Future of Business Summit Agenda
April 20 & 21, 2026 | Rogers Centre | Ottawa Ontario
Updated on April 14, 2026
All times listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Day 1: Monday, April 20, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Registration, Exhibits & Braindates |
1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. |
Welcoming RemarksSpeaker: Candace Laing, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
The Premiers’ Session: What Can We Agree On?MAIN STAGEInterprovincial trade has dominated Canada’s 2025 agenda — but turning talk into action is harder in an age of polarization and provincial stand-offs. We’re convening a table of premiers from across the political spectrum on one stage with one of Canada’s most beloved reporters in the moderator’s chair, to test what still unites the country. Will they find common ground before the clock runs out? Speakers:
Thank you Remarks: Dimitris Polygenis, President, McKesson Canada |
2:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. |
Gamification Presentation from Production and Technology Partner
Encore Canada, Canada’s largest event technology and production partner, will be highlighting an AI innovation through gamification. Learn how to engage your audiences – and enter for a chance to win exciting grand prizes! |
2:10 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. |
Building Canada’s Future Workforce: Corporate Responsibility in ActionMAIN STAGEAmazon Vice President of Public Policy and Community Engagement Brian Huseman joins Canadian Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Candace Laing for a conversation about what corporate responsibility looks like in practice—from preparing Canadians for an AI-transformed workforce to investing in communities at the hyperlocal level. Huseman will share how Amazon is balancing workforce development, technological change, and community engagement as part of investments in Canada, offering insights that business leaders can apply in their own organizations. Host: Candace Laing, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. |
AI at Speed and Scale: Transforming Canada’s EconomyMAIN STAGEThe next decade will reshape Canada’s economic landscape in ways we’re only beginning to imagine. AI is poised to unlock productivity gains, create entirely new industries, and redefine how Canadian businesses compete globally — but only if we get the conditions right. In this session, we’ll explore what a truly AI-powered Canadian economy could look like by 2035: where the greatest opportunities lie across sectors, what it will take to close the productivity gap, and how Canada can position itself as a global leader rather than a fast follower. The conversation will also tackle the hard questions that will define whether AI’s gains are broadly shared or narrowly captured. Host: Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco, Reporter, Producer & News Anchor, CBC Speaker: Joëlle Pineau, Chief AI Officer, Cohere |
3:15 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. |
Break |
3:25 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions Block 1This is where the Summit becomes personal. Our breakout sessions run at the same time — each one focused on a different priority shaping the future of business. You choose the conversation that aligns with your goals, your challenges, and the work you’re driving forward. Whether you’re looking for practical strategies, policy insight, leadership perspective, or fresh thinking, there’s a room designed for you. Breakout 1 | Running Out of Workers: An Action Plan for Canada’s Next Economy Host: Matthew McKean, Chief R&D Officer, Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) Speakers:
Click to view detailsCanada is in the midst of a historic transformation. The labour market is experiencing sustained pressure from skills shortages, supply chain disruptions, the rapid adoption of AI, and tariffs, among other factors. An aging population, declining birth rates, and sustained immigration are reshaping the labour force. These shifts are not abstract trends — they are defining the economy and operating environment of the next decade. This session will examine learnings from The Business + Higher Education Roundtable’s recent Executive Summit 2026, which convened senior leaders from business, post-secondary, and government to explore what it will take for Canada to go “all in” on the next economy—and the systems that make delivery possible. Breakout 2 | Economic Sovereignty Through Defence Host: Sueling Ching, President & CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade Speakers:
Click to view detailsAs global instability rises and allies rapidly scale their defence industries, Canada faces a defining question: will we remain a buyer in the global defence marketplace, or build the sovereign capacity to design, finance, and produce at home? This conversation examines how defence spending can translate into lasting industrial strength and what must change for Canada to fully embrace the opportunity. Because the stakes go beyond military readiness: Canada’s economic independence, technological capacity, and global standing are on the line. |
4:05 p.m. – 4:35 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions Block 2Breakout 1 | Art as Identity: Telling Canada’s Story Through Creativity Opening Remarks: The Hon. Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Gaming, Government of Ontario Host: Ali Hassan, Comedian, Actor, Author & Broadcaster Speakers:
Click to view detailsArt plays a powerful role in expressing who Canadians are and how they connect. Drawing on success stories of Canadian content like Come From Away, this panel explores how the arts shape national identity, bridge regions and cultures, and help tell Canada’s story at home and on the global stage. Breakout 2 | Closing Canada’s Productivity Gap Through the Brain Economy Opening Remarks: Bryce Pickard, President & Chief Operating Officer, Ontario Brain Institute Host: Kevin Carmichael, Economics Columnist & Editor-at-Large, The Logic Speakers:
Click to view detailsCanada’s productivity crisis is, at its core, also a brain capital crisis. It’s about how effectively we develop, deploy, and protect our cognitive assets. As AI reshapes work and demographic pressures mount, competitive advantage will belong to those who invest in brain capital — the cognitive, emotional, and social capabilities that no algorithm can fully replicate. Canada produces world-class talent and research. The challenge is activation. This panel examines how business leaders and policymakers can make brain capital investment a cornerstone of Canada’s productivity agenda — turning an underleveraged asset into a defining national advantage. |
4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. |
Keynote AddressMAIN STAGETrust us this one will be exciting, you will want to stick around for it. |
5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Networking Reception |
Day 2: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Registration, Exhibits & Braindates |
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast |
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts: Fireside Chat with Laurent Duvernay-TardifMAIN STAGEIn this fireside chat, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif shares insights from his journey across medicine, philanthropy, and professional sports, leading him to win the Superbowl. He explores how leadership, collaboration, and prevention can strengthen communities and inspire the next generation. Drawing on his medical and public health expertise, Laurent highlights why building a healthier nation starts with empowering people to work together. Host: Jon Cornish, Portfolio Manager, RBC Dominion Securities | Chancellor, University of Calgary | Canadian Football Hall of Famer |
9:10 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions Block 1You choose-your-own experience continues into Day 2, with another round of breakout sessions designed to go deeper on the issues that matter most to you. Breakout 1 | How the World Sees Canada: Reputation, Partnerships & Competitiveness Host: Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Canada Bureau Chief, The New York Times Speakers:
Click to view detailsIn a time of geopolitical realignment and economic uncertainty, Canada’s success depends not only on what it offers — but how it is perceived. This panel explores how global partners view Canada’s resources, innovation, talent, and values, and what it will take to translate reputation into stronger partnerships, diversified trade, and lasting competitiveness. Breakout 2 | Reconciliation in Action: From Entrepreneurship to Enterprise Host: Duncan McCue, Broadcaster & Educator | Associate Professor, Carleton University Speakers:
Click to view detailsReconciliation in action means unlocking opportunity. This session focuses on empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs by removing barriers, supporting growth from startup to scale, and recognizing their potential as drivers of innovation, prosperity, and long-term economic strength across Canada. WORKSHOPValue in Motion Speaker: Greg Oberti, Partner, Deals Utilities Sector Leader, PwC Canada Click to view detailsIn a world defined by disruption, reconfiguration is no longer optional—it is the central strategic challenge facing business leaders. This executive workshop, delivered by PwC’s Global Build Domain Leader, will explore how global megatrends—climate transition, technological acceleration, demographic change, geopolitical fragmentation, and social instability—are reshaping where and how economic value is created. Drawing on PwC’s Value in Motion research, participants will examine how trillions of dollars of value are shifting across industries as traditional sector boundaries break down, and why leading organizations are re‑orienting around a new set of “domains of growth”. The session will equip senior leaders with a practical, strategic lens to understand where value is in motion, how to identify emerging value pools, and how Canadian businesses can make confident choices—on where to play, how to compete, and how to position themselves for growth—in an increasingly volatile and reconfigured global economy. |
9:50 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions Block 2Choose the conversation that aligns with your goals, strengthens your expertise, and moves your work forward. Breakout 1 | It’s Lonely at the Top Host: Nancy MacKay, Founder & CEO, MacKay CEO Forums Speakers:
Click to view detailsToday’s leaders face constant pressure to make high-stakes decisions while supporting teams, clients, and communities. In this panel discussion, CEOs reflect on the importance of trusted peer networks and community — exploring how leaders can balance caring for others with caring for themselves in moments that demand resilience, clarity, and courage. Breakout 2 | Building Canada: The Execution Imperative Host: Bridgitte Anderson, President & CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Speakers:
Click to view detailsCompetitiveness starts at home. Before Canadian businesses can win globally, they need an economy where goods move seamlessly, energy flows reliably, and people can travel between major centres with speed and predictability. In a nutshell, if Canada wants to compete, we must build… and build with confidence. From next-generation transportation to energy infrastructure and trade-enabling assets, this conversation brings together leaders responsible for some of the country’s most consequential domestic projects. What does it take to build faster and with greater certainty? How do we reduce risk, align capital, and move from announcement to execution? And how do we ensure major projects strengthen productivity, affordability, and long-term growth across regions? |
10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. |
Canada’s Place in the WorldMAIN STAGECanada’s role on the global stage is being reshaped by rising tensions, shifting alliances, and economic uncertainty. In this fireside chat, Michael Kovrig offers insights on Canada’s place in the world and what governments, businesses, and citizens should anticipate in geopolitics in the year ahead. Introductory Remarks: Gayla Brock-Woodland, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce WORKSHOPCrash Course on Negotiation: Unlocking Deadlocks Speaker: Michael Patterson, Master Facilitator, Shapiro Negotiations Institute Click to view detailsDeadlocks happen for many reasons, but the outcome is always the same: progress stalls and agreements remain out of reach. In this fast-paced and interactive session, participants will explore practical tactics for moving negotiations forward when conversations become stuck to see how small shifts in approach can break impasses and create momentum. Designed for Canadian business leaders who negotiate daily, this session delivers immediately applicable tools to unlock progress when it matters most. |
11:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
The 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer: Canada’s Trust Landscape RevealedMAIN STAGEAt a time of economic uncertainty, rapid technological transformation and growing skepticism toward institutions, trust has emerged as a decisive factor shaping Canada’s economic and social outlook. In this flagship session, we unveil the Canadian results of the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, highlighting how Canadians perceive business, government, media and NGOs — and what those perceptions mean for growth, competitiveness and long-term resilience. Speaker: Scott Evans, Interim CEO, Edelman Canada WORKSHOPThese are interactive sessions designed to build skills, spark collaboration, and deliver practical takeaways. Building Canada’s Resilient Workforce: Opportunities for Action This workshop is by invitation only. Speakers:
Click to view details
Canada’s labour market is being tested by rapid economic changes and we must seize this moment to intentionally build for the future. Join the Future Skills Centre and members from the Resilient Workforce Working Table for an exclusive, 90-minute session to discuss how Canada can align its nation-building ambitions with a resilient labour force that supports workers, bridges skill gaps and ensures no one is left behind. The Resilient Workforce Working Table, convened by the Future Skills Centre, is set to release its final report outlining how comprehensive skills training and employment policies can build an adaptable workforce during this time of uncertainty. The report identifies opportunities for action to secure Canada’s national prosperity. The session will include a presentation of the report followed by a high-level panel discussion and small group consultations on next steps. |
11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. |
Trust & Information: The Foundations of a Strong EconomyMAIN STAGEIn an era of rapid change, disruptive technologies, and unprecedented access to information, trust has become one of the most valuable and fragile assets in society. For business leaders, policymakers, and communities alike, the connection between trust, trustworthy information and a resilient economy has never been more critical. As part of the launch of the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, we explore how reliable, high-quality information underpins trust in institutions, enables informed decision-making, and supports the conditions that allow businesses to thrive. Host: Scott Evans, Interim CEO, Edelman Canada
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12:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
Unlocking the Arctic: Security, Prosperity & Northern LeadershipMAIN STAGEThe Arctic is no longer a distant frontier — it is central to North American security, Indigenous prosperity, and long-term economic resilience. As global attention turns north, Canada faces a clear challenge: moving from fragmented initiatives to a coordinated Arctic strategy that delivers real outcomes for northern communities and the country as a whole, while being aligned with geopolitical alliances. This panel will focus on the practical foundations of Arctic development, including infrastructure, responsible energy and resource projects, Indigenous partnership, and Canada–U.S. cooperation — exploring how governments, communities, and business can turn ambition into action. Host: Murray Brewster, Senior Defence Writer, CBC
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2:10 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions Block 3Breakout 1 | Ready or Not? Canada’s Competitiveness in Health Innovation Host: Dr. Talia Varley, Managing Director, Advisory Services, Cleveland Clinic Canada Speakers:
Click to view detailsCOVID-19 was a wake-up call for many Canadians — not just about public health, but about how quickly the world can move when innovation matters. Since then, global competition for breakthrough medicines, advanced therapies, and health investment has only accelerated. The question now is personal as much as it is strategic: will Canadians have timely access to the next generation of treatments, and will Canada be a place where health innovation chooses to land? This panel will explore what competitiveness really means for Canada’s health system — from resilient and trusted supply chains to smarter regulation, better use of data, and stronger public-private collaboration. The discussion will focus on how Canada can attract innovative medicines and therapies, manage risk, and adapt fast enough to meet patient needs in a rapidly evolving global health landscape. Ultimately, this is about readiness in a broader sense: are we building a system that works for Canadians today… and is ready for whatever comes next? Breakout 2 | Prosperity Redefined – A CBC IDEAS Live Recording Host: Nahlah Ayed, Host, CBC Radio’s IDEAS Speakers:
This extended session will continue until 3:20 p.m. Click to view detailsWhat does it mean for a nation, a community, a person to be prosperous? What measures reflect it: GDP, happiness, low crime, birth rates? As the income gap continues to accelerate in Canada and around the world, Ideas host Nahlah Ayed convenes an onstage conversation to consider how ‘prosperity’ should be defined and how that can be achieved. WORKSHOPThese are interactive sessions designed to build skills, spark collaboration, and deliver practical takeaways. The Challenger’s Playbook: How a Canadian Scale-up Outmaneuvers Global Giants Speaker: Mitch Malinsky, Vice President, Revenue & Strategic Partnership, Pheedloop Click to view detailsHow does a lean Canadian startup go head-to-head with multi-billion-dollar industry titans—and win? In a market dominated by legacy giants like Cvent, PheedLoop has carved out a leadership position by turning its “small business” status into its greatest competitive advantage. This session pulls back the curtain on the David vs. Goliath reality of the Canadian tech landscape. Moving beyond corporate theory, we share the raw, tactical “war stories” of scaling a homegrown brand against massive international competition. Attendees will walk away with a proven framework for:
Whether you are a founder, a leader in a growing firm, or a champion of Canadian innovation, this session offers a relatable, high-energy roadmap for anyone looking to punch above their weight class and win. From Talent Shortages to Talent Pipelines: How WIL Drives Productivity in the Age of AI Speaker: Andrew Bieler, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) Click to view detailsCanada’s productivity challenge and growing talent shortages are colliding with rapid advances in AI, reshaping how organizations build their workforce. Work-integrated learning (WIL) offers a practical, proven way to strengthen early talent pipelines while driving innovation inside organizations. In this session, the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) will share how its national WIL program is helping employers access job-ready talent, test new capabilities, and build future-ready teams. Through real-world examples and emerging trends, we’ll explore how leading organizations are using WIL to respond to AI and workforce disruption. Participants will also take part in a brief “WIL Awareness Check” to benchmark their approach and identify immediate opportunities to engage student talent. Leave with practical steps to get started and scale WIL in your organization. |
2:50 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. |
Enabling Small Businesses to Scale: From Insight to ImpactMAIN STAGE
Scaling a business takes more than a great idea. It requires access to capital, the right support systems, strong teams, and the operational discipline to turn early traction into sustained growth. This conversation brings together a successful founder and ecosystem leaders to explore what it really takes for small businesses to scale. From financing and talent to digital tools and strategic partnerships, we’ll examine the practical challenges entrepreneurs face as they grow. We’ll also look at the ecosystem conditions that make scaling possible (mentorship, technology platforms, and access to global markets) and what Canada can do to better support ambitious companies on the path from startup to high-growth success. Introductory Remarks: Miguel Barrieras, Chief Community Banking & Impact Officer, BDC Host: Déborah Cherenfant, Female Entrepreneurship Strategist, Radio & TV Commentator
NOTE: No breakout 2 session will take place during this time slot, as Prosperity Redefined – A CBC IDEAS Live Recording is an extended session. WORKSHOPThese are interactive sessions designed to build skills, spark collaboration, and deliver practical takeaways. Pharmaceutical Distribution: The Vital Link in Innovation & Access Speaker: Angelique Berg, President & CEO, Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management (CAPDM) Moderator: David Veillette, Vice President, Government Relations, McKesson Canada Click to view detailsWhen policy discussions focus on access to innovative therapies, a critical perspective is often missing: pharmaceutical distribution. This leaves decision-makers with policies that work on paper but fail in practice. With increased global pressure on the supply chain, distribution is the often unseen, but critical infrastructure that keeps medications moving safely and predictably. It is what protects access to innovative therapies with advanced cold and frozen-chain, and leverages AI to predict and quickly respond to drug shortages and volatility. Ultimately, without a resilient distribution network, Canadians may walk into their local pharmacy or visit their hospital for treatment and encounter empty shelves. In this session, distribution leaders will connect the dots between innovation policy and real-world delivery. Expect a practical, solutions-driven conversation that explores the “how” behind patients being able to access the life-saving medications they need. |
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions Block 4Breakout 1 | A Roof Over Our Heads: Solutions to the Housing Crisis Host: Sandrine Rastello, Journalist, Writer, Moderator and Interviewer Speakers:
Click to view detailsCanada’s housing crisis demands action beyond government alone — businesses have a critical role to play. This session explores how stakeholders across industries, from financial institutions and developers to community organizations and local businesses, can take practical, collaborative steps to expand housing solutions, support unhoused people, and strengthen communities from the ground up. Breakout 2 | The Next Harvest: Innovation and Opportunity in Canadian Agriculture Host: Candace Laing, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Speakers:
Click to view detailsCanada’s agriculture sector is entering a defining decade. Despite a year of shifting tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration pressures, the sector continues to demonstrate resilience and show that it can seize opportunity. This conversation will explore the forces reshaping agriculture — from agtech and data-driven farming to sustainability, productivity, and value-added production. Leaders from across the agri-food ecosystem will discuss how Canada can mobilize capital, scale innovation, and strengthen its position as one of the world’s most reliable and forward-looking agricultural producers. At a moment when the world is searching for reliable producers and bold ideas, Canadian agriculture can show the world what “growing” is all about. WORKSHOPThese are interactive sessions designed to build skills, spark collaboration, and deliver practical takeaways. The Hidden ROI: Understanding the Economic Multiplier of Health in CanadaSpeakers:
Click to view DetailsThe economics of health are clear: Healthy people create healthy economies. The life sciences sector drove over $18.4 billion in total economic activity in Canada in 2022, and there is an estimated $2 – $4 return for every $1 invested in health, according to McKinsey & Company. But how is this value felt? How do we factor it into our planning? How can Canada capitalize on this idea for its own competitive advantage?
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4:10 p.m – 4:40 p.m. |
Reaching the World: Expanding Canada’s Trade NetworksMAIN STAGEAs global supply chains realign and markets evolve, Canadian businesses are working harder than ever to reach new customers beyond traditional partners. But diversification doesn’t happen through strategy alone — it depends on connections. Air access. Port capacity. Logistics integration. Reliability. This panel brings together leaders from Canada’s global gateways to examine how we strengthen international connectivity and position Canada as a trusted trading partner in a more fragmented world. For small businesses looking to enter Southeast Asia, Europe, or emerging markets, what makes the difference between ambition and execution? How do transportation access, cargo capacity, and logistics reliability shape real business decisions about where to invest and whom to sell to? What policy changes could support increased connectivity and seamless travel while being cost competitive? Speakers:
Introductory Remarks: The Hon. Manider Sindhu, Minister of International Trade |
4:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
To Be Announced SoonMAIN STAGEWe have another surprise for you . . . stay tuned for more announcements. |
5:30 p.m. – 5:40 p.m. |
Closing RemarksSpeaker: Candace Laing, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
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