Empire Club of Canada

A Remembrance Day Event exploring the power and potential of Young Women. Learn how 40,000 teenage girls that produced the food feeding Canada and WWII soldiers helped pave the way for change and the leaders of today.During World War War II, while men fought overseas, a quiet evolution was taking place in the fields of rural Canada. At a time when farm work was considered “a man’s job”, the Farmerettes (teenage girls from across Canada) responded to the call-to-action and took on a critical task of feeding a country at war. Without knowing it, they sowed seeds of gender equality and economic empowerment that would fuel future generations.Their story isn’t only about the war effort, it is about how underestimated teens answered the call of duty and accomplished great things, redefining the definition of strength and what was possible for women in the work force.On November 10th, The Empire Club Foundation together with the Empire Club of Canada presented a private screening of We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes followed by a panel discussion entitled She Answered the Call that examines an important historical gender role disruption and what it means for today’s workforce, and the power of youth to make change in 2025.Our expert panel included Bonnie Sitter, Historical Producer of We Lend a Hand and co-author of Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz; Colin Field, Producer and Director of We Lend a Hand, an award-winning director with a background in education and corporate learning, and Lechin Lu, Associate Director at the Institute for Gender and the Economy at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. This event was moderated by Adrienne Batra, Editor-in-Chief of the Toronto Sun.Prior to the panel, Gilbert Reid, Historian, Writer, Broadcaster, and Founding Director, The King and Empire Foundation, delivered special remarks on the history of WWII period in Canada and lay the foundation for how a wartime call-to-action broke open opportunities for young women.This event focused on students and youth attendees who had an opportunity to be a part of ringing the closing bell at the TSX. The Empire Club Foundation also worked with high schools, colleges, and Universities to organize a live virtual screening of both the film and the panel to follow.  This event is made possible through a generous donation from Duncan Jackman and Richard Rooney.

Ontario’s justice system is undergoing one of the most ambitious periods of modernization in its history. With rapid advancements in technology, growing public expectations, and mounting pressures on the justice system, the province is at a defining moment. The question is: how do we build a system that is faster, smarter, and more resilient—while keeping communities safe and holding offenders accountable?On November 6, 2025, The Empire Club of Canada presented Decades in 6 Years: Ontario’s Courts Modernization, Digital Transformation, and What’s Next. In this timely address, The Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario, reflected on the significant progress since his appointment six years ago in modernizing Ontario’s courts and advancing digital transformation.This wide-ranging conversation examined how Ontario is modernizing the justice system from the ground up: cutting through outdated processes, strengthening access to justice, and delivering smarter tools to strengthen our economy, provide services people expect, hold offenders accountable, and keep communities safe. It also looked ahead at what’s next, as the province builds on a plan to protect Ontario and create a justice system that meets the needs of people today—and tomorrow.

Social determinants such as place of birth, where you live, employment, and education play a crucial role in health outcomes. For Black women and girls in Canada, systematic challenges, lack of research, and anti-Black racism compound health disparities including risks for various diseases, poorer perinatal outcomes and inequities in healthcare access and quality.What are the best practices for how Canada’s health systems can improve the quality of Black women’s health?   What lessons can other marginalized communities learn from this survey?   What can sector leaders—particularly those in health and education, which employ many Black women—learn from this event to build healthier and more productive workforces?On November 4th, The Empire Club of Canada, in partnership with the Black Women’s Institute for Health, will present: Whose Health Counts? Improving Health Outcomes for Black Women and Girls in Canada featuring expert panel:Dr. Cindy Maxwell Vice President, Medical Affairs & System Transformation; Lead Medical Executive, Women’s College HospitalDr. Modupe Tunde-Byass Inaugural President, Black Physicians of Canada (BPC); Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (UK and Canada); Staff Obstetrician-Gynecologist, North York General HospitalDr. Bukola Salami Full Professor, Department of Community Health Services, University of Calgary; Registered Nurse; Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Black and Racialized People’s HealthModerated by Nam Kiwanuka, host and producer of TVO’s (MIS)TreatedThis event will launch a first-of-its kind report of Black Women in Canada entitled Voices Unheard presented by Kearie Daniel, Executive Director of the Black Women’s Institute for Health. 

The Economics of Action – Implementing Canada’s Defence, Industrial Strategy to grow the economy and assert Canadian Sovereignty9 months and 9 billion dollars – the Government’s plan to REbuild, REarm and REinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada’s defence industry. As Canada meets our 2% NATO target, Canadian industry is faced with a generational opportunity to position Canada as a leader in technology, quantum, Artificial Intelligence, and cryptography.For the first time as Minister of National Defence, The Empire Club of Canada will host the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, for a keynote speech and fireside chat on how Canada will meet its 2% NATO target, grow domestic industries, and create jobs for Canadians across the country.  To build a safer world, to defend and advance our values, Canada must do so from a position of strength. If we want a safer world, we need a stronger Canada.

This is an Empire Nights event, proudly presented by the Empire Club of Canada.As Canada navigates a rapidly changing global landscape, it’s never been more vital to hold fast to the democratic values that unite us as Canadians.A distinguished member of the Council of Premiers, Premier Kinew has been instrumental in advancing shared priorities across provinces, from strengthening economic resilience to fostering unity through mutual respect and reconciliation.Join us for an event to hear from Premier Kinew on the latest focal point of national debate—Charter rights, the notwithstanding clause and the importance of our rights and freedoms in the pursuit of democratic resilience.On Thursday, October 23rd, The Empire Club of Canada welcomed The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, for an evening keynote and fireside conversation titled, A Stronger Canada. Moderated by David Herle, Co-founder, Air Quotes Media, Host of the Curse of Politics and The Herle Burly podcasts and Partner, Rubicon Strategy, the discussion explored Premier Kinew’s vision for a resilient nation and a prosperous, and inclusive future.

As Canada continues to face economic uncertainty and shifting global dynamics, strong provincial leadership is needed to meet the moment. Premier Doug Ford spent much of the first half of 2025 defending Canada’s national interests on the World Stage, earning him the moniker “Captain Canada.” As Chair of the Council of the Federation, he played an important leadership role, working with other premiers to support a united Canada.On Tuesday October 14th, The Empire Club of Canada is proud to once again welcome The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario for a speech entitled Delivering Our Plan to Protect Ontario followed by a fireside chat moderated by Ben Mulroney.At this timely event before the eve of the return of the Ontario Legislature, Premier Ford will outline the next chapter of The Ontario Government’s plan to protect Ontario — in order to keep our economy and business competitive.

Canada is at a moment of rare alignment with the new federal government’s focus on growth and a business community ready to build. Canadians across the country want to see quick action to address threats from the U.S. There’s growing momentum for the Build Canada Now movement. But the question is will we act fast enough?On October 2nd, 2025, The Empire Club of Canada presented Compete or Retreat: Energy, Ambition and Canada’s Future. In this timely address, Greg Ebel, President & CEO of Enbridge Inc., discussed how Canada can turn this window of opportunity into real action — and how energy infrastructure can serve as the foundation for a more globally competitive, sovereign, and resilient economy.From unlocking Indigenous prosperity to restoring investor confidence, this conversation featuring a fireside chat moderated by The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Senior Business Advisor, Stewart McKelvey (a former Canadian Energy Minister) explored the steps needed to realize Canada’s potential as a global energy superpower.

As the Canada-U.S. relationship dominates discussions on both sides of the border, relationships with our U.S. partners could not be more important.  The state of Michigan – with bilateral trade at over $95 Billion dollars annually (and $68 Billion dollars between Ontario and Michigan alone) — is Canada’s largest U.S. trading jurisdiction in such sectors as auto, manufacturing and services. Michigan and Canada are literally linked together. They share a border and key natural resources including four of the five Great LakesCanada and Michigan must work together to tackle big economic and environmental challenges from trade to climate change. As proud manufacturing partners with the same end goals of bringing critical supply chains home, creating good-paying jobs, and delivering prosperity for local families, Canada and Michigan have an opportunity to model what a productive, international partnership looks like to the rest of the world.On Wednesday October 1st, 2025, the Empire Club of Canada partnered with the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham Canada), to present The Canada-Michigan Relationship: An Address by The Honorable Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan. Governor Whitmer’s insights were followed by a fireside chat moderated by award winning journalist Steve Paikin, host of The Paikin Podcast.This event occurred during Governor Whitmer’s visit to Canada to Chair the 2025 Leadership Summit of the Great Lakes St Lawrence Governors and Premiers. This event will be invaluable to understand the evolving trade landscape.

Building the Economy of the Future and The AI Nation: The Urgent Mission to make Canada AI and Quantum StrongThe future of economic prosperity and security will be determined by the revolutionary technologies AI and Quantum. From healthcare to defence to public services, AI and quantum will transform how government serves Canadians, reshaping nearly every corner of society. Canada needs to secure its place as a pioneering leader in both fields and build on our competitive advantages in research, talent and energy.At this pivotal moment, The Empire Club of Canada  hosted The Honourable Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, for a keynote speech and fireside chat on how Canada will become an AI and Quantum Nation.  He spoke about the plan to build the capacity, sovereignty, and global partnerships needed to lead in the next technological era. This conversation was moderated by Nicole MacIntyre, Editor-in-chief of the Toronto Star.

Toronto is the epicenter of sports and entertainment in Canada and MLSE is at the forefront of bringing sports-fans to their feet. Growing significantly from its hockey origins to becoming a diversified sports and entertainment powerhouse, MLSE is the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto FC (MLS), and Toronto Argonauts (CFL).From ownership and management changes to key off-season roster moves, MLSE is leaning-into the change – all while preparing Toronto to host FIFA World Cup 26, one of Canada’s biggest sporting events in history.On Thursday September 18th, the Empire Club of Canada presented “The Courage to Change in The Pursuit of Championships, a major speech by Keith Pelley, President and CEO of MLSE. Mr. Pelley’s remarks were followed by a fireside chat moderated by Michael Landsberg, Canadian Sports Journalist and Creator of Off the Record.