Advertise on podcast: Canadian Club of Toronto

Join Canadian Club Toronto on April 16 when The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, will outline his economic vision for Canada.

Capital across the full funding continuum plays a defining role in shaping Canada’s economic future. The companies being funded today will be the economic drivers and global competitors of tomorrow. In what many describe as the most uncertain period for venture capital in over a decade, investment decisions are being made with greater discipline and sharper conviction. But is there too much conservatism? Where capital flows today — and who has the capacity to deploy it — will shape Canada’s economic trajectory over the next decade and beyond. From AI to climate, health to logistics and transportation, investment in Canada’s innovation is critical for the long term success of our economy. Join Canadian Club Toronto on April 14 for a forward-looking conversation on the trends reshaping Canada’s innovation economy. Our panel will examine where the strongest opportunities are emerging, challenges to the ecosystem, and why investment in the companies emerging in this cycle is critical for the nation-builders of the next generation. The discussion will be moderated by Jeanne Lam, SVP Growth & Global Marketing, Propel Holdings and will feature insights from: Mona Minhas – Managing Partner, Venture Capital, BDC Thrive Venture Fund John Rikhtegar – Vice President, Northleaf Capital Partners Ameet Shah – General Partner, Golden Ventures Kathryn Wortsman – Founder & Managing Partner, Amplify Capital

Canadian Club Toronto is pleased to welcome Dr. David Suzuki for a special luncheon celebrating his 90th birthday and presenting him, alongside Dr. Tara Cullis, with the Canadian Club Toronto Lifetime Achievement Award. As markets respond to climate volatility, regulatory evolution and shifting global expectations, Canadian business leaders are reassessing long-term risk and institutional responsibility. At 90, Dr. Suzuki brings decades of scientific insight and public leadership to a strategic conversation about economic resilience, stewardship and cross-sector collaboration. Over a lifetime of distinguished service, David Suzuki has strengthened Canada’s global reputation, advanced science-based policy and directly improved the lives of Canadians through education and environmental leadership. Together with Tara Cullis, he co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation, building practical, community-driven solutions that intersect with economic and civic priorities across the country. This luncheon will focus on the role of business and finance in shaping Canada’s next chapter. How should institutions think about long-term environmental risk? Where does Canada hold strategic advantage in the transition ahead? And how can collaboration between business, communities and policymakers strengthen national competitiveness and mitigate risk? Join us as we honour two distinguished Canadians and engage in a timely conversation about leadership at a defining moment for our economy.

As Canada implements the Building Canada Act, the landscape for nationally significant infrastructure and economic development is shifting. Increasingly, the pace, certainty, and long-term success of major projects are influenced by how Indigenous leadership is engaged from the outset. The Indigenous Advisory Council was established to bring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives into federal major project processes at an early stage, reflecting a broader shift in how partnership and economic participation are understood across the country. Join Canadian Club Toronto on March 11 for a timely discussion with senior Indigenous leaders who are members of the Indigenous Advisory Council. Speaking from their experience and leadership, they will offer perspectives on the evolving role of Indigenous engagement in major projects, what responsible development looks like in practice, and how governments, proponents, and investors can navigate this environment with greater clarity and respect. ​ The conversation will be moderated by Katherine Koostachin, Vice President, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Sussex Strategy Group, with panelists: Kluane Adamek – Indigenous Advisory Council Member Vanessa Doig – Assistant Director of the President’s Department of Makivvik JP Gladu – Founder & Principal, Mokwateh Lorne Pelletier – Senior Economic Advisor, Manitoba Métis Federation

Join Canadian Club Toronto on February 26 for a timely conversation with The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, in conversation with Debbie Gamble, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at Interac. This discussion will examine how Canada’s economic, digital, and infrastructure priorities intersect to drive productivity, strengthen national cohesion, and position the country for long-term competitiveness in an increasingly connected global economy.

As pressure mounts to boost productivity, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth, Canada faces a core challenge: how to build a tax and regulatory system that is fair, transparent, and competitive—without undermining public confidence or fiscal sustainability. ​ Canada’s prosperity depends on an environment where innovation can thrive and businesses can scale with confidence. Yet complex tax structures, regulatory uncertainty, and compliance costs continue to weigh on investment and growth. Are taxes the real barrier—or do red tape and regulatory complexity matter more? What reforms would actually strengthen Canada’s competitiveness in today’s economy? ​ Patrick Brethour, Editorials Editor, The Globe and Mail, the discussion will feature insights from: Fatima Laher – Deputy Chair & Board Director, Deloitte Canada and Chile Dr. Jack Mintz – Economist & President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy, University of Calgary Heather Scoffield – CEO, Canadian Tax Observatory

Join Canadian Club Toronto on February 18 for a discussion with The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Minister Metlege Diab will share the government’s approach to restoring sustainable immigration levels, supporting economic growth, meeting labour market needs, and strengthening community capacity. The conversation will examine how Canada’s immigration policy is being recalibrated to attract global talent, address critical workforce shortages, and strengthen the country’s long-term competitiveness, while maintaining a strong commitment to newcomer integration and humanitarian objectives. Following her remarks, the Minister will sit down for questions with Martin Basiri, Founder & CEO of Passage.

Canada’s healthcare system isn’t just a social good — it’s a major economic engine. Yet rising costs, workforce strain, and outdated care models are now limiting productivity, competitiveness, and growth. The status quo is no longer sustainable. This timely discussion will examine why healthcare renewal is a business and economic imperative, not just a policy challenge. From labour force participation to innovation, investment, and system efficiency, healthcare transformation is central to Canada’s economic future. Join Canadian Club Toronto on February 12 for a high-impact conversation with leaders at the intersection of healthcare delivery, technology, and patient experience. Together, they will explore how modern models of care, digital innovation, and system redesign can unlock value — strengthening both health outcomes and economic performance. Moderated by Rola Dagher, Former Global Channel Chief Officer, Dell Technologies, the discussion will feature insights from: Amie Archibald‐Varley – RN, MN, specializing in women’s health Karli Farrow – President & CEO, Trillium Health Partners Dr. Dominik Nowak – Doctor at Women’s College Hospital Michael Serbinis – Founder & CEO, League

Canada has set bold economic ambitions: attracting $1 trillion in new investment over five years and doubling non-U.S. exports within the next decade. Achieving these goals will depend on how effectively we can move the goods the world wants—from our farms, forests, factories, and mines—to global customers. Join Canadian Club Toronto on January 26, and hear directly from leaders at some of the country’s most influential companies and organizations on how Canada can strengthen its trade corridors and position itself for long-term growth. This panel will examine the state of our transportation networks, the bottlenecks holding back Canadian competitiveness, and the policy and investment decisions that will shape our economic future. Moderated by Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, the discussion will feature insights from: Max Koeune – President and CEO, McCain Foods Ltd. Tracy Robinson – President and CEO, CN Sean Strickland – Executive Director, Canada’s Building Trades Unions Together, these leaders will examine how government, industry, and labour can better align to strengthen supply chains, open new markets, and ensure Canada fully leverages its energy, resource, and agrifood strengths on the global stage.

Canada stands at a pivotal juncture, navigating a rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, technological transformation, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. As leaders and citizens alike look ahead, our Annual Outlook panel will unpack the forces defining Canada’s path forward in 2026. For forty-nine seasons, Canadian Club Toronto has gathered expert panelists each New Year for a forecast luncheon on the economy, the markets, and political issues that will affect Canadians in the year ahead. Moderated by David Skok, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Logic, this year’s panel features: Kevin Carmichael – Economics Columnist & Editor-at-Large, The Logic Jean-François Perrault – Senior Vice President & Chief Economist, Scotiabank Amanda Lang – Senior Business Correspondent, CTV News Dennis Mitchell – CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Starlight Capital

Join Canadian Club Toronto on December 12 when The Honourable Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, discusses Canada’s role on the global stage and the diplomatic, security, and economic priorities shaping our international engagement. Following her remarks, Minister Anand will be joined in conversation by Janice Stein, Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.

Toronto continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and the demand for affordable housing has reached critical levels. What is today a housing crisis is quickly becoming a housing catastrophe without urgent action on new supply. Join Canadian Club Toronto on December 8 for a panel of experts from government, real estate development, labour, and urban planning to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our city. Together, they will explore the root causes of Toronto’s housing crisis—including rising development costs, a lack of construction starts, labour shortages, escalating rent prices, and zoning restrictions. The discussion will also consider the real impacts on low- and middle-income families and highlight potential solutions—from innovative housing models to government interventions and community-led initiatives. Join us for an insightful conversation on how we can work together to ensure Toronto remains a city where everyone has the opportunity to find a home. Moderated by Naama Blonder, Architect & Urban Planner, this expert panel features: Ana Bailão – CEO, Build Canada Homes Victoria Mancinelli – Director, Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada Jaime McKenna – President, Fengate Real Estate

Workplaces are among the most trusted institutions in people’s lives, making them a crucial space for fostering informed civic engagement. In today’s era of misinformation and polarization, equipping employees with the skills to navigate complex information landscapes is more important than ever. Join Canadian Club Toronto and The Dais on November 28 for an insightful discussion on how workplaces can strengthen democracy. A panel of business leaders will explore how fostering informed teams can enhance civic resilience, social cohesion, and stronger workplace cultures. This timely conversation will examine the role organizations can play in supporting critical thinking, digital literacy, and constructive dialogue among employees — essential tools for navigating our fast-changing information environment. This conversation will feature: Dany Assaf – Partner, Torys LLP Ana Serrano – President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University Anthony Viel – CEO, Deloitte Canada

Canada stands at a pivotal moment to harness infrastructure investment as a driver of long-term prosperity, productivity, and resilience. Aligning public and private investment, streamlining project delivery, and integrating physical and social infrastructure can advance national priorities. Join Canadian Club Toronto on November 19 for the second event in our Canada’s Next Move series, presented in partnership with Build Canada. This panel will discuss how strategic infrastructure investments can boost economic growth, improve productivity and supply chains, promote regional equity and Indigenous partnerships, and strengthen national unity. This conversation will feature: Greg Grant – Executive VP and President, Power and Energy Solutions, TC Energy Dan Jolivet – Senior VP, Area Manager, Life Sciences & Technology, EllisDon Andrea McLean – Senior Vice President, Infrastructure Asset Management, Fengate

Budget 2025: A conversation with Canada’s Finance Minister Join Canadian Club Toronto on November 13 when The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, will discuss how Budget 2025 is catalyzing generational investments that will protect and transform our industries, strengthen our economy, and invest in Canadians.