Guy Cormier, President  CEO of Desjardins Group, is one of Canada’s most outspoken advocates of “Stakeholder Capitalism”, arguing that business leaders can choose to put people and communities ahead of profits in order to build a stronger, more resilient Canada.

Many businesses and leaders in the West run on maximizing profit, which many believe has contributed to our current environmental and economic challenges. On December 4th, Mr. Cormier will address the Canadian Club Toronto on his vision for the future of Canadian businesses and the role they can play in creating a better society, stronger local economies, and a more secure future.

Guy Cormier

The Canadian Club addresses routinely generate national coverage across multiple platforms. In addition to reported media coverage and our in-person audience of several hundred people, we make our programming accessible to all Canadians through broadcasts on cable television and webcasts, available online.

            Events run between September and June in downtown Toronto. As an independent, non-profit organization, we make all our events open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online or through our office at 416-364-5590.

Business & Politics

Canada’s productivity rate has declined almost every quarter for more than two years, and the Bank of Canada recently stated that it has become an emergency for the country. The concerning issue has sparked a nationwide conversation about whether we have the wherewithal to create the wealth necessary to support our quality of life. Join Canadian Club Toronto on April 23 when our distinguished panel will engage this challenging and imperative topic by focusing on the issues that matter, including Chief Sharleen Gale, Chief of the Fort Nelson Nation and Chair of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition; John Ruffolo, Founder and CEO Maverix Private Equity and Carolyn A. Wilkins, accomplished economist and former Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada. Kevin Carmichael, Economics Columnist and Editor-at-Large of The Logic will moderate the conversation.

Attacking Canada’s Productivity Problem

How does one of Canada’s most trusted retailers compete and win in a rapidly changing world marked by evolving consumer demand, disruptive innovation, and emerging technology? By transforming one of Canada’s oldest loyalty programs – Triangle Rewards – to spearhead innovation and insight for the company. Join Canadian Club Toronto on April 3 to hear from Greg Hicks, President and CEO of Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), on how Triangle not only provides valuable insights into how to serve Canadians better but opens the door to capitalize on emerging technology and access new revenue streams.

Greg Hicks, President and CEO of Canadian Tire

Join Canadian Club Toronto on March 6 to hear mining industry leaders discuss the current landscape of Canadian mining and its aims for the future. The panel will discuss strategies to maintain Canada’s traditional leadership in the global mining arena. Topics will include an assessment of Canada’s current standing in the industry, Toronto’s influence in mining finance, the impact of EVs on critical minerals supply chains, the role of ESG investing in the development of sustainable mining practices, the evolution of partnerships with Indigenous peoples, training and infrastructure, and the impact of geopolitics on the sector. Moderated by Tim Kiladze, Financial Reporter, The Globe and Mail this expert panel will feature:

Ilan Bahar – Managing Director and Co-Head, Global Metals  Mining, BMO Capital Markets
Sean Boyd – Chair of the Board, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
Aline Cote – Industrial Co-Lead for Zinc and Lead, Glencore
Daniella Dimitrov – Mining Executive  Corporate Director

Revitalizing the Canadian Mining Ecosystem

Join us for an insightful evening on February 22 as we delve into the future of Canadian politics with the dynamic young stars of the Conservative movement under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. Our distinguished panel of speakers will explore the challenges and opportunities we face as a nation and share their vision for a prosperous Canada.

This thought-provoking exploration will provide the audience with a nuanced understanding of the ideas that are shaping the movement. Moderated by Ginny Roth, Partner at Crestview Strategy, this expert panel will feature:

Adam Chambers – Member of Parliament, Simcoe North
Melissa Lantsman – Member of Parliament, Thornhill and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
Sabrina Maddeaux – Contender to be the Conservative Candidate, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill
Shuvaloy Majumdar – Member of Parliament, Calgary Heritage

A Glimpse into the New Federal Conservative Movement and its Impact on Canada

Join the Canadian Club Toronto on February 21 for a thought-provoking opportunity to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Canada’s black business community. We are pleased to welcome Lianne Hannaway, CPA, the newly appointed CEO of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), to the Canadian Club podium. With an impressive career spanning nearly 25 years in financial services, Lianne brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, governance, and sustainable financial management across both corporate and not-for-profit sectors. She is an advocate for financial inclusion and the advancement of Canada’s black communities.

Ms. Hannaway will outline her strategic vision for an inclusive Canadian economy that fully embraces the potential of Black entrepreneurs and professionals and the challenges of recent anti-woke sentiments. Ms. Hannaway will also delve into the critical importance of open collaboration with business leaders and government officials, urging them to intensify their efforts to create a more prosperous future for all Canadians. Joining Ms. Hannaway in this conversation will be Nick Chambers, partner at Boyden.

Guy Cormier

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