no longer just trading partners—they are strategic allies in a world where supply chains, security, and climate policy are increasingly intertwined and driven by shifting geopolitics. Two‑way trade in goods and services has surged to more than €123 billion (about $162 billion CAD) a year, a more than 70% increase since CETA’s provisional application, underscoring how central the EU has become to Canada’s diversification strategy. At Davos, Prime Minister Mark Carney set a new bar for that strategy, calling for Canada to “double our non‑U.S. exports” and to “move from reliance to resilience” by building a denser web of partnerships that are economically and politically sustainable.On March 5, join The Empire Club of Canada for an evening conversation at the heart of this pivot. The program featured remarks from Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade, and The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, each offering their perspective on the future of Canada–EU cooperation under CETA. Their speeches will be followed by a joint fireside chat that examines how the two partners can secure critical supply chains, respond to geopolitical shocks, align climate and trade policies and keep markets open while protecting Canadian and European workers.   The fireside chat was moderated by Arlene Dickinson, General Managing Partner, District Venture Capital — legendary entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and “Dragon” on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.The evening asked what a mature, strategic Canada–EU partnership should look like and what it will take to turn today’s $162‑billion‑plus relationship into a resilient platform for the next decade—one that strengthens democratic alliances, and keeps both economies competitive in an era when, as Prime Minister Carney warned, “the old order is not coming back.” Join us for an Empire Nights program that brings the strategic choices and critical next steps for a future-oriented Canada-EU trade partnership into sharp focus.
• 
  Empire Nights: Africa, the Caribbean and Canada: Unlocking Growth Across the New Trade Frontier Featuring FSRA CEO Dexter John 28.02.2026 1ч 31мин

  As global supply chains realign and competition intensifies, Africa and the Caribbean are emerging as critical partners for countries seeking growth, diversification, and access to rapidly expanding markets. Canada’s strengths in finance, natural resources, infrastructure, technology, and education position it to play a more ambitious role as an investor, exporter, and innovation partner across both regions. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech in Davos has set the tone for Canadians to begin this important work.On February 26, join The Empire Club of Canada for a timely conversation on the next chapter of Africa–Caribbean–Canada trade and investment. The program featured a keynote address from Dexter John, CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (Ontario), followed by a moderated discussion led by Christopher Nabeta, Director, OEM Sales and Strategy Canada at TD Auto Finance, and Empire Club Board Member, with Nimal Amitirigala, President, Grace Foods Canada, The Honourable Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West and Deputy House Leader in the House of Commons, and Nickolas Steele, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Business of Grenada, to examine on-the-ground trade realities, investment flows, and the policy decisions that will determine whether this moment translates into shared prosperity across Africa, the Caribbean and Canada.Join us in examining the next chapter of Africa–Caribbean–Canada trade: where the most promising opportunities lie, how to navigate risk and regulatory complexity, and what it will take to move from ad hoc deals to strategic, long term partnerships. From mobilizing capital, to building people-to-people and institutional ties, the discussion will define practical pathways to turn ambition into financially viable projects that convert potential into prosperity.
• 
  Power Panel: Energy for Generations – Can Ontario Meet the Challenge? 27.02.2026 1ч 3мин

  Ontario's electricity demand will grow 65% by 2050, driven by electrification, data centers, population growth, and industrial expansion. Can the province meet the challenge?At this Empire Club Energy Series event, three of Ontario's foremost energy leaders—Lesley Gallinger (IESO), Nicolle Butcher (OPG), and Michele Harradence (Enbridge Gas)—join moderator Dr. Monica Gattinger to address that question with transparency and operational candor.Lesley Gallinger opens with Ontario's strategic position: rated normal risk for reliability while every neighboring Canadian and American system faces elevated or high risk for the decade ahead. That stability was operationally proven during January's polar vortex when Ontario exported power to struggling grids while maintaining domestic reliability. She introduces the energy quadrilemma—balancing reliability, affordability, sustainability, and economic growth—where trade-offs are inevitable and planning must be iterative.Nicolle Butcher emphasizes momentum as Ontario's differentiator. Darlington refurbishment delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. SMR construction is underway. Nuclear supply chain built through decades of continuous work now attracts international interest. The province is not starting infrastructure builds from scratch but accelerating from proven industrial capacity.Michele Harradence grounds the conversation in operational reality. During extreme cold, natural gas and nuclear combined delivered nearly 80% of electricity generation while gas simultaneously heated 15 million people directly. She calls for deeper coordination across sectors, moving from hope to certainty that integrated systems can handle peak demand.The panel explores regulatory speed, capital deployment certainty, supply chain resilience, labor force planning, and the cultural shift from siloed planning to transparent coordination. From environmental assessments for long-lead projects like Wesleyville to Major Project Identification Committees providing regional visibility, Ontario's planning processes are evolving to support economic growth rather than simply follow it.This conversation demonstrates why Ontario's energy sector is foundational to the province's economic future—and why planning discipline, execution speed, and cross-sector collaboration will determine whether potential converts to prosperity.Subscribe for more thought leadership from Canada's essential forum. Explore membership at empireclub.org.
• 
  Quantum Power and National Security: Canada’s New Strategic Imperative 25.02.2026 59мин

  Canada's quantum leadership will not be decided in the lab. It will be decided by who can scale, secure, and deploy.At this Defence Series event, the Empire Club convened Lisa Lambert (CEO, Quantum Industry Canada), Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad (Commander, Canadian Joint Forces Command), Francesco Bova (Rotman School of Management), and David Roy-Guay (CEO, SBQuantum) to address Canada's quantum imperative at a pivotal moment.This conversation reveals why quantum matters now. GPS denial in contested environments. Encrypted communications harvested for future decryption. Stealth capabilities eroding under passive quantum sensors. These are present-tense operational vulnerabilities, not distant predictions. Canada's first Defence Industrial Strategy explicitly names quantum as a sovereign capability—but naming isn't enough.The panel explores how Canada holds structural advantages: one-third of global quantum workforce, second-highest number of quantum companies worldwide, mature research ecosystem. Yet the familiar pattern looms—foundational science and talent developed domestically, then industrial scale and IP captured elsewhere. For quantum, conditions are uniquely aligned to break that pattern, but only if procurement tempo matches technology maturity and government demand pulls industry forward.From NORAD modernization requiring ultra-precise timing and resilient positioning, to post-quantum cryptography migration protecting critical infrastructure, to dual-use applications extending from submarine detection to mineral exploration—this conversation connects defense imperatives to economic sovereignty.View, listen, and subscribe for more thought leadership from Canada's most essential forum. Explore membership at empireclub.org.
• 
  The 10th Ontario Chamber of Commerce Economic Report Launch featuring Hon. Mélanie Joly 20.02.2026 1ч 15мин

  Ontario at a Crossroads: Competitiveness, Confidence & Growth in a New Global Reality As Ontario enters 2026, businesses face new realities shaped by shifting trade dynamics, tariff pressures, and global competition. Amid modest signs of stabilization, confidence remains fragile, and leaders across sectors must look to strengthen resilience and secure long-term growth.Looming CUSMA renegotiations and a challenging investment climate also continue to weigh on Ontario businesses. The question now is: “How do we stay competitive, attract investment, and find new sources of growth?”Join The Empire Club of Canada and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) for the launch of the 10th Ontario Economic Report. The event featured insights from The Honourable Minister Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry, and the launch of the report by Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, OCC.The program also included a timely discussion with business and policy leaders featuring Ron Bedard, President and CEO, ArcelorMittal Dofasco; Jennifer McLeod Macey, Senior Vice President, Leger; and Gabriella Siciliano, Vice-President, Operations and Director of Marketing and Communications, Invest Ontario; moderated by Rita Trichur, Senior Business Writer and Columnist for the Report on Business. The Ontario Economic Report featured fresh data from the OCC’s province-wide business survey, regional economic projections, and forward-looking policy analysis. The event focused on addressing challenges and exploring opportunities shaping Ontario’s economic trajectory.