Empire Club of Canada

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.*

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.*

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.

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. 

Leaders in the Auto and Tech Mobility sector — How a diverse workforce can increase innovationEmpire Nights: Ontario Election Viewing Party!The Empire Club of Canada is back with another of our highly anticipated Empire Nights! In celebration of Black History Month, the Empire Club of Canada is thrilled to present Leaders in the Auto and Tech Mobility Sector — How a diverse workforce can increase innovation.This Empire Nights event will dive into how diversity drives progress in Canada’s auto and tech industries, which are not only vital to our economy but also provide over 1 in 8 jobs across the country.But that’s not all — get ready for an Ontario Election Viewing Party! Expect a night full of excitement, networking and candid conversations as we watch the results unfold together and enjoy this thought leadership panel. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of inspiration and anticipation!Speakers include:– Yolanda Biswah, President, Canadian Black Book– Jerome Chinner, Senior Vice President, Dealer Development and Support, SCI Lease Corp.– Shereena Robinson, Director of Human Resources, Porsche Cars Canada– Moderated by Stephanie Henry, Canadian TV JournalistMark your calendars for February 27, 2025! Join us for an unforgettable evening of passed canapés, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere designed to inspire and connect the next generation of diverse talent and leaders in Canada’s auto and tech mobility sectors.

With over 1.8 million Canadians working in the manufacturing sector, and over $600 billion in Canadian exports to the United States, President Trump’s potential tariffs will certainly impact a decades-long trade ecosystem. The impact of such tariffs will extend far beyond manufacturing, with senior economists warning that the ripple effects will, disrupt supply chains and the existing world order, possibly driving Canada into a recession.A recent survey by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters found that only 11% of manufacturers believe they can fully absorb tariff costs and only for a limited time. What does this mean for the future of Canada’s integrated trading relationship with the U.S., and our ability to make goods together? What are the long-term potential impacts to Canadian markets and, most importantly, how can Canada’s governments and Canadians protect against this threat and support this important sector beyond the impending trade negotiations?With Canadian jobs, and the economy at stake, bold action and leadership are required.Don’t miss out on February 19, 2025, as the Empire Club of Canada joins forces with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters to present Manufacturing and Exporting in the New World Order – Trade, Tariffs and Trump. This event will feature a distinguished panel of experts, including Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist at Deloitte Canada; Simon Drexler, President of Samuel Automation; David Glover, Co-owner of Harbour Technologies; and Rob Wildeboer, Executive Chairman of Martinrea International Inc. The discussion, moderated by Vincent Caron, Vice President of Ontario Government Relations and Member Advocacy at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, will address the pressing challenges of trade and Canadian sovereignty. 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.

Ontario’s economy is entering a period of rapid change, with key indicators showing mixed signals. While inflation is easing, unemployment rates have ticked up, and current changes in the political landscape are causing businesses across the province to grapple with uncertainty. The recent U.S. election, along with upcoming federal and potential provincial elections in 2025 could impact trade, cross-border relations, and investment.Shifts in immigration policy, productivity measures, and investment attraction introduced in 2024 have had significant economic impacts, leaving many businesses questioning what’s ahead. Last year, Ontario businesses reported record low confidence and persistent labour shortages in key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Navigating 2025 will require focusing on resilience, adaptation, and forward-thinking strategies.On February 13, 2025, the Empire Club of Canada is proud to join forces with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) for the launch of their 2025 Economic Outlook and Business Confidence Analysis, revealing fresh data and insights on business confidence, regional economic projections, and policy priorities. This exclusive event will provide a first look at how Ontario’s businesses are preparing for 2025, focusing on key issues such as labour shortages, climate and energy policies, reconciliation, supply chain challenges, and more.This event is a unique opportunity to shape the conversation around Ontario’s economic future. Engage with industry leaders, political representatives, and policymakers to discuss how businesses can thrive amid uncertainty and lead Ontario toward greater economic growth and competitiveness.Featuring special remarks by Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, OCC.*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.*

The Empire Club of Canada is thrilled to announce Prem Watsa, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings, as the recipient of the 2024 Nation Builder Award. This prestigious honour will be presented to Mr. Watsa at a special ceremony on January 28, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Royal York in downtown Toronto.     Prem Watsa’s story is both inspiring and impressive – embodying resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in business. As a newcomer to Canada, he supported himself through an MBA program at Western University and began his career as an investment analyst. Mr. Watsa went on to found Fairfax Financial Holdings, today a leading Canadian company in the global insurance sector with a market capitalization of more than $40 billion. His commitment to philanthropy has been longstanding, with a focus on education and healthcare initiatives and on investments that uplift communities across the country. He has brought his passion and expertise to support a wide range of organizations including SickKids Hospital, the University of Waterloo, Huron University, the Royal Ontario Museum and St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Prem Watsa: A Nation Builder *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.*

With the January 6th announcement that Prime Minister Trudeau will resign this spring and a new President being sworn in in Washington on January 20th — making new promises to upend the trading relationship between Canada and the United States — Canadians are bracing for a new world order. Canadians are also headed for the polls in 2025 federally, and rumours are swirling around a potential provincial election in Ontario as well. What impact will this have on the public view, and the stories that we read, process, and think about in 2025? The Empire Club has invited journalists Robert Benzie, Queens Park Bureau Chief, Toronto Star, Adrienne Batra, Editor and Chief, Toronto Sun and Marieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter, Ottawa, Globe and Mail, to share their predictions for the key political stories that will shape Canada. In this “turn-the-tables” moment, the panel of journalists will be interviewed by prominent political commentator Scott Reid — challenging the tradition of journalist and interviewee. An idea that will promise to yield fresh perspectives on the political landscape ahead that you cannot miss. On January 22, 2025, join The Empire Club of Canada as we present our Empire Nights event, The Journalists’ Forecast: Big Stories of 2025 that will Shape Canada. As President Donald Trump assumes office for his second term, we bring you an engaging evening of analysis and conversation from the very people who write the stories that matter and can process the issues, trends, and events that will define the upcoming year in politics — reflecting on the Global landscape that Canada finds itself in. The event will include refreshments and an opportunity for networking, fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and insight among attendees who are passionate about the future of Canadian politics. Don’t miss this chance to hear from some of the best in the field as they forecast what lies ahead for our nation. 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.

Presented in partnership with TMX Group A new world economy is rapidly emerging, and Canada needs to stake its claim. In the wake of the U.S. presidential inauguration, join us for a timely discussion of the economic and political factors set to reshape the economy in 2025, and their projected impact on Canadian businesses and investors. Tariffs on trade, fierce competition for investment, a global race to secure the critical minerals required to transition to clean energy…these are just some of the issues business leaders, investors and policymakers will grapple with in the year ahead. John McKenzie, CEO, TMX Group, will introduce a discussion featuring Frances Donald, Chief Economist, RBC and Steve Verheul, Principal, GT and Company Executive Advisors and President, Verheul Consulting Inc. The discussion will be moderated by esteemed economics columnist Kevin Carmichael of The Logic, who will guide the conversation on the emerging world economy and expectations for the year ahead. On January 21, 2025, join us at the Empire Club of Canada for a key discussion on the economic and political shifts shaping the global economy, and the policies Canada needs to succeed. *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.*