Empire Club of Canada

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from the Empire Club of Canada team! 🐣🌸

Wishing you a joyful day filled with renewal, connection, and time with those who matter most.

03/09/2026

Happy International Women’s Day from the Empire Club of Canada team!

02/19/2026

NEW EVENT | Empire Nights: European Commissioner for Trade and Canada’s Minister of International Trade

📅 Thursday, March 5, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM EST

As global trade dynamics evolve and geopolitical pressures reshape supply chains, Canada and the European Union are emerging not only as trading partners—but as strategic allies.

On March 5, join the Empire Club of Canada for a special Empire Nights program exploring the next phase of Canada–EU trade and investment under CETA. With two-way trade now exceeding $162 billion annually, the conversation has shifted from access to resilience, diversification, and long-term strategic alignment.

This timely evening will feature remarks from Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade, and The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, followed by a joint fireside conversation moderated by Arlene Dickinson, General Managing Partner, District Venture Capital and Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.

Enjoy an evening of insight, refreshments, and high-level networking with leaders shaping the future of global trade.

📍 In Person Only
🎟️ Register Now: https://hubs.la/Q043TFJX0

Why Attend In Person?

✔️ Hear directly from Canada’s Minister of International Trade and the EU’s top trade official
✔️ Gain strategic insight into the future of Canada–EU trade under CETA
✔️ Connect with senior leaders across government, business, and diplomacy
✔️ Engage in an exclusive fireside conversation moderated by Arlene Dickinson
✔️ Network over passed canapes in an evening designed for meaningful dialogue

Thank you to our Sponsors
Lead Event Sponsors: National Bank Financial Markets, Magna Intl.
Lead Season Sponsors: Bruce Power, Hydro One, National Bank Financial
VIP Reception Season Sponsors: EllisDon, McKinsey & Company, Ontario Road Builders’ Association, Waste Connections of Canada
Media Partner: Toronto Star
AV Partner: Bespoke Audio Visual

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PublicPolicy TradeAndInvestment LeadershipCanada

02/19/2026

NEW EVENT | Empire Nights: European Commissioner for Trade and Canada’s Minister of International Trade
 
📅 Thursday, March 5, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM EST
 
As global trade dynamics evolve and geopolitical pressures reshape supply chains, Canada and the European Union are emerging not only as trading partners—but as strategic allies.
 
On March 5, join the Empire Club of Canada for a special Empire Nights program exploring the next phase of Canada–EU trade and investment under CETA. With two-way trade now exceeding $162 billion annually, the conversation has shifted from access to resilience, diversification, and long-term strategic alignment.
 
This timely evening will feature remarks from Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade, and The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, followed by a joint fireside conversation moderated by Arlene Dickinson, General Managing Partner, District Venture Capital and Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.
 
Enjoy an evening of insight, refreshments, and high-level networking with leaders shaping the future of global trade.
 
📍 In Person Only
🎟️ Register Now: https://empireclubofcanada.com/event/empire-nights-european-commissioner-for-trade-and-canadas-mini…
 
Why Attend In Person?
 
✔️ Hear directly from Canada’s Minister of International Trade and the EU’s top trade official
✔️ Gain strategic insight into the future of Canada–EU trade under CETA
✔️ Connect with senior leaders across government, business, and diplomacy
✔️ Engage in an exclusive fireside conversation moderated by Arlene Dickinson
✔️ Network over passed canapes in an evening designed for meaningful dialogue
 
 
Thank you to our Sponsors
Lead Event Sponsors: National Bank Financial Markets, Magna Intl.
Lead Season Sponsors: Bruce Power, Hydro One, National Bank Financial
VIP Reception Season Sponsors: EllisDon, McKinsey & Company, Ontario Road Builders’ Association, Waste Connections of Canada
Media Partner: Toronto Star
AV Partner: Bespoke Audio Visual
 
⸻
PublicPolicy TradeAndInvestment LeadershipCanada

02/17/2026

ONE WEEK TO GO | Quantum Power and National Security: Canada’s New Strategic Imperative
 
📍 Hybrid | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 11:30 AM EST
🎟️ In-person seats and tables are filling fast – register now!
Register: https://empireclubofcanada.com/event/quantum-power-and-national-security-canadas-new-strategic-impe…
 
Quantum technologies are no longer the future – they are here, and they’re reshaping global security and economic power. As allied nations rapidly adopt quantum sensing, secure communications, and computing across their defense and economic infrastructure, Canada is poised at a turning point. With recent federal investments and a growing innovation ecosystem, quantum is now a national imperative.
 
On February 24, the Empire Club of Canada presents a landmark discussion on Canada’s quantum future. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to gain insights from:
 
🗣️ Lisa Lambert, CEO of Quantum Industry Canada (QIC)
🗣️ Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad, Commander Canadian Joint Forces Command
🗣️ David Roy-Guay, Founder & CEO, SBQuantum
🗣️ Francesco Bova, Associate Professor, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
🗣️ Moderated by The Honourable Erin O’Toole, P.C., C.D., President, ADIT North America
 
This is more than a conversation — it’s a strategic briefing on Canada’s readiness to lead in quantum innovation while protecting its national interest.
 
 
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Lead Event Sponsor: Numana
VIP Reception Sponsors: Texture Communications, WSP
Supporting Sponsor: Deloitte
Lead Season Sponsors: Bruce Power, Hydro One, National Bank Financial
VIP Reception Season Sponsors: EllisDon, McKinsey & Company, Ontario Road Builders’ Association, Waste Connections of Canada
Media Partner: Toronto Star
AV Partner: Bespoke Audio Visual
 
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02/17/2026

Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year! 🧧

May the Year of the Horse bring you wisdom, strength, and success in all your endeavours.

02/17/2026

02/02/2026

🎥 A message from Mayor Olivia Chow

“The Blue Jays are Toronto’s team. They are Canada’s team.”

In a special pre-event message, Mayor Olivia Chow reflects on how the Toronto Blue Jays have united our city and our country—showing what’s possible when we work together, and reminding us of the power of hope, teamwork, and community pride.

On February 4, the Empire Club of Canada will honour the Toronto Blue Jays as the 2025 Nation Builder Award recipient, celebrating nearly five decades of impact on Canadian culture, community, and sport. Mayor Chow will also deliver a special testimonial in person as part of the program.

The award will be accepted by Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, followed by a fireside conversation with Hazel Mae, Member of Sportsnet’s Blue Jays Broadcast Team.

This is a unique opportunity to hear civic and sports leadership perspectives come together—reflecting on how the Blue Jays have helped unite Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

🔗 Get Tickets Now → https://empireclubofcanada.com/event/2025-nation-builder-award-toronto-blue-jays/

In-person tickets are limited.
Be part of this national moment and join leaders from business, civic, and community sectors.

📅 Wednesday, February 4, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM EDT
📍 Hybrid

JaysCare CanadasTeam TorontoEvents MarkShapiro OliviaChow

01/20/2026

NEW EVENT | Quantum Power & National Security: Canada’s New Strategic Imperative
 
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, join the Empire Club of Canada as we present a timely address with Lisa Lambert, CEO of Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), who will examine how quantum capabilities will shape Canada’s economic outlook and security posture, what sovereign capacity is required to protect critical systems, and how Canada can position itself as a strategic contributor within the G7 and NATO alliances.
 
Further insights and perspectives will follow from a distinguished panel.
 
Keynote: Lisa Lambert, CEO of Quantum Industry Canada
Moderator: Hon. Erin O’Toole, P.C., C.D.
 
Panelists:
🗣️ Francesco Bova, Assistant Professor, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
🗣️David Roy-Guay, CEO and Founder, SBQuantum
🗣️Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad, CD, Commander Canadian Joint Forces Command
 
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Why Attend In Person?
• Engage directly with decision-makers and defence experts
• Gain exclusive insight into quantum policy shaping Canada’s future
• Network with tech executives, policymakers, and global security leaders
• Be part of the national conversation on strategic innovation
 
⸻
 
📅 Tuesday, February 24, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM EST
 
🔗Register now → https://empireclubofcanada.com/event/quantum-power-and-national-security-canadas-new-strategic-impe…
 
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Lead Event Sponsor: Numana
VIP Reception Sponsors: Texture Communications, WSP
Supporting Sponsor: Deloitte
Lead Season Sponsors: Bruce Power, Hydro One, National Bank Financial
VIP Reception Season Sponsors: EllisDon, McKinsey & Company, Ontario Road Builders’ Association, Waste Connections of Canada
Media Partner: Toronto Star
AV Partner: Bespoke Audio Visual
 
ErinOToole

07/03/2025

We are thrilled to introduce the new Board of Directors for the Empire Club of Canada’s 2025-26 season! Their leadership and expertise will guide us as we continue fostering impactful dialogue and thought leadership across Canada.
 
Please join us in warmly welcoming three new directors to the Board:
Rebecca MacKenzie, Chief Communications, Public Affairs, and Patient Experience Officer, Oak Valley Health
Christopher Nabeta, Executive Chairman, Accelerate Auto Director of OEM Sales and Strategy, TD Auto Finance
and Michael Fox, President, Indigenous and Community Engagement (ICE) Inc.
 
We’re excited about the fresh perspectives and energy they bring to our community.
 
To meet all our dedicated Board members, visit our website: https://empireclubofcanada.com/our-board-of-directors/
 
Here’s to an inspiring season ahead!
 
 

04/28/2025

NEXT WEEK | Keeping Business Clean: Combatting Corruption in a World of Change

Did you know? Corruption drains an estimated US$5 trillion from the global economy every year — about 5% of the world’s GDP, according to Transparency International. This pervasive problem stifles economic growth, widens inequality, and diverts critical resources away from essential services like education and healthcare. Is worldwide corruption on the rise?

Join us on May 6, 2025 to hear directly from our panel of experts:

🗣️ Moderated by Rita Trichur, Senior Business Writer, The Globe and Mail
🗣️ Hentie Dirker, Chief ESG and Integrity Officer, AtkinsRéalis
🗣️ Peter German, President, International Centre for Criminal Law Reform
🗣️ Allan Rock, President Emeritus, University of Ottawa

📅 Tuesday, May 6, 2025
🕚 In-Person: 11:30 AM EDT | Virtual: 12:35 PM EDT
🔗 Register now: https://hubs.la/Q03k3pZl0
🎟️ Limited tickets available - secure your spot today!

Thank you to our sponsors:
Lead Event Sponsor: Mindset Foundation
VIP Reception Sponsor: National Bank
Lead Season Sponsors: Bruce Power, Hydro One
VIP Reception Season Sponsors: Waste Connections of Canada, EllisDon
Media Partner: Toronto Star
AV Partner: Bespoke Audio Visual

04/24/2025

RECAP | Yesterday, the Empire Club of Canada hosted a timely discussion: "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. 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 featured three very different approaches to longevity and we heard from our wonderful panel of experts including:

🗣️ Dr. Kashif Irshad, Medical Director & Co-Founder, Lifespire
🗣️ Dr. Samir Sinha, Geriatrician and Clinician Scientist, Sinai Health and the University Health Network, Director of Health Policy Research at the National Institute of Ageing
🗣️ Alex Besharat, Executive Vice President, Canadian Wealth Management, Scotia Wealth Management
🗣️ Moderated by Karli Farrow, President and CEO, Trillium Health Partners

If you missed it, I invite you to watch it on demand on our website and subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to know about our upcoming events: https://hubs.ly/Q03jL08n0

View photo album here: https://hubs.ly/Q03jLj1g0

Thank you for our sponsors:
Supporting Sponsors: Canaccord Genuity, Manulife, CMA
Lead Season Sponsors: Bruce Power, Hydro One
VIP Reception Season Sponsors: EllisDon, Waste of Connections of Canada
Media Partner: Toronto Star
AV Partner: Bespoke