Empire Club of Canada

Empire Club of Canada
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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.

  1. 1D AGO

    Quantum Power and National Security: Canada’s New Strategic Imperative

    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.

    1 hr

  2. 6D AGO

    The 10th Ontario Chamber of Commerce Economic Report Launch featuring Hon. Mélanie Joly

    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.

    1h 16m

  3. FEB 18

    Protecting the Dream of Homeownership in Ontario: The Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

    Ontario is among several provinces grappling with soaring home prices, limited new construction, and a widening affordability gap that has pushed homeownership increasingly out of reach—especially for young Canadians. Housing starts are at multi-decade lows and for far too many people the dream of having a piece of Ontario they can call their own is slipping away. This crisis has been further intensified by trade tensions with the United States, which have driven up construction costs and shaken economic confidence. As buyers grow more cautious amid economic uncertainty, the urgency for bold, coordinated action has never been greater. In response, the Government of Ontario is acting to protecting Ontario’s economy and keeping workers on the job by cutting red tape and creating the conditions to get shovels in the ground faster. Though transformative legislation, policy changes, and historic investments, Ontario is laying the foundation to accelerate housing and infrastructure development, streamline municipal processes, and reduce regulatory burdens, all while fostering innovation and collaboration with local leaders and homebuilder alike. On February 17, 2025, The Empire Club of Canada  hosted The Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, for a keynote speech entitled Protecting the Dream of Homeownership in Ontario to explain what’s next in Ontario’s plan to support families, attract investment, and create good jobs. Working together, we can enhance affordability, ensure timely delivery of critical projects, and foster an innovative and resilient economy for decades to come. The discussion was moderated by Steve Paikin, Host of The Paikin Podcast with an introduction by The Honourable David Peterson, Chairman of Torstar and Former Premier of Ontario.

    1h 3m

  4. FEB 11

    Événement à Ottawa — Reconnaître et combattre la mésinformation en matière de santé : lancement de l’étude de suivi de l’AMC sur la santé et les médias 2026

    Les Canadiens et Canadiennes vivent dans un monde où l’information est plus accessible que jamais. L’envers de la médaille, c’est que la population n’a jamais été aussi vulnérable à la mésinformation. En effet, les idées fausses se propagent à la vitesse de l’éclair, et le domaine des soins de santé est celui où les répercussions sont les plus importantes. La mésinformation ne touche pas seulement les personnes qui cherchent des solutions à leurs problèmes de santé en ligne : elle entrave également la capacité du gouvernement à se fier aux données fournies par nos alliés en matière de politiques sanitaires. À quel point la population canadienne est-elle vulnérable face aux géants technologiques américains qui dominent le système d’information, à l’opacité des modèles de recherche et des algorithmes des outils d’IA, ainsi qu’à la désinformation en matière de santé financée par l’État à l’ère de l’administration Trump? Comment la confiance envers notre système de santé s’en trouve-t-elle altérée? Le 10 février 2026, l’Empire Club of Canada, en partenariat avec l’Association médicale canadienne, présentera l’événement Reconnaître et combattre la mésinformation en matière de santé : lancement de l’étude de suivi annuelle de l’AMC sur la santé et les médias 2026, dont le but est de fournir des réponses à ces questions et de proposer des solutions. L’événement débutera par une présentation spéciale de David Coletto, chef de la direction d’Abacus Data, qui communiquera des données exclusives sur l’étude de suivi annuelle sur la santé et les médias 2026 de l’AMC. Cette présentation sera suivie par celle du Dr Tom Frieden, ancien directeur des CDC et fondateur et chef de la direction de Resolve to Save Lives, une organisation de santé mondiale engagée dans la lutte contre les menaces sanitaires les plus mortelles au monde. Venez découvrir des solutions pour protéger la santé des Canadiens et des Canadiennes, ainsi que leur environnement informationnel, contre les personnes mal intentionnées. Notre table ronde, animée par Vassy Kapelos, réunira la Dre Jen Gunter, Vass Bednar et David Skok.

    1h 18m

  5. FEB 11

    Ottawa Event — Diagnosing and Combatting Health Misinformation: 2026 CMA Health & Media Tracking Survey Launch

    Canadians live in an era defined by unprecedented access to information – and equally unprecedented vulnerability to misinformation. False narratives can take root and spread at the speed of lightning and no sector is feeling the impact more severely than health care. Misinformation impacts not only individual Canadians driven to find online health solutions but increasingly impacts the government’s ability to trust in health policy data provided by our allies. How vulnerable are Canadians to an information system driven by American big tech, opaque AI-driven search and algorithms and state-sponsored health disinformation of the Trump era? How does this impact the trust in our health care system? On February 10, 2026, the Empire Club of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association, presented Diagnosing and Combatting Health Misinformation: 2026 CMA Health & Media Tracking Survey Launch  to answer these questions and provide solutions. The event began with a special presentation by David Coletto, CEO, Abacus Data on exclusive 2026 CMA Health & Media Tracking Survey data followed by Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the CDC and founder and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a global health organization that accelerates action against the world’s deadliest health threats. Join us to explore solutions on how to protect the health of Canadians and its own information environment from bad actors. Our expert panel moderated by Vassy Kapelos features Dr. Jen Gunter, Vass Bednar and David Skok.

    1h 18m

  6. FEB 6

    Address by Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada—Forces Reshaping Canada’s Economy in 2026

    Canada is confronting a prolonged period of economic challenges, from global uncertainty to shifting trade alliances and tariffs. These pressures have tested the resilience of individuals and businesses — impacting purchasing power and investment confidence. Canadians rely on expert leadership at the Bank of Canada to navigate these complexities, from currency stability to monetary policy. On February 5, join the Empire Club of Canada for a keynote speech by Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem, moderated by Rita Trichur, Senior Business Writer and Columnist for the Report on Business. In his address and the fireside chat that will follow, the Governor will share key insights into the main forces shaping Canada’s economy and their implications for monetary policy. Hear directly from one of Canada’s foremost economic leaders as he delivers his first major speech of 2026.

    1h 2m

  7. FEB 5

    2025 Nation Builder Award – Toronto Blue Jays

    On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Empire Club of Canada will honour the Toronto Blue Jays with the 2025 Nation Builder Award at a special ceremony at the Toronto Metropolitan Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. Canada’s team will be celebrated for its extraordinary impact on national culture, community, and pride, with the award accepted on behalf of the organisation by Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays. Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, will join others in giving testimonials on the impact of the Blue Jays in bringing together — not only the city of Toronto — but the whole country. Following the formal presentation, the Blue Jays’ story will be brought to life in an in-depth fireside chat featuring Shapiro in conversation with Hazel Mae, member of Sportsnet’s Blue Jays broadcast team. Together, they will explore how the Blue Jays’ on-field achievements, long-term investments in fan experience and infrastructure, and the work of Jays Care Foundation have helped unite Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Attendees will gain behind-the-scenes insight into how the Blue Jays have become a true national institution—building resilient teams, engaging a country-wide fan base, and leveraging their platform to drive social impact. Business, civic, and community leaders will leave with practical lessons on leadership, brand stewardship, and community-building that extend far beyond the ballpark. About the Toronto Blue Jays: The Toronto Blue Jays are the only Canadian team in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1977, the Blue Jays are owned by Rogers Communications and play in downtown Toronto at Rogers Centre, which recently underwent a $400 million renovation to improve the fan experience and turn the stadium into a ballpark. The Blue Jays play in the highly competitive American League East where they have won seven division titles, three American League titles, and back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. In 2025, the Blue Jays captured the heart of a nation, uniting Canadians across the country during an exciting postseason run in which they captured the American League Championship. In the community, Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Blue Jays, is dedicated to growing the game by providing opportunities to youth – especially those facing systemic barriers – by leveraging baseball as a powerful tool to build character, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The Blue Jays are celebrating their 50th season in 2026.

    1h 12m

  8. JAN 23

    It’s About Time: Martin Imbleau, President and CEO, ALTO

    Canada stands at the threshold of a new economic era. For decades, high-speed rail has been a dream deferred—an aspiration studied, debated, and shelved. Now, with Alto’s bold new plan to connect Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Québec City, that dream is finally becoming reality. Beneath the tracks lies a national opportunity to modernize production, source Canadian-made materials, and mobilize the workforce of tomorrow. High-speed rail is more than a transportation project. It represents a once-in-a-century investment that aligns perfectly with Canada’s current focus on building at home: strengthening infrastructure, advancing clean technology, supporting evolving interprovincial trade and preparing for a sustainable, competitive future. By directly linking major cities across provincial borders, Alto will enable faster movement of goods, talent, and ideas, laying the groundwork for a more competitive and deeply integrated Canadian marketplace. This transformative network will connect 44 percent of Canada’s population and support more than 50,000 Canadian jobs during construction. The project is estimated to deliver structuring changes to the Canadian economy worth $24.5 billion annually—about 1.1 percent of Canada’s GDP every year. The ripple effects will touch nearly every sector of the economy. On Thursday January 22nd, 2026 the Empire Club of Canada invited Martin Imbleau, President and CEO of ALTO for a keynote speech entitled It’s About Time  followed by a fireside chat with Sean Speer, Co-Founder and Editor-at-Large of the Hub Sean Speer will also feature this conversation for Hub Podcasts on a future episode. Businesses attending this Empire Club event gained insight on how to catalyze growth from future participation in this generational project—from infrastructure and technology innovation to regional development, workforce training, and cross-sector collaboration.

    1h 7m
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Empire Club of Canada
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    434
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Empire Club of Canada
  • Show Website
    Empire Club of Canada

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