Empire Club of Canada

The Empire Club is excited to host keynote speaker Dr Wanda Costen, Dean, Smith School of Business Queen’s University, who will deliver an inspirational and thought-provoking address on themes of increased access, innovation, transformation and representation — followed by a call to action from our audience on how to support the next generation of black leaders. Wanda will then be joined by successful executives Claudette McGowan, CEO of Protexxa and Jaqui Parchment, Board Director and recently Retired CEO of Mercer Canada, who will discuss their career journeys and how they obliterated the glass ceiling. This conversation will be moderated by Lori Beausoleil, Corporate Director, Metro Foods, Brookfield Real Estate Income Trust, Canadian Apartment REIT and Slate Office REIT, focusing on the panel’s successes, achievements and how they overcame the challenges they faced. The panelists will also provide their perspectives on what Martin Luther King Jr. asserts that we must do to realize “the dream of living in a nation where we will not be judged by the colour of [our] skin, but by the content of [our] character.” “Top talent is diverse and if we do not start making changes now, we will have missed the opportunity for changing the mosaic of our nation’s leaders” – Lori Beausoleil

Join us on November 8th in honouring Indigenous veterans, as we pay tribute to their contributions to Canada’s military history. This event will feature two distinguished speakers who will shed light on the remarkable journeys of veterans and their enduring impact on our nation. Tim O’Loan, a Sahtu Dene and military veteran, became an advisor to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, working closely with Hon. Murray Sinclair. Today, Tim is the founder of the Reconciliation Speakers Bureau, the first of its kind in Canada. John Moses, Director, Repatriation and Indigenous Relations, Canadian Museum of History, will take us on a historical journey, exploring the theme of Indigenous contributions to Canada’s military heritage. His presentation will delve into the wartime service of his extended family members from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory near Brantford, Ontario. This moving narrative showcases the courage and resilience of Indigenous veterans who played a pivotal role in Canada’s military history. Join us virtually for reflection and commemoration as we honour the invaluable contributions of Indigenous veterans. This event is an opportunity to celebrate their legacy and recognize the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation in Canada. *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.*

Join Axel Schwan, president of Tim Hortons, Canada and U.S., and Duncan Fulton, Chief Corporate Officer at parent company Restaurant Brands International (Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, Firehouse Subs), for a fireside conversation about growing brand love, making quality improvements to its menus and accelerating openings at some of the world’s most iconic brands. From introducing quality improvements to its menu, like freshly cracked eggs, to building market share in cold beverages and lunch and dinner menu items, Tims has driven positive momentum in the past few years through a journey of strengthening guest experience, food quality and franchisee relationships. 2024 promises to be another big year for the brand as Tims marks its 60th anniversary in Canada, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, and the 40th anniversary of Tim Hortons U.S. Already operating in over 100 countries, RBI has had significant international growth across its four brands. Burger King France and Spain boast a bigger market share in the QSR space vs. its main competitor; Popeyes recently announced openings in five new countries; with over 1,000 international restaurants, this country’s beloved brand Tim Hortons is seeing Double Double growth globally; and Firehouse Subs opened its first restaurant outside of North America, in Zurich. RBI is also making inroads in its sustainability commitments related to its food, the planet, and people and communities. All part of RBI’s big dream to build the most loved restaurant brands in the world. Jon Erlichman, Senior Anchor, BNN Bloomberg & Correspondent/Anchor, CTV National News, will moderate the discussion on topics including the progress Tims and RBI have made in recent years and their strategies for further growth in the quick service restaurant space. *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 housing crisis has been thrust to the top of the national agenda as rising rents and mortgage rates squeeze pocketbooks, and our growing population outstrips the supply of new homes. While we are starting to see a glimmer of coordinated action at the federal, provincial and municipal levels, the enormity of this challenge can be daunting given the structural barriers preventing new home development. Against this backdrop, the Empire Club has assembled a panel of housing experts for a discussion on the way forward, focusing on concrete steps policy makers can take to increase rental supply, affordable housing, and new builds alike. Join us and be part of the solution as we gather housing experts to discuss actionable policies for increasing rental supply, affordable housing, and new construction, aiming to build a brighter future for all Canadians! Polling Presentation: David Coletto, Chair & CEO, Abacus Data Panel Discussion: Moderated by Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets Tim Hudak, CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association Jennifer Keesmaat, Managing Partner, Markee Developments / CEO, The Keesmaat Group Mike Moffatt, Founding Director, PLACE Centre Ene UnderwoodChief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity GTA

As the global economy evolves, Canada has continued to punch above its weight in the face of once-in-a-generation challenges and amidst ongoing international uncertainty. But how will Canada continue to compete and thrive? More importantly, what will this mean for Canadian businesses and workers? Join Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages,  Hon. Randy Boissonnault for a speech on how Canada’s workforce will lead the way as we respond and adapt in a changing world.

Join author Bradley Schurman and Kelly Jackson for a fireside chat to discuss the many challenges facing Canada as a result of demographic change. Canada’s adult working-age population is shrinking, bringing new challenges around labour force demands, housing, healthcare, technology adoption and traditional models of business and education. With Statistics Canada projecting that 25% of Canadians will be over the age of 65 by 2036, the country is in the midst of a profound transformation. Canada is not alone, with this demographic shift happening across the developed world. From changes to the tax base to skills shortages to the need for new products and inclusive design approaches, the realities of population aging are upon us, and so are the opportunities for communities, businesses, and governments to respond in new ways to foster economic growth, inclusion and support for at-risk populations and the health of rural communities. Bradley Schurman is an expert on demographic change and how it disrupts worldwide social, cultural, political, and economic norms. His deep understanding of population shifts, coupled with his grasp of emerging trends, makes him an authoritative voice in the future of us.

The Empire Club Present Olivia Chow with Hon. John Baird. Cities like Toronto play an essential role in people’s lives and Canada’s future prosperity and progress. However, cities today face enormous challenges and budgetary pressures that put everything at risk. Increasing national challenges such as the housing crisis, homelessness, refugees displaced by war, climate change, and mental health have Toronto stepping up to face them despite being constrained by frameworks from other orders of government that cannot meet today’s modern challenges. Change is necessary.

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: In Conversation With Anna Fendi A collaboration between ICFF and Empire Club of Canada You will be taken on a journey within the life and success of the woman that together with her four sisters has brought the iconic Fendi brand to the forefront of global fashion, which further expanded its success after the acquisition of LVMH. Guests can expect to indulge in an evening of luxury, sophistication, glamour & style while having the opportunity to hear from Anna Fendi herself. As she once said, "I think good taste comes from curiosity", and we invite our audience to get curious and discover the world of Anna Fendi with cinema, design and art through her eyes. Moderator: Jeanne Beker, Iconic Fashion and Lifestyle Journalist Speaker: Anna Fendi, Iconic Fashion and Costume Designer *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 Presents: Stories of a Caring and Sharing Canada Is Canada still a substantially and sufficiently caring and sharing country, at home and abroad? This year has brought unprecedented needs for Canada to be one. Its governments, corporations, communities and people have responded in generous and innovative ways, based on the democratic values they have shown in the past and cherish today. But they are increasingly strained and stressed by the new economic and other difficulties that they now face and those that lie ahead. What has and can be done to meet the enormous Canadian and global need for a compassionate Canada today? The cadence, causes, constraints and needs for a strongly caring and sharing Canada can be seen in our commitment to converting compassion into action, in the broad, multifaceted and effectiveness of our international development cooperation and partnership, and, in particular, in critical cases, notably, the historic story of South Africa and the current story of Canada’s and Canadians global leadership in supporting vulnerable people equally devoted to a sovereign, independent, democratic, safe Ukraine and in saving children on the front lines of war-torn regions in the world. Moderator: Bob Ramsay, President, Ramsay Inc. Speakers: The Right Honourable Joe Clark, Former Prime Minister of Canada Dr. Samantha Nutt, Founder & President, War Child Canada Katheryn Winnick, Actress, Director, Founder of The Winnick Foundation & Ambassador of President Zelenskyy, UNITED 24 Charity *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 Presents: Ontario Premier Doug Ford: Building Ontario Ontario’s economy and population are growing. Whether it’s the all-seasons roads needed to unlock the full potential of the Ring of Fire, the new and expanded highways that will cut gridlock and bring goods to market sooner, or homes, hospitals and public transit for livable and vibrant communities, untapping the promise of a growing Ontario means that it has never been more important to build.Join us for an insightful discussion with Premier Doug Ford about the government’s ambitious plan to build Ontario and how he’ll continue to cut through red tape to deliver the infrastructure our growing province needs. Moderator: Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) Speaker: Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario *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.*