Empire Club of Canada

David Skok, journalist on media trust; Vass Bednar, researcher on tech policy; Dr. Jen Gunter, physician and public health communicator; Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director; David Coletto, pollster presenting the 2026 survey. They discuss rising health misinformation, shifting trust in sources, AI’s role in health queries, platform accountability, and policy and clinical responses to protect public information.

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.

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.

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 HubSean 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.

On January 20, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada convened a high-stakes conversation at a time of rapid transformation for the Canadian and broader global economy. Featuring John McKenzie, CEO of TMX Group—the operator of Canada’s premier stock exchanges with a central position in the country’s financial ecosystem—and Frances Donald, Chief Economist at RBC, attendees gained privileged insights into where the next disruptions may occur and the strategies required to thrive. Moderator Andrew Willis, one of Canada’s most experienced business journalists, drove a discussion that addressed the 2026 economic landscape, and the tough questions facing policymakers, executives, and investors as they chart paths through volatility, technological change, and geopolitical uncertainty.The stakes are high: As Canada’s businesses, financial and labour markets respond to shifting trade relationships, geopolitical instability, and the emergence of new technologies — from AI to digital assets — this event shines a spotlight on the decisions that will shape prosperity for years to come. This conversation offered both context and clarity on what lies ahead for Canadian leaders and organizations. Get your tickets now!

2025 rewrote the political rules. Canada adjusted to a new American president, elected a new prime minister, navigated a trade war with its largest partner, and stared down mounting economic headwinds. A new world order has arrived—and it’s here for the foreseeable future. So, what stories will define 2026?The Empire Club of Canada brought together three of the country’s most influential political journalists—Bob Fife (Ottawa Bureau Chief, The Globe and Mail), Robert Benzie (Queen’s Park Bureau Chief, Toronto Star), and Sabrina Nanji (Founder and Lead Journalist, Queen’s Park Observer)—to forecast the big political stories that will shape Canada in the year ahead.Before the panel took the stage, Darrell Bricker, Global CEO, Ipsos Public Affairs, delivered an insightful data briefing on the state of the issues that matter most to Canadians in 2026 and how public opinion is starting to shift. Drawing on fresh Ipsos research, he mapped the fault lines and emerging trends that will frame the year ahead.Then in a “turn-the-tables” twist, the journalists become the subjects. Prominent political commentator, Scott Reid was the one asking the questions, breaking with tradition and promising sharp unfiltered insight into the people, pressures, and power struggles that will drive the 2026 agenda.

On December 3, 2025, The Empire Club of Canada presented a keynote speech entitled, Delivering a Nation-Building Workforce: The Honourable David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Amidst unprecedented economic uncertainty, governments are increasingly turning to the diversification of trade towards new industries, and the stimulation of landmark capital infrastructure projects. From pipelines, to highways, and technological evolutions, to a bricks and mortar construction site – our workforce remains the backbone of these shifts. In response, Minister Piccini presented his approach to deliver a resilient workforce that can withstand ongoing global instability and prepare for the economic opportunity associated with nation building.

At a time when all levels of government in Canada have acknowledged the scale and urgency of the housing crisis, Canadians are increasingly focused on solutions to expand the supply of affordable housing—an issue that has become one of the defining challenges of our era. With access to housing now central to both societal well-being and economic stability, growing attention is being paid to the intergenerational nature of the crisis, which is impacting Canadians from all walks of life. Meanwhile, younger generations are left wondering whether homeownership will ever be within reach.On November 27, The Empire Club of Canada  hosted Ana Bailão, CEO of Build Canada Homes, for a keynote address entitled Building Canada’s Future: A New Era for Housing Delivery. Ana shared the bold vision of Canada’s new federal housing agency: turning policy and programs into places to live. From innovative partnerships to modern construction methods, she will outline BCH’s mission to accelerate housing supply, strengthen both non-profit and private sector capacity, and deliver affordability across the housing continuum.Following her keynote, Ana joined Amanda Alvaro, co-host of Beyond a Ballot—a weekly political podcast offering in-depth analysis from a female perspective—for a fireside chat that will be featured in an upcoming episode.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people move to Toronto, looking for opportunity, while tens of thousands are leaving in a flight for affordability and safety. Addressing this tension and making Toronto a city where everyone can afford to raise a family and build a life is the most critical challenge facing our local government.According to a recent Toronto Star/Ipsos survey first unveiled at the Empire Club podium, six in 10 Torontonians now believe this city’s best days are behind it. Our city’s future prosperity depends on reversing this trend, but how do we tackle this challenge when urban cynicism and mistrust of government is at an all-time high?On Tuesday, November 25th, join The Empire Club of Canada for a keynote address entitled Getting the Basics Right from Brad Bradford, City Councillor for Beaches–East York and the first major declared candidate for the 2026 mayoral election. Bradford shared what he has heard from residents across the city about their priorities, and his vision to make sure City Hall is working for the Torontonians who make this city work. Bradford’s remarks were followed by a fireside chat with John Moore, Host of Moore in the Morning. 

As Canada’s leaders navigate this time of economic uncertainty, Canadians expect all governments to build a more resilient, interconnected and sovereign country. As Ontario is Canada’s economic engine, increased investments in Ontario’s transit and transportation system is an integral part of this effort.On November 20th, The Empire Club of Canada is proud to welcome The Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, for a speech entitled Protecting Ontario with Historic Investments in Transportation Infrastructure followed by a fireside chat.Minister Sarkaria outlined the province’s historic investments in transportation infrastructure, including $70 billion over the next decade to build the largest transit expansion in Canadian history, alongside nearly $30 billion in roads, highways and bridges. He discussed how these record investments are protecting Ontario in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainly by keeping workers on the job and driving economic growth.