Peter Mansbridge is best known for his five decades of work at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where he was Chief Correspondent of CBC News and Anchor of The National for thirty years. He has won dozens of awards for outstanding journalism, has fourteen honorary doctorates from universities in Canada and the United States, and received Canada’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Canada, in 2008.

He is the former two-term Chancellor of Mount Allison University, now its Chancellor Emeritus, a Distinguished Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto and is a member of numerous boards and committees. Peter believes strongly in the future of Canadian journalism and has personally funded major new programs at three different Canadian universities: King’s University College, Carleton University, and the University of British Columbia.

Peter is involved with several projects and initiatives alongside his charitable work. He is the President of Manscorp Media Services, where his work includes documentary film production. In addition, he hosts one of Canada's leading political podcasts, "The Bridge". Peter also writes the weekly newsletter “The Buzz” for NationalNewswatch.com. Peter is the author of four national bestsellers: Off The Record (2021), Extraordinary Canadians (2020), One on One (2009) and How Canada Works (2023). He is Senior Counsel at spark*advocacy.

In 1993, Séan McCann joined forces with Darrell Power, Alan Doyle, and Bob Hallett to form Great Big Sea, a band that would revolutionize traditional Newfoundland music and captivate audiences worldwide. Great Big Sea's meteoric rise to fame saw them become one of Canada's most beloved musical exports, with a string of platinum-selling albums and countless memorable live shows. Séan's songwriting and powerful vocals were integral to the band's success, earning them legions of dedicated fans and critical international acclaim. Despite the band's immense success, Séan faced personal struggles with addiction, ultimately leading him to confront his demons and embark on a journey of recovery. In 2013, after over two decades with Great Big Sea, Séan made the courageous decision to leave the party band culture behind and pursue an independent solo career, driven by a newfound commitment to sobriety and personal growth. Since then, Séan has continued to make waves in the music world as a solo artist, channeling his passion for storytelling and social activism into his music. His solo albums, including "Help Your Self" and "You Know I Love You," showcase his introspective songwriting and soulful performances, earning him acclaim as a solo artist in his own right. His latest effort “Shantyman” is a rollicking return to his traditional Newfoundland roots, filled with singalong songs of the sea to help bring people together in this time of great division. Beyond his musical pursuits, Séan is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, using his own experiences to inspire others and break the stigma surrounding these issues. In 2020 he was awarded the Order of Canada for his efforts.Through his music and activism, Séan McCann continues to uplift and inspire audiences across the country, leaving an enduring legacy as both a musician and a beacon of hope

Stephen Murgatroyd, PhD is the former Dean of Athabasca University’s Faculty of Business and founder of the world's first fully online MBA. He has been an innovative pioneer of technology-enabled, flexible learning since he began his career at The Open University UK. Since he left full-time work at the university, Stephen has worked extensively in the private sector as CEO of a large UK human resource consultancy and then, back in Canada, as an entrepreneur leading consulting, technology and publishing companies. He has consulted for governments across Canada and worldwide on technology innovation, higher education, organizational change, and transformation. He is the CEO of the Collaborative Media Group Inc and an in-demand keynote speaker. He has published over forty books, four hundred papers, articles and chapters.

Todd Thibodeaux is the President and Chief Executive Officer of CompTIA, the leading non-profit trade association for the global technology industry and workforce. CompTIA represents 2,000 member companies and 3,800 business partners spanning the industry. Millions of current and aspiring technology workers around the world rely on CompTIA for the training, education and professional certifications that give them the confidence and skills to work in tech.

Since 2008 Todd has led the expansion of CompTIA’s commitment to advancing industry growth and workforce opportunities through education and training programs, market intelligence and research, networking events, professional certifications and more. Under his leadership, CompTIA has made several strategic investments, including the 2023 acquisition of TestOut, a market leader in career training, courseware, labs and other resources to build “career-ready IT skills.” CompTIA’s impact on workforce development was recognized by the American National Standards Institute, which selected CompTIA as the recipient of its 2023 Stephen Crawford Workforce Development and Innovation Medal. CompTIA was also inducted into the National Cyber Security Hall of Fame in 2023.

Todd is a frequent commentator and speakers on topics related to the tech workforce and industry. He has been quoted in in news coverage by the Associated Press, Bloomberg News, CNBC, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fortune, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

Before joining CompTIA, Todd spent more than 17 years with the Consumer Electronics Association, where he served in a range of roles culminating as Senior Vice President, Industry Relations. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (Bachelor of Science, Economics, 1988) and George Mason University (Master of Arts, Economics, 1997)

Currently Bonnie is the Vice President of Student Enrolment and Financial Services, allowing her to ensure the student journey from start to finish is based on success and outcomes. Using the same philosophy for in person or online students shouldn't be hard, it should be a focus and outcomes will follow.Bonnie has 20 years in the education field and has been an instructor, Healthcare Faculty Head, and Campus Director.  She is a strong believer in student engagement and the philosophy of teaching it, seeing it, doing it, even in an online setting

Nadine Baladi is Senior Vice President at Oxford International Education Group, a global higher education organization that is headquartered in the UK, with vocational colleges, Pathway partnerships, Language schools and degree granting universities in Canada, the USA, the UK and Australia. In her role, Nadine drives strategy, growth, innovation and execution for Oxford International’s Canadian and American Career Colleges, English Language, Juniors, and IELTS testing centers. Nadine started her career teaching overseas as an ESL instructor and has spent over 20 years in senior roles in the international education and the higher education spaces, both in Canada and in the USA. Most recently, Nadine sat on the board of the National Association of Career Colleges, and on the board of Career Colleges Ontario, and has served on various Accreditation Commissions in the USA, including CEA and ACCET. Nadine has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from McGill University and the University of Toronto. 

After graduating with a B.Comm from the University of Windsor in 1984, with a major in Finance Mr. Thibert has gained extensive sector experience including roles as instructor, owner, location manager, multi-location manager and divisional president and Corporate President. Don's focus is on delivering quality education with impressive student outcomes by ensuring students have plenty of hands on training so they are ready for that first day of work in their chosen career path.

Mr. Thibert understands all facets of Career College operations with a specialty in Finance having worked within Public Companies, Private Equity and Owner Operator.

With a strong commitment to the educational sector, Mr. Thibert holds several distinguished awards including:

· President/Owner - Westervelt College

· Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal 2012

· Outstanding Achievement Awards – RVP Operations 2006

· Summit Club Award – Campus Manager 2003

Mr. Thibert has been Board member of Career Colleges Ontario and served as President for 3 of those years and has sat as a Board member with the National Association of Career Colleges. After taking a few years off Mr. Thibert is back as a Board member of Career Colleges Ontario as Executive/Treasurer.

Mr. Thibert is active in his community of Windsor working with “In Honour of the One’s we Love”; a charity that has raised over 20 million dollars to support local hospitals and their patients over the past 25 years

Doris Jeanne MacKinnon is an education leader with over 15 years of experience in the public and private post-secondary sector, specializing in curriculum design, program development, teaching, and adult learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Queen’s University, as well as a Masters and a Ph.D. in Canadian and Indigenous History from the University of Calgary. Her work in community-based research with educators and Indigenous peoples has led to the publication of numerous books and articles. 

Doris Jeanne brings extensive knowledge of both regulated career colleges and public post-secondary institutions from her tenure as Dean of Academics at a regulated career college in Alberta, as well as Coordinator of New Programming, Learning Designer and Educator in public post-secondary institutions. In her spare time, Doris Jeanne enjoys hiking, cycling, snowshoeing and other outdoor activities with her horses and dogs.

Zachary Martin is a multi-talented live performer, singer, and songwriter based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He started playing guitar at the young age of 12 and has loved it ever since. He brings high energy, charisma, and a nostalgic charm to weddings, corporate events, and private parties. He performs solo with vocals, guitar, and loop pedal to create a full sound that livens up any crowd, and with his band.

The Honourable Monte Solberg, P.C., brings knowledge and deep political experience to the table.

Raised in Drumheller, Alberta and Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Monte started his career as General Manager of CHUM Radio Alberta before becoming the Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, a position he held for 15 years. In 2006, Prime Minister Harper appointed him to cabinet as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. He later served as Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.

As Minister, Monte focused on helping Canadians become more self-reliant. He implemented programs designed to help newcomers, students, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples and older workers learn new job skills. He oversaw major reforms to Employment Insurance, Post-Secondary Education Funding and Aboriginal Housing. He was also the minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Monte continues to speak on public policy issues across Canada and internationally and he has written for the National Post, the CBC, Sun Media and the Globe and Mail. He has served as the Chair of Canada’s International Development Research Centre. He is currently a board member of the Canadian Museum of Nature Foundation.

Blair Chapman has volunteered on both NACC and Saskatchewan Association of Career College boards for three decades.  Through this period, Blair has contributed to the evolution of NACC…growing from a small, Brantford based association, to the strong national voice it is today headquartered in Ottawa. 

Blair is currently Chair of the Sask Assoc of Career Colleges and representative for Saskatchewan on the NACC board.  Blair was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for service to the National Association of Career Colleges.   

Closer to home, Blair is Vice-Chair of the Saskatoon Downtown Business Improvement District and past roles include Chair of the Great Canadian Kitchen Party, YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and Race Director for a variety of triathlons and bike races.

Blair is the proud father of three daughters (youngest being 2) and “soon to be” grandfather for the second time. 

Blair is looking forward to returning to Ontario next summer for the inaugural running of “Ironman Ottawa” on the August long weekend.

Ginny Roth is a Partner at Crestview Strategy based in Toronto.

Ginny serves as the agency of record for many of the largest food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, and extractive industries in the world. Advising multinational corporations, domestic companies,and non-profits on government relations in Canada, she is a sought-after political commentator.

Appearing as a frequent panelist on major television and radio outlets, Ginny is also a contributor to The Hub and National Post. Ginny was the recipient of The Peak’s 2021 Emerging Leaders award. Prior to joining the Crestview Strategy team, Ginny worked at Queen’s Park as an organizer for the Progressive

Conservative Party of Ontario and has been a lifelong political activist. Ginny brings experience as a former staffer and political campaigner, managing a team of professionals serving clients in every jurisdiction in Canada.

Ginny holds a Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Contemporary Studies from the University of King’s College in Nova Scotia.

Chamara Perera boasts an illustrious career spanning two decades within the realm of post-secondary education, marked by dynamic collaborations with esteemed American and Canadian universities and colleges. Possessing a wealth of experience, Chamara has honed his expertise in project coordination and management, navigating the intricate landscape of policies, procedures, and processes to adeptly support both external stakeholders and internal constituents. A cornerstone of Chamara's professional ethos lies in his unwavering commitment to student and staff support, deriving immense satisfaction from guiding and assisting individuals towards their academic and professional goals. His penchant for teamwork is evident in his adeptness at fostering collaborative environments, where collective synergy propels initiatives towards success. One of Chamara's standout proficiencies resides in his comprehensive understanding and mastery of Learning Management Systems (LMS), which serve as the backbone of modern educational ecosystems. His adeptness in ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks underscores his dedication to upholding the highest standards of educational integrity. Chamara's academic credentials from American institutions speak volumes about his dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. Armed with an Associate of Science Degree in Business, a bachelor’s degree in business management, and an MBA in Human Resource Management, Chamara combines theoretical knowledge with practical acumen, positioning himself as a dynamic leader and catalyst for positive change within the educational landscape.

Craig Tucker is a senior executive specializing in the area of corporate communications, market development and strategy. Craig is the former Managing Partner of Group M5 where he helped to guide the organization and its employees through tremendous growth and development for fifteen years. Craig currently owns numerous business ventures including Crossbeam Education which owns a portfolio of companies including the franchise system of Keyin College, Learning Labs, and IDI.

Craig is extremely active in the Atlantic Canadian Business community where he lends considerable time guiding the Atlantic Canadian innovation Eco-System.

Mr. Halladay has +25 years experience as a Senior Leader in new and established public and private schools, including schools that are co-ed, all-girls, boarding, equestrian (only one in Canada), International/multi-cultural community, ESL, the largest learning disability school in Western Canada, and a founding Head. He has held positions as Superintendent, Head of School, Deputy Head, Director of Senior School, Senior Curriculum and Resources Coordinator for the Ministry of Education, K to 12 teacher, and project leader. He has accreditation experience with NAIS, CAIS, ISA, WASC, IBO, and BC. Mr. Halladay has taught over 40 different courses at the K-12 level. In addition, he has been a Department Head, Chaired numerous Accreditation Committees, Staff Committees, and Professional Development Committees, as well as a background in Training in Clinical Supervision for new teachers. Mr. Halladay's credentials include a B.A. from SFU; a Teaching Certificate from UBC, and a M.A. in Educational Administration from SDSU; along with a Fund Raising Certificate from the Institute of Charitable Giving and a Peer Counselor Certificate from SDSU. Mr. Halladay has a comprehensive knowledge of K to 12 educational trends with his experience developing

Dean Tremain is the Executive Vice President at Canadian Business College, where he plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic vision and operational excellence of the institution. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Dean has a proven track record of operational management, driving innovation, enhancing academic programs, and fostering industry partnerships that enrich student experiences.

Dean holds a BSc in Higher Education Management and has specialized in areas such as leadership development, strategic initiatives, and workforce readiness. His passion for education is matched by his commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern workplace.

Lisa Lovelady is Vice-President Academic of Academy Canada and Eastern Academy. Based in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), these colleges have helped tens of thousands of graduates launch successful careers in diverse occupational areas since the 1980’s.

Prior to joining the Canadian regulated career college sector, Lisa began her professional life teaching at Passmores Academy, a secondary school in the United Kingdom. Her work grew to encompass challenging leadership roles that helped disaffected learners reengage with education.

Today, Lisa and her team of professionals are developing a world-class workforce, nurtured by a diverse, inclusive and energetic community of applied learning. They create, develop and refine innovative ways to connect with, educate and inspire students to dream big and excel in their chosen fields.

Lisa is actively involved with industry and community organizations. She is President of the NL Association of Career Colleges, Vice-Chair of the NL Provincial Libraries Board and is a Public Representative of the Chartered Professional Accountants NL (CPA NL) Board.  She volunteers with Girl Guides of Canada as a local unit leader to help girls develop self-confidence and practice leadership skills.

CEO of Discovery Community College. With 27 years of experience supporting students with specific skill training for gainful employment, you might say she grew up in the regulated career college sector. Krista has been delivering Financial Aid Officer Training in conjunction with Student Aid BC and the BC Career Colleges for the past 14 years and has trained 1000’s of Financial Aid Officers.  

Harris Rosen was admitted to practice law in Ontario in 1994. For the last two decades,
Harris’ practice has been dedicated exclusively to the regulation of private post-secondary
institutions, including top tier language schools and private degree-granting institutions,
but most notably private career colleges. After stewarding the Education Law section of a
large Toronto law firm where he was a capital partner for many years, Harris started his own
firm in 2018.

As the private post-secondary sector has matured over the past decade, Harris has had the
pleasure of representing a growing number of notable investor groups and large law firms
(as regulatory counsel to transaction counsel) on transactional deals involving the
purchase and sale of private career colleges and private universities, amalgamations, and
other structural changes that are “material” in the eyes of each provincial regulator. These
transactions range in size from the hundreds of thousands of dollars well into the hundreds
of millions of dollars.

Harris and his team have been integrally involved in public-private partnerships (“P3”
structures) in the higher education space, having been involved in drafting, negotiating, and
routinely advising on these agreements. As a result of the abrupt legislative changes in
January of 2024 relating to Post-Graduate Work Permits and International Students, Harris
is now focused on helping private institutions with the regulatory aspects of their
operational pivots and proposed restructuring.

Harris co-authored both of Thomson Reuters’ 2011 and 2017 legal textbooks with Alan
Wolfish Q.C., on the regulation of private career colleges. The late Right Hon. John N.
Turner, former Prime Minister of Canada, wrote the foreword to his second edition in 2017.
He is pleased to have become an advisor to the Career Colleges Ontario Board in 2024.
Harris’ coordinates are below and feel free to reach out to him directly!