Empire Club of Canada

Empire Club of Canada
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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Investing in Life: The Science of Longevity and Planning Your Financial Future

    The average life expectancy of a Canadian has grown over the past 200 years from below 40 to over 82 years. Canadians are living longer, but for many, it is not long enough. The pursuit of longevity is further evolving – becoming a passion feeding a booming industry promoting preventative and personalized health care strategies to increase not only our lifespans but our health spans as well. From cold plunges to red-light therapy – from sleep-tracking rings to biohacking practices, there have been many varying methods that have been featured by celebrities in the news and social media, that are claimed to promote life extension. But are any of these treatments grounded in science? Longevity also has “side effects”. When our retirement years can last longer than expected, it requires a different approach to savings and investment portfolio construction. There are insurance implications and immeasurable costs for the sandwich generation as they balance unpaid caregiving with paid employment – impacting economic productive and growth potential. This event will feature three very different approaches to longevity. On April 23, 2025, the Empire Club of Canada will first hear featured remarks from Dr. Kashif Irshad, Lifespire’s Medical Director & Co-Founder on the evolving science of longevity that impacts health vitality and well-being. We are also honoured to welcome the remarks from Dr. Samir Sinha, Geriatrician and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Director of Health Policy Research at the National Institute of Ageing, on the science of ageing from his perspective of his role as a renowned clinician and research who has been known to question the scientific basis for some of the emerging longevity practices being currently promoted. And to understand how living longer should impact your personal approach to financial and estate planning, we will welcome Alex Besharat, Executive Vice President, Canadian Wealth Management of Scotia Wealth Management to join our medical experts on a panel.This discussion will be moderated by Karli Farrow, President and CEO, Trillium Health Partners.

    1h 1m
  2. APR 16

    The AI Revolution: What’s Next for Law, Finance, and Accounting?

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is causing disruption in almost every sector — and the professional services sector is no exception. For those working in law, finance and accounting, AI’s influence is already here, impacting how you work and what clients expect. To stay competitive, firms must balance growth, efficiency, and service innovation with regulatory standards and ethical responsibilities. AI introduces risks that can be challenging for professions grounded in precision and trust, especially as ethical and regulatory frameworks lag in keeping up with technological advancements. The professional services workforce will also change, pushing professionals to become more adaptable, develop new skills and stay ahead of evolving client expectations. On April 15, 2025, the Empire Club of Canada will host an insightful discussion titled The AI Revolution: What’s Next for Law, Finance, and Accounting? This event will bring together a panel of experts to explore the challenges, strategies, risks, and opportunities associated with integrating AI into these key professional services. The discussion will feature Dr. Foteini Agrafioti, Chief Science Officer at RBC and SVP of RBC Borealis; Colin Lachance, Innovator-in-Residence at the Ontario Bar Association; Iliana Oris Valiente, CPA, CA, Managing Director, and NA Innovation Hubs Lead at Accenture; and will be moderated by Cameron Schuler, Chief Commercialization Officer and Vice President of Industry Innovation at the Vector Institute.

    50 min
  3. APR 11

    Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation: Powering-Up Ontario

    Canada and the world are facing a momentous energy challenge. With energy demand soaring, aging infrastructure, population growth, and artificial intelligence rapidly advancing, the pressure on our energy systems has never been greater. On April 10, 2025, join us at the Empire Club of Canada for an insightful conversation with Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation (OPG) – one of North America’s most diverse electricity generators. Nicolle will discuss how OPG plans to help grow Ontario’s economy and energy sector supply chains through first-of-a-kind technologies, new generation developments, and one of the nation’s largest refurbishment programs. This event marks Nicolle Butcher’s first address as CEO of OPG, where she will outline her vision for OPG. The fireside chat will be moderated by Amanda Galbraith, Partner at Oyster Group. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leader at the forefront of shaping our energy landscape. *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

    53 min
  4. MAR 27

    Politics, Patriotism and Polling: Forecasting the 2025 Federal Election

    This is an Empire Nights event, proudly presented by the Empire Club of Canada. The stakes could not be higher for Canadians as we choose our next government.  With President Trump imposing tariffs to economically coerce Canada into becoming the 51st state, threats to our water and borders, and the shifting of global alliances away from post-WWII norms, Canadians have awakened to a profound sense of patriotism and resolve. Against this backdrop, Canada’s governing party has chosen Mark Carney to lead them into the election against Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives and Jagmeet Singh’s NDP at the national level. Most experts agree that the convergence of these two events has made the outcome of Canada’s 2025 election less predictable. Just a few months ago, every poll indicated that the Conservatives were heading towards a decisive victory.  With a more competitive election on the horizon, the Empire Club of Canada has brought together a group of experts who will make sense of the rapidly changing political landscape. Join Kory Teneycke, Co-founder and CEO, Rubicon Strategy; Hon. Seamus O’Regan, former Trudeau government cabinet minister; Kathleen Monk, Principal of Monk+Associates; and Laura Stone, Staff Reporter, Globe and Mail as moderator. Kicking off this event will be renowned pollster David Coletto, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data to provide special remarks and a presentation outlining polling data on the mood of the Canadian electorate.

    1h 21m
  5. MAR 26

    Modernizing Toronto Pearson – Canada’s Global Transportation Hub Builds for the Future

    March 25, 2025 – Join the Empire Club of Canada in welcoming Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson, as she delivers a keynote address on how the airport is helping to shape our region’s future — by enhancing connectivity, driving innovation, and job creation – as well as fueling economic benefits across Ontario and Canada. Toronto Pearson Airport is investing in a multi-billion-dollar capital plan called LIFT (Long-term Investment in Facilities and Terminals). It will modernize Canada’s largest airport over the next decade. Following the remarks, a panel discussion will take place featuring industry leaders from aviation and industrial real estate. The panel will feature Craig Landry, Executive Vice President and COO of Air Canada; Blair Wolk, President of Orlando Corporation; and John Stackhouse, Senior Vice President of the Office of the CEO at RBC, as the moderator. Together, they will explore how Pearson’s transformation will help unlock new opportunities for businesses and the workforce and contribute to a more secure future. Convening partners around the airportToronto is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the Greater Toronto Area’s population surpassing 7 million after adding a record 269,000 people (3.9%) between 2023 and 2024. Key to this growth is the Pearson Economic Zone. Anchored by Toronto Pearson Airport, the infrastructure, aviation, logistics and manufacturing taking place within the Zone is key contributor to Canada’s economy. *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

    1h 8m
  6. MAR 21

    Here’s a Hot Flash: Women’s Health Matters. Period.

    From Menstruation to Menopause, A new look at Women’s health. Women’s health has been under-researched and under-prioritized because of long held historical misconceptions, stigma and underfunding. Dr. Jen Gunter, renowned author and gynecologist, summed it up by writing: “Women were long viewed as lesser and more troublesome versions of men, and their reproductive tracts were primarily studied to improve pregnancy outcomes. This has resulted in inadequate research and education about the female body and the dismissal of women’s health concerns”. Menstruation, ovulation, perimenopause and menopause are as normal as any other function of the body yet remains taboo, despite being a reality for 50% of the population. There is a cost to this stigma. 83% of young Canadian women experience shame about menstruating and 1 in 3 don’t feel prepared for their first period. 68% of women in Canada felt that their period prevented them from full participation in an activity. More than half have missed school, work or social activities. Period poverty is real, and not just in developing nations. One in five women in Canada struggle to afford menstrual products. This inequity doesn’t end when menstruation ends. The Menopause Foundation of Canada reports that 10% of women will stop working due to unmanaged symptoms. Every March, we come together to observe International Women’s Day, and this year, the Empire Club is excited to present “Here’s a Hot Flash: Women’s Health Matters. Period.” Our experts will debate how far we have come and the work still to be done.  They’ll share stories and evidence on how bringing conversations on women’s health out into the open benefits individual women, the economy, and our broader society. On March 20th, 2025, join Karli Farrow, President and CEO at Trillium Health Partners (THP), Joanna Griffiths, Founder and President of Knix and Dr. Wendy Wolfman, Director of the Menopause and the Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Clinics at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto for a lively discussion on women’s health from menstruation to menopause, with Teri Hart, journalist and TV host, as the moderator.  *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

    1h 4m
  7. MAR 7

    Moving Primary Care Beyond Crisis – What Should Canadians Expect From Our Elected Officials?

    Canada’s primary care system is in crisis – one that has been building across the country for many years. Lack of access to family doctors and other primary care professionals leaves many Canadians with limited options for consistent longitudinal care. At the same time, the rate of family physician growth has slowed from three percent to one percent, which has further exacerbated the crisis. Today, 6.5 million Canadian adults lack access to a primary care professional they can see when they need care. The evidence is clear that without primary care, people have worse health, rates of preventable diseases go up, and costs to the healthcare system increase. Disproportionally impacted are newcomers to Canada, lower income, people with disabilities or that belong to underserved groups such as Indigenous communities. Across levels of government, jurisdictions have tried and tested strategies to tackle the shortage of physicians and access to primary care and many others are in flight to address innovative models of team-based care, licensing and training, as well as recruitment and retention. With 2025 provincial and national elections pending in Canada, what should Canadians advocate for from their elected officials, how can we ensure policy and funding commitments are tied to strong patient outcomes and accountability, and how will we close existing gaps in primary care to improve the health and well-being of all Canadians? Join us on March 6 at the Empire Club of Canada to hear from Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) who will highlight the key challenges and options to close the gap in primary care. Dr. Reimer will sit down with Dr. Dominik Nowak, President of the Ontario Medical Association and Dr. Ojistoh Horn, President, Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada for a discussion and solutions for elected officials in jurisdictions across Canada. The session will be moderated by Kelly Grant, Health Reporter at The Globe and Mail, who will lead the discussion on key healthcare issues.

    59 min
  8. MAR 4

    Ehren Cory, CEO of Canada Infrastructure Bank: Powering Canada’s Future

    The Empire Club of Canada is thrilled to welcome Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), for an exclusive update on investment progress across the country. Ehren will be joined by Sean Speer, Co-Founder and Editor-at-Large of The Hub, for a thought-provoking fireside chat. Key topics will include addressing Canada’s infrastructure needs and the CIB’s role in making strategic investments which facilitate projects that would otherwise not be possible with traditional lenders.    Hear from Ehren Cory on the CIB’s collaboration with the private and public sectors and Indigenous partners. This work and the CIB’s innovative financing solutions have accelerated new projects across asset classes from coast to coast to coast.  Following the 1:1 conversation, the event will open to feature a panel discussion with energy industry innovators including: Michelle Chislett, Executive Vice President of Onshore Renewables, Northland Power; Peter Gregg, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power and Tracy Primeau, Board Director, OPG. The panel will explore success stories, lessons learned and how collaboration is key to achieving long-term infrastructure goals.   Join us on March 3, 2025, for this important conversation hosted by the Empire Club of Canada, as we delve into the future of Canadian infrastructure, innovation, and the power of partnerships in driving forward meaningful outcomes.  Sean Speer will also feature this conversation for Hub Podcasts on a future episode.   About the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)  The CIB is an impact investor, financing revenue-generating infrastructure which benefits Canadians and attracts private capital. The CIB’s blended financing helps to minimize ratepayer impacts, fill gaps in the capital structure of projects to move them forward, share risks and enable meaningful participation for Indigenous communities. By forming new partnerships, the CIB is tackling some of the nation’s critical infrastructure and energy challenges, driving economic development opportunities and creating jobs.

    57 min

    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.

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