Daniel Tisch is a business, public policy, and community leader, having held executive roles in government and the corporate sector, and senior governance roles at public institutions and non-profit associations. He is known globally as an expert in corporate communications, public policy, community engagement, crisis and reputation management.

From 2003 to 2023, Daniel was the driving force in building Argyle Communications (now Changemakers) into Canada’s largest management-owned engagement, communication and reputation advisory firm growing to $40M in revenue, 175 employees and ten North American offices by 2023. Earlier in his career, Daniel held senior communications roles in the Canadian government, including serving as Senior Policy Advisor and Acting Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the latter role, he was a member of the Canadian delegation to the G7 Economic Summit

Daniel has spoken to business audiences on every continent, lectured at Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business since 1996, and contributed to leading public relations and marketing textbooks. He appears regularly in print and broadcast media, including weekly commentary on CBC Radio and Global News during the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections. In 2021, Daniel was named one of the world’s “top 100” social media influencers on public relations.

Born in Spain to a Latin American family and raised in Toronto, Daniel speaks English, French and Spanish. He holds two degrees from Queen’s University — a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and a Master of Business Administration. He is also a certified corporate director, with an ICD.D designation in corporate governance from the University of Toronto. Daniel has served as vice chair of the Queen’s University Board of Trustees, a leader in the international Scouting movement and a board member of Social Venture Partners International.

In 2025, Daniel was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to his community, the province and the country.

Peter served in the Parliament of Canada for over 19 years, 10 as a cabinet minister in high-profile portfolios, including Justice and Attorney General, Department of National Defence, Foreign Affairs, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ACOA. He chaired the Canadian National security committee and served on numerous cabinet committees for 10 years. He was called to the bar in 1990 and served as a public defender and a Crown Attorney in Nova Scotia before being elected. He works with the Atlantic Canadian law firm McInnes Cooper.  At Deloitte Canada, Mr. MacKay provides strategic advice on projects related to the firm’s leading Government & Public Services Industry practice. He focuses on defence modernization, justice reform, illicit finance, infrastructure, and economic development and recently took on the lead role for Arctic strategy.  

Sylvia Jones is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon.

She is currently Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, where her focus is building a more connected and convenient health care system for all Ontarians.

In her role, Minister Jones has worked with health care partners from across Ontario to:

• Introduce and pass the Your Health Act to ensure Ontarians have faster access to publicly funded surgeries and procedures, while growing the health care workforce

• Introduce and pass the Convenient Care at Home Act to modernize and better integrate home care services

• Make the largest investment in pediatric care in the province’s history

• Launch the government’s $2.1B Primary Care Action Plan to connect every person in the province to primary care by 2029

• Break down barriers to make it easier and faster for internationally and interprovincially educated health care workers to register and start working in Ontario

• Get shovels in the ground for over 50 hospital redevelopment projects that will add more than 3,000 new hospital beds within the next 10 years

Previously, Minister Jones served as Solicitor General, where she led Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout and championed public safety initiatives, including leading the country with a $307 million anti-human trafficking strategy and legislation, as well as passing Canada’s toughest animal protection legislation.

She has lived in Dufferin-Caledon for over 30 years with her husband, David.

Aaron Bennett is UPP’s Chief Investment Officer and leads all aspects of UPP’s global investment strategy and operations. A seasoned portfolio manager recognized as one of Canada’s Best Executives for 2025 by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine, Aaron brings over 23 years of investment experience, with expertise in strategic asset allocation and responsible investing. Across his roles at Jarislowsky Fraser Global Investment Management, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and mid-sized Canadian investment banks, Aaron has supported systemic and robust investment analysis, policy formulation and strategic implementation across portfolios and asset classes. Aaron holds a B.Sc. Honours in Biology from Queen’s University, an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University, and is a CFA Charterholder.

Prabmeet Sarkaria is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South and Ontario's Minister of Transportation.  

He has a law degree from the University of Windsor as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, where he majored in Finance. Prabmeet has worked at TD Securities, then as a corporate and commercial Associate at Miller Thomson LLP prior to being elected.

Passionate about community service, Prabmeet is an active volunteer; he has served on the City of Brampton’s Property Standards Committee as well as the Board of Directors for Hockey for Humanity and KarmaGrow. He is an avid sports fan who enjoys playing and watching hockey, basketball, baseball, and football.

Prabmeet is a steadfast advocate for Brampton South and the citizens of Ontario. He is committed to working for the people and will always make time to help anyone that needs his assistance.

Bob Rae is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York. He has served in this post since August 4, 2020. Since assuming this role has been active in all aspects of the work of the UN, culminating in his election to the Presidency of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2024-25, the second Canadian to assume this role, and joins Lester Pearson (President of the General Assembly 1952-53) and George Davidson (ECOSOC 1958-59) as Canadians elected in their personal capacity to preside over UN Charter bodies.

Mr. Rae served as Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995, and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011 to 2013. He was elected to federal and provincial parliaments eleven times between 1978 and 2013. He has been honoured by the alumni of both bodies for his distinguished service.

Mr. Rae received his Honours B.A. in Modern History from the University of Toronto, an M.Phil in Politics as a Rhodes Scholar at Balliol College in Oxford University, and graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 1977. He was a Lecturer in the Faculty of Business (1976-77) and also served as assistant to the Canadian General Counsel of the United Steelworkers from 1975 to 1977. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in February in 1980 and was named a Queen’s Counsel in 1984.

Mr. Rae has worked with three law firms, Sack Charney Goldblatt and Mitchell (1977-1982), Goodmans LLP (1996-2007), and Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP (2014-2020), each drawing on his skills as a scholar, an advocate, a mentor and a mediator. Among other notable assignments, Mr. Rae led the restructuring of the Canadian Red Cross, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and chaired the board of the Royal Conservatory of Music. He also wrote “Lessons to be Learned” on the Air India bombing, and “Ontario a Leader in Learning” - a study of the Ontario higher education system. He was also named to the Security and Intelligence Review Committee by then Prime Minister Chrétien. He served as the Chief Negotiator for the nine First Nations that are members of the Matawa Tribal Council in Northern Ontario between 2013 and 2018.

Mr. Rae’s return to Parliament for the constituency of Toronto Centre in 2008 led to his appointment as Foreign Affairs spokesman for his party, and to his election as interim Leader in 2011. From 1996 to 1999 and between 2013 and 2020, he taught law, politics, public policy at the University of Toronto, and was a partner and senior counsel to the law firm OKT LLP, specializing in indigenous law and constitutional issues. Mr. Rae is a Fellow of the Forum of Federations (an organization he co-founded in the 1990’s), Massey College, the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.

Frances Donald is the Chief Economist at RBC and leads a team of economists who deliver economic analyses to help inspire and empower informed decision making in an evolving world. Frances is a leading voice on economic issues and is highly sought after by clients, government leaders, policy makers, and media in the U.S. and Canada for her deep insights on the macro-economic environment and financial markets in North America. She is recognized for her ability to effectively communicate complex economic issues to wide audiences. 

Frances joined RBC from another financial institution where she served as global chief economist and strategist. In this capacity, she was responsible for forecasting global macroeconomic and financial trends, analyzing the economy and capital markets for potential opportunities and risks, and serving as a thought leader both within the firm and externally.

She’s a frequent public speaker and regularly appears in international media, including Bloomberg and CNBC.

Frances obtained a Bachelor of Economics from Queen’s University and earned her master’s degree in economics from New York University.

Victor Dodig is the former President and CEO of CIBC, who led a team over 48,000 globally.

Under his tenure, CIBC has transformed into a relationship-oriented bank for a modern world, with a North American platform for growth and a commitment to enable a more sustainable future for all stakeholders.

Before becoming CEO of the bank, Victor held a number of senior leadership roles within CIBC, led several businesses with UBS and Merrill Lynch in Canada and internationally, and was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company.

Victor is a strong advocate for Canada on the world stage and a proponent of economic growth to enable a more prosperous and inclusive future. He is Past Chair of the Business Council of Canada, a Trustee of the Brookings Institution, and also serves on the board of Telus Corporation Inc. He has held numerous positions with organizations focused on inclusion, including the Black North Initiative and Catalyst Canada.

Victor resides in Toronto with his wife, Maureen. They are the proud parents of four children.

Sabrina, VP & Country Managing Director for Google Canada, champions digital and AI as a tool to drive productivity and growth for businesses and Canadians. A digital veteran & global leader, Sabrina has guided business & led transformation and growth across the three most profound technological phases of our time - the Internet’s early days, the mobile revolution, and now, the AI era. Sabrina is passionate about ensuring Canada seizes the opportunities of the AI-powered future.

A passionate advocate of digital skills and the growth of a resilient Canadian ecosystem, Sabrina is dedicated to helping Canadian businesses unlock value through technology. At Google, Sabrina leads Google Canada's advertising partnership with Canada's most sophisticated businesses and sets the company's cross-functional strategic direction in Canada. In 2023, Google’s products and platforms helped Canadian businesses, nonprofits, publishers, creators and developers generate $60 billion in economic activity.

A veteran of Google, Sabrina began her career at Procter & Gamble Italy, Reckitt Benckiser UK, Ask Jeeves UK & Ireland, and mobile start-up Incirco.

Sabrina is a member of the Business Council of Canada and serves on the board of Definity Financial Corporation and the advisory board of Catalyst Canada. Sabrina was recognized as one of Globe and Mail's Best Executives (2022), WCT Woman of the Year (2020), one of Canada’s WXN top 100 most powerful women (2015).

Peter Bethlenfalvy is Ontario’s Minister of Finance. He was elected as MPP for Pickering—Uxbridge in 2018 and was re-elected in 2025.

As Minister of Finance, he is responsible for the management of the province’s finances and building the environment for long-term economic prosperity. Minister Bethlenfalvy continues to deliver on the government’s plan to build a Strong Ontario with the supports necessary for people and businesses today, while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations. With Premier Ford, he is working to Get It Done and build the housing and critical infrastructure needed for Ontario’s growing population and economy.

Prior to entering public service, Minister Bethlenfalvy served in senior leadership roles for several financial institutions including as President and Chief Operating Officer of TD Securities (USA) and Co-President of DBRS.

He has served on the Board of Directors for many charitable organizations. In 2014, he joined the True Patriot Love Expedition to the magnetic North Pole in support of Canadian military families.

He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from McGill University which included a year at the HEC School of Management, Paris, and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto.

James Scongack is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Bruce Power. In this role James is responsible for organizational transformation and a wide-range of operational and capital project services at the world’s largest operating nuclear facility and Canada’s largest private-sector electricity infrastructure project. He also has responsibility for procurement, supply chain, nuclear regulatory affairs, external affairs, environment, sustainability, asset dispatch, medical isotopes and business development.

During his over 20-years of service at Bruce Power, he’s served in several diverse leadership roles at the company including the Vice-President of the Bruce B Generating Station where he was responsible for the safe, reliable operations and project integration at the facility consisting of four large-scale CANDU nuclear reactors. He’s also served as the company’s Vice-President of Environment & Corporate Affairs and in leadership roles reporting to the President & CEO dating back to 2005.

James has provided leadership in several large-scale commercial transactions and labour agreements including the 2015 agreement with the Province of Ontario extending the life of the facility to 2064 through a multi-Billion investment program.

James serves as Chair of the Independent Electricity System Operator Strategic Advisory Committee, Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and Chair of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). He’s previously served as a Director on LifeLabs, Canada’s largest community laboratory services provider and the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

James has been recognized by the Globe and Mail Report on Business 2022 Best Executive Awards and awarded the Platinum Jubilee Award in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th Anniversary on the Throne for his work on COVID-19 Provincial vaccination efforts. He’s also a recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 by Caldwell/Bloomberg.

James has an Executive MBA from London’s Ivey Business School and a Chartered Director through McMaster’s DeGroote Business School. James holds a master’s degree from the University of Guelph College of Management and Economics in Leadership and a BA (Hons) and has completed Master’s-level Project Management certification through York University’s Schulich Business School. He is also a graduate of the US-based Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Senior Plant Management Program and Bruce Power’s Enhanced Operational Training Program.

Olivia Chow has served the people of Toronto for over three decades. Born in Hong Kong in 1957, she immigrated to Toronto with her parents at the age of 13. An apartment in the St. James Town neighbourhood was the launchpad for her remarkable personal journey as a community organizer, activist, school board trustee, Metro Toronto Councillor, Member of Parliament, and now the first person of Asian descent to serve as Mayor of Toronto, and the first woman to serve as Mayor since the six municipalities of Metro Toronto were amalgamated.

As Mayor of Toronto, she is working hard to build a City that holds the same kind of hope and promise that it did when she first arrived here – a City that is more affordable, caring and where everyone belongs.

Dr. Jason Field is President and CEO of Life Sciences Ontario (LSO), an organization that works collaboratively with government, academia, industry, and life sciences partners across Canada to support the sector’s commercial success and growth.

He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts and a B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo. Jason’s career spans both the pharmaceutical industry and the Ontario government. He joined LSO as Executive Director in October 2011 and was appointed President and CEO in April 2014.

Jason serves on several boards and advisory committees, including the University of Toronto’s Translational Research Program, ReMAP, BioTalent Canada, and Research Canada. He also co-chairs the Resilient Healthcare Coalition.

He is a recipient of the University of Waterloo’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award, served as Chair of Ontario’s Life Sciences Council (2023–2024), and was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Robert Peterman is Chief Commercial Officer at Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV). His role oversees domestic and international activities for TSX and TSXV, including corporate and exchange-traded listings and products, as well as capital development and support for TSX and TSXV issuers. 

Robert completed his MBA at the Richard Ivey School of Business.  Prior to working at TMX, Robert worked in corporate strategy for a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management. He has served as a member of the Ivey Entrepreneurship Council, and currently serves as Director for Social Venture Exchange (SVX), which was founded as a joint venture between TMX Group and MARS.

As Vice President for Radioligand Therapy, Celine leads the commercialization strategy of innovative targeted radioligand therapies in the field of nuclear medicine to help Canadian patients with advanced cancer. Celine joined Novartis in 2014 and, during her tenure, has been in a variety of commercial and leadership roles in various geographies including Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America.

Prior to joining Novartis, Celine worked at AstraZeneca and Boston Consulting Group. Celine holds a master’s degree in business from ESSEC Business School in France.

Celine has great passion for developing and leading high performing teams. She is energized by helping patients gain access to innovative therapies that will transform their lives.

Mike Gladstone brings over 20 years of strategic public and government relations experience to his role as Vice President Public Affairs and Communications at Enbridge Gas. Mike leads a multi-functional team of public relations, communications and engagement professionals for North America’s largest natural gas utility servicing 7 million customers across 7 different jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts, Political Science degree from the University of Calgary with a focus in foreign policy and Middle Eastern politics, Mike worked at the Alberta Legislature and later went on to serve as a key advisor and confidante to a number of notable elected officials in Alberta. While at BFI Canada / Progressive Waste Solutions Mike led many successful projects through approvals and construction and during the 2013 floods in southern Alberta was a member of the Emergency Operations Centre in High River, specifically working on the coordination of waste removal, clean up and restoration.

More recently, Mike completed his Master of Business Administration at the University of Western Ontario Ivey Business School.

In his current role at Enbridge, Mike serves on the executive leadership team for the Enbridge Gas, as an Executive Committee member of the North West Gas Association, Vice Chair of the Energy Council of Canada, Co-Chair of the Canada / US Committee at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Board of Governors for the Business Council of British Columbia.

Priya leads all Ontario Mining Association (OMA) activities and represents the association publicly. She is a member of OMA's Board of Directors and its Executive Committee and provides broad policy guidance to the OMA Chair. Priya joined the OMA following a distinguished career in the public sector. She embarked on public service in 2009 as a legislative assistant in the Minister's Office at the former Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and soon became Chief of Staff to the Ministers of Natural Resources and Northern Development and Mines. She joined the Ontario Public Service as the Director of the Corporate Policy Secretariat at the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines in 2015 and became Director of the Strategic and Indigenous Policy Branch at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in 2020. Priya brings a background in engineering and public policy to the organization.

David has served in a number of roles in the United Kingdom and overseas, both across government and in the private sector.

David joined the UK foreign service in 1999. His most recent role was in London, as the Deputy Director for International Strategy in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Prior to this, he served as Her Majesty’s Consul General in Miami. In addition, David has served abroad in Belgium as Deputy Ambassador and Argentina as Head of Trade and Investment. In the UK, he held roles that have included policy oversight for European security, the Middle East and Central America.

Prior to joining the UK civil service, David was a Chartered Surveyor and geographic information specialist. He worked on a range of domestic and international projects on land reform, oil and gas exploration and geodemographic modelling.

David is married to Tiffany and has three children.

Jordan Brennan is Head of Thought Leadership at RBC and a Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute.

Previously, Jordan served as Vice President of Public Policy and Chief Economist at the Insurance Bureau of Canada and as Chief Economist at Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector labour union.

Jordan has held advisory roles to senior public sector officials and has published widely in economics and public policy. He was a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Law School and holds a PhD in Political Economics.

Andrea Khanjin is Ontario’s Minister of Red Tape Reduction and has served as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie-Innisfil since 2018.

Like many Canadian families, Andrea immigrated to Canada with her grandparents from the USSR to pursue freedom and opportunity. From an early age, Andrea has always believed in the value of hard work, which has driven her to work in policy, legislative affairs, and crisis communication before being elected to the legislature.

Her hard work has earned her many positions in the Doug Ford government. Andrea has formerly served as the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks from 2022- 2025. She has also served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks from 2018-2022, and as the longest-serving Deputy Government House Leader for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario from 2019 - 2024. In addition, she has served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Deputy Government Whip.

Andrea is eager to help Premier Ford reduce red tape, unlock Ontario's economic potential, and deliver a government that always works for the people. Andrea lives in Innisfil with her husband, Kevin, and her children, Oliver, and Anastasia.

Claire Sault was elected Chief on December 9, 2023, and served on the Missisaugas of the Credit Council through a bi-election since October 22, 2022. She formerly worked as the CEO of Northwind Business Development, a company wholly owned by Caldwell First Nation. Prior, Chief Sault served as the CEO for Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Administration with a large staff. During the Covid pandemic, Ms. Sault worked in a consulting capacity and prior to that, served as CEO of Noozhoo Nokiyan Limited Partnership owned by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. She was the President of a non-profit in California called Divine Choices and Vice President and Director of Human Resources for a large public company and its subsidiary called First American Trust. Both, in the United States.

She was born and raised on the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation with deep roots and strong ties to her mother’s First Nation (Six Nations) as well.

After returning to Canada, she functioned in various consultative capacities including working with a First Nation in Saskatchewan. Prior to moving to the United States though, she gained experience within various Aboriginal agencies, including tourism, addictions treatment, First Nation governments and various service organizations.

As President of a non-profit and services company, from 2007 through 2013; she travelled extensively promoting the mission and cause of child sexual abuse prevention through public speaking engagements, social media, and TV commercials.

She’s also an author and co-author of various papers, teaching materials and a book called “The Lie That Binds”.

Ms. Sault received a master’s degree in business administration from Simon Fraser University with her focus on Aboriginal Business and Leadership.

Her background provides a broad expertise in business and financial management and more importantly, an understanding of the Indigenous way of life.

Ms. Sault is the second youngest of a large family and resides on the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

As President of McKesson Canada, Dimitris is responsible for leading McKesson’s portfolio of businesses in Canada including pharmaceutical distribution operations, Specialty Health, and McKesson’s network of independent pharmacies comprised of I.D.A., Guardian, Remedy’sRx, The Medicine Shoppe, Uniprix, and Proxim.

Dimitris joined McKesson Canada in 2005 following the acquisition of Phase 4 Health, a specialty and manufacturer-facing services company he helped build and grow. This acquisition resulted in the creation of McKesson Specialty Health, which offers a comprehensive range of services to manufacturers. Under his leadership, the group expanded to become Canada’s largest specialty services provider.

Over the past two decades, Dimitris has held executive leadership roles across every operational business unit within the Canadian portfolio, driving transformational growth across the organization. He is recognized as a strategic business leader committed to customer success, operational excellence, and building high-performing teams.

Dimitris holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Toronto and has served on several boards in the healthcare industry including positions at the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia Pharmacy Programs and the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management (CAPDM) as Chair. He is a current board member of the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (NPAC) and the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA), where he chairs the National Pharmacy Business Council.

Rob is a lifelong businessman who was appointed to the role of Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in March of 2025. He previously served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, as well as Associate Minister of Housing.

Prior to entering politics, he enjoyed a fulfilling career as CEO at Masterfeeds Inc. and held numerous industry and community leadership roles.

A dedicated advocate for his community, he has proudly represented Elgin-Middlesex-London since 2022. He looks forward to leveraging his career in business and local leadership to strengthen municipalities across the province and build more homes, faster.

Marla Tremblay is the Executive Director of MineConnect, Ontario’s mining supply and services association. She leads a growing network of innovators and industrial suppliers who play a vital role in building and sustaining Canada’s critical minerals value chains.

Marla is known for her ability to bridge policy, partnerships, and economic development. She works closely with government, Indigenous leaders, mine operators, and international delegations to ensure the mining supply and services sector is positioned as a strategic partner in the shift to clean technologies, electrification, and industrial resilience.

Under her leadership, MineConnect has expanded its reach across Ontario, grown its membership, and launched new initiatives focused on workforce development, procurement access, and global trade opportunities. Marla has also been a vocal advocate for streamlining permitting, supporting domestic infrastructure, and ensuring that Ontario suppliers are included in critical minerals conversations at all levels. A former public servant and the founder of Markey Consulting, Marla brings both entrepreneurial drive and public policy fluency to her work. She is a frequent moderator, speaker, and facilitator at sector events and advisory tables.

She believes that a resilient critical minerals strategy must include a strong, visible, and well-supported supply and services sector.

The Honourable Nolan Quinn is Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. Prior to his expanded mandate, Nolan served as the Minister of Colleges and Universities and the Associate Minister of Forestry.

In his role as Minister, Nolan leads the delivery of world class postsecondary education in Ontario by spearheading STEM growth and ensuring that students graduate ready to excel in careers that meet our province’s labour market needs. With an enhanced directive to strengthen and secure research in Ontario, Nolan is building on the province’s long history of innovation, further cementing Ontario as a leader across critical, economy-driving sectors.

Nolan was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario. His leadership as a small business owner and dedication to community service inspired him to run as MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry in 2022. Now in his second term, Nolan continues to advocate for his community, ensuring it remains an incredible place to live, work, and run a business. 

Together with his wife Kimberly and their three young children, Nolan is a proud resident of St. Andrew’s West. He is also an avid hockey Dad, advocate for mental heath, and gardener – all while juggling bedtime stories, scraped knees, and endless requests for snacks.

Saga Williams, LL.B. is the Principal and Owner of AS Williams Consulting, a boutique Indigenous consulting firm specializing in mineral development, governance, and resource extraction. A proud band member and resident of Curve Lake First Nation, Saga also has ancestral ties to the Namekosipiing Anishinabeg of Lac Seul First Nation, located in Treaty #3 territory.

Saga holds an Honours degree in Indigenous Studies from Trent University and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2000.

With over 25 years of experience, Saga has led and advised on numerous high-profile initiatives across the energy, mining, policy, and economic development sectors, including land claims settlements. Her expertise in Indigenous governance is rooted in years of work with First Nations governments, including a term as an elected Councillor for Curve Lake First Nation, where she held multiple portfolios and chaired several committees.

She has served as an advisor to Cabinet Ministers and Indigenous leaders on Indigenous-Government relations, and is currently a Senior Advisor with the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, where she leads work on Critical Mineral development and supports Indigenous equity ownership in mining infrastructure and the mineral value chain.

Saga is also an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, where she teaches on Indigenous rights, reconciliation, and negotiation. She has chaired a national non-profit youth services board and currently serves as a director on several publicly traded mining company boards.

Takara Small is an award-winning technology journalist. She is the national technology columnist at CBC (Canada's national broadcaster) and North American tech contributor for BBC World News. In 2021 she hosted the CBC investigative podcast Death In Cryptoland, a six-part series that reached number one in Canada and the host of the weekly history show They Did That by Sony Entertainment.

Before joining CBC, Takara was a contributing editor at Fortune magazine and host/producer for the Globe and Mail. Over the last decade Takara has been named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, Brand Star Leader by AdWeek magazine and Young Leaders of America Fellow by the U.S. state department and more.

Stephen Crawford was elected as the Member for Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Oakville in 2018, in 2022, and again in 2025.

On March 19, 2025, he was appointed as Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, overseeing the delivery of vital programs and services through ServiceOntario, the implementation of consumer protection laws in the province, and the development of public policy around cyber security as well as groundbreaking technologies like AI. He also manages public sector procurement and supply chain operations, ensuring ministries, hospitals, school boards, provincial agencies and more, have access to high-quality, timely, reliable products that are also cost-effective. Prior to his latest appointment he served as Ontario’s Associate Minster of Mines and as Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Finance, Energy, and Infrastructure.

Before entering public service, Stephen served in senior leadership and executive roles in the financial and investment industry over the past 20 years. As a senior executive and senior equity partner at Acuity Funds Ltd, he was instrumental in growing the firm to almost $10 billion in managed assets and was acquired by AGF Management Ltd. in 2011. After Acuity, Stephen became a senior executive and helped transition and build O’Leary Funds LP before it was purchased by Canoe Financial in 2016.

Stephen is very engaged in the Oakville community. He is a member of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, 100 Guys Who Care-Oakville, and the Royal Canadian Military Institute. He is also a vocal supporter of Plan Canada’s “Because I am a Girl” campaign, which focuses on empowering young girls’ rights to education, and heath-care globally. He was presented with the Keys to the Town of Oakville twice. In 2019, for his work to keep Oakville a distinct town during the provincial amalgamation assessment. Again in 2021, for his role in saving the Glen Abbey Golf Course.

Stephen attended the University of Western Ontario to study Political Science and then went to University of Toronto for Business. After university he then went on to earn his Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation.

Stephen resides in Oakville, Ontario, where he lives with his wife Najia. Stephen is blessed to be the father of two sets of identical twin girls.

Andre Leite is Vice President of Ontario Operations, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Prior to this role, he was Vice President, Technical Services for Kirkland Lake Gold (2021 – 2022). He has held senior leadership roles with Detour Gold and Vale Base Metals in Canada, Australia and New Caledonia and began his career in Brazil working in the iron ore and mine technology industries.

Mr. Leite is a professional Engineer with close to 20 years of operational, technical and project management experience in the gold, base metals, uranium and iron ore mining industries.

Mr. Leite holds a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering focusing on Mineral Resource Modeling and Strategic Mine Planning (McGill University) and a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil).

Monica is an Assurance Partner at PwC Canada and the firm's National Mining Leader. For over 20 years, Monica has worked with large, complex global mining companies. She has extensive experience with complex transactions including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and initial public offerings.

Monica is passionate about building the Canadian mining sector and the opportunities that Ontario has to contribute to the sector's full economic potential. She is also passionate about attracting talent to the mining sector and inspiring the next generation of mining leaders. She is a past participant in two of PwC's global leadership development programs for top talent, Genesis Park and the Network Leadership Development Program.

Mark Patterson is the Executive Director of Magnet, a centre of innovation focused on the future of work at Toronto Metropolitan University. Under his leadership, Magnet built a platform that connects millions across talent, industry, education, and training, helping Canadians develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market. One of Canada’s top thought leaders in workforce innovation and technology integration, Mark offers valuable insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping skills and employment. His leadership continues to influence how individuals and organizations adapt to these changes.

Dr. Wendy Cukier is one of Canada’s leading experts in disruptive technologies, innovation processes, and diversity and inclusion and coauthor of the best seller Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership From Java to Jurassic Park. Her early career included technology market research and forecasting projects with the Institute for the Future in Menlo Park California and the International Data Corporation. Formerly the Vice President of Research and Innovation, she has extensive expertise in developing and implementing supports for incubation and acceleration and has helped create and scale several successful startups and social ventures including Flybits, 7D Surgical, Think2Thing,  nPower, Magnet, Growing North (now Green Iglu), the Lifelong Leadership Institute, Magnet and more and serves on many boards.

With 80 full time research staff, 10 hubs across the country, and 300 partners, the Diversity Institute undertakes research to advance growth, sustainability, innovation and inclusion. Recent research includes examining the AI Paradox, AI adoption in SMEs and developing an AI competency framework based on the premise all Canadians now need basic AI literacy.

In addition to serving as the Academic Research Director for the Future Skills Centre, Wendy leads the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and the Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network and is a coinvestigator on a new project, led by the University of Toronto, on responsible AI. Wendy received many academic, industry and community awards for her work including  a YWCA Women of Distinction Award, the International Women’s Forum Global Women Who Make a Difference Award, the inaugural Mary Kilfoil Award for Entrepreneurship, the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance Sara Kirke Award, and two Harry Jerome Awards among others. She was awarded a Meritorious Service Cross, one of Canada's highest civilian honours and was named among 100 alumni who shaped the century by the University of Toronto.

She has an MA, MBA (Toronto), a PhD in Information Systems (Schulich York) and two honorary doctorates (Concordia, Laval).

Charles Todd joined the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) in 2019 and is a Managing Director on the Investments team. He currently leads the CIB’s investments in Transit and its Building Retrofits Initiative. Charles also supports the CIB’s Indigenous infrastructure investments as a senior advisor. He has led the closing of over $3.4 billion of investments at the CIB. 

Before joining the CIB, Charles worked on numerous large infrastructure projects and investments across Canada in legal and commercial capacities. He was a senior lawyer and Commercial Director at Aecon Group Inc., supporting its largest and most complex pursuits and projects. Charles was also Contracts Director for Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the consortium delivering the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, where he was responsible for all contractual aspects of the project. Charles started his career practising corporate/commercial law at a major Canadian law firm.

Charles holds a JD from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and a BA in economics from the University of Waterloo.

Charles is based out of the CIB’s Toronto office.

Aliya Ramji is a partner of McCarthy Tetrault in Toronto focused exclusively on start-ups, scale-ups and other fast-growth businesses. In addition to delivering tailored legal advice and other strategic value to high-potential businesses in the start-up or scale-up phase, Aliya regularly advises venture capital, angel and strategic investors, as well as parties looking to create strategic alliances or partnerships with founders or start-ups.

Prior to joining the firm, Aliya was Senior Director, Legal and Corporate Affairs, at Figure 1, a highly successful med-tech start-up for healthcare professionals. Aliya delivered diverse legal and business advice, supporting Figure1 through global expansion to more than 100 countries, various strategic alliances, multiple rounds of venture capital financing, and a host of privacy, data governance and complex regulatory matters.

Aliya is immersed in Canada’s vibrant start-up sector, with particularly deep roots with founders, investors, incubators and academic programs in Toronto, Waterloo, Ottawa and Hamilton. Aliya brings a rare blend of technical legal expertise and business acumen, always underscored by a highly practical and results-oriented mindset. She “speaks the language” of start-ups and has a proven track-record of helping founders and investors seize opportunities, navigate challenges and grow successful businesses.

Aliya presents frequently on a broad range of issues facing founders and the start-up community, and authors a popular advice column “Ask Aliya”, for lawyers who are the first legal hire at their company. She also teaches Legal Aspects of International Business and Business Law at Ryerson University, and is a committed mentor to several founders and young lawyers, particularly women in start-ups. In 2016, Aliya was named one of the “Top 10 Thirty-Somethings” by the Association of Corporate Counsel and the “Young Alumni of Influence” by the University of Toronto, University College.

Aliya earned a J.D. from Queen’s University and a Masters in Law from NYU School of Law. She is called to the bar in Ontario and New York.

Born and raised in the Town of Coldwater in Simcoe North, Jill Dunlop developed a love and appreciation for rural Ontario, and witnessed firsthand the importance of community and small local businesses, as her grandparents owned Dunlop Plumbing and her parents were actively engaged community members. This inspired her to run as the MPP for Simcoe North in 2018 to advocate for smaller communities, local businesses and the skilled trades, the backbone of Ontario’s economy.

Jill has been the member of provincial parliament for Simcoe North since 2018 and has served as Ontario’s inaugural Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response since March 2025. Prior to being elected, Jill attended Western University, and later joined the faculty of Georgian College.

Additionally, Jill has served as the Minister of Education and the Minister of Colleges and Universities as well as Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues in the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Dr. Alex Mihailidis is the Associate Vice-President for International Partnerships at the University of Toronto, where he leads the university’s global engagement strategy and develops partnerships that advance research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across sectors. In this role, he works closely with governments, industry, and academic institutions worldwide to expand U of T’s international collaborations and strengthen Canada’s position in the global research ecosystem.

A recognized leader in technology and aging, Dr. Mihailidis also serves as the Scientific Director of AGE-WELL, Canada’s national network driving innovation to support healthy aging. He is a Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, with cross-appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science.

Dr. Mihailidis has been recognized by the United Nations as one of the “Healthy Ageing 50” global leaders transforming the world to be a better place in which to grow older.

The Honourable Nina Tangri was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2018 as the Member of Provincial Parliament representing the riding of Mississauga—Streetsville. Nina Tangri is also Associate Minister of Small Business.

In March 2023, she was the Associate Minister of Housing, and in 2021, she served as the Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. In June 2019, Nina was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.

She has also chaired the Standing Committee on Social Policy and served as a member of the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, the Standing Committee on Government Agencies, and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Professionally, Nina is an entrepreneur and small business owner with over 35 years of experience in insurance and finance. Until her election to Ontario’s 42nd Parliament, she was the CEO and President of her insurance company and insurance brokerage. She also has served as the Vice Chair for Credit Valley Hospital.

Nina Tangri is passionate about bringing communities together and working with individuals, businesses, and organizations to learn how the government can continue to make Ontario the best place to live, work, start a business, and raise a family.

Nicole DeKort is the President and CEO of Medtech Canada – the industry association representing Canada’s Medical Technology Companies – pursuing opportunities to demonstrate the value of innovative medical technology to government, stakeholders, and key partners in the health care system.

She previously served for 10 years as the Vice-President of Ontario & Marketing for Medtech Canada, overseeing Ontario government relations and national marketing programs for the association. In response to the heath system challenges we’ve faced in the last few years – both the pandemic and the wait times and decreased access to health services in Canada – Nicole worked with her colleagues to launch www.medtechinnovation.ca which highlights the vast impact the medical technology had in response to the pandemic, and also highlights the tremendous role that the medical technology industry is playing to help address the medical services backlogs in Canada.

Prior to joining Medtech Canada, Nicole has a 15-year background in politics and government in a diverse portfolio of roles. Nicole’s last role in government prior to joining Medtech Canada was serving as the Executive Director of Strategic Planning for the then Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Nicole was proud to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal from the federal government in April 2025, through a nomination by Premier Doug Ford of Ontario. This prestigious honour recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to Ontario and to Canada.

Surranna Sandy is Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Change, a national charity that equips more than 20,000 immigrants, refugees, and other underserved Canadians each year with the skills and opportunities needed for economic success. She drives the organization’s strategy, forges multi-sector partnerships, and cultivates an inclusive culture that turns client potential into measurable outcomes.

She holds a Masters degree in Global Development Practice from Harvard University, an MA in Leadership and Management from Anglia Ruskin University, an MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Wales, and an Honours BA in Leadership and Management from Northumbria University. Her credentials also include a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Western University, the Harvard Kennedy School Public Leadership Credential, and the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Directors Education Program. In addition, she has completed professional certificates in human resources, environmental analysis, international relations, and nonprofit management.

Surranna currently serves on the boards of the Toronto Arts Foundation and the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT). She formerly sat on the board of Harvard Alumni for Global Development as Director of Civic Engagement. She also chairs Black HR Professionals of Canada Inc., advises the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience, and serves on advisory groups for the Labour Market Information Council, Winning Inclusive Solutions, and the Ontario Nonprofit Network. Within the International Women’s Forum Toronto Chapter, she leads the Communications Committee. Her contributions have been recognized with the Canada 150 Good Neighbor Award, inclusion among the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, the Jamaica Canadian Association Women of Distinction Award, the Dancing Damsels Community Leadership Award, and the 100 Black Canadian Women to Watch list.

Chris Benedetti is a Managing Partner with Sussex Strategy Group. With experience in both federal and provincial governments, Mr. Benedetti provides an in-depth insight and expertise into various policy development and political processes and has an extensive background in strategic communications, advisory services, and public affairs.

For over 25 years he has helped clients to better understand policy and political imperatives and has worked with governments at all levels to support results-based decision-making. He is an expert in energy-related matters, infrastructure, trade and the environment, as well as in public administration and political affairs.  He has also spoken at numerous conferences and has been published in several leading journals. 

While managing the interests of several high-profile public and private sector clients, Mr. Benedetti serves as an elected Board Director of the Ontario Energy Association, the Association of Power Producers of Ontario, the Empire Club of Canada, and Outward Bound Canada. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Red Jar Capital. He also previously served as Chair of the Recycling Council of Ontario, Director of the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy, President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada, Board Director of the Toronto ZooShare Biogas Cooperative, and Senior Advisor to the Canada-Europe Roundtable for Business. He has also been a member of the Energy Policy Council of the C.D. Howe Institute.

In March 2025, Mr. Benedetti received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his exceptional contribution to Canada in the fields of environmental stewardship and youth education. He was also selected in 2024 as the Hedley Palmer award winner from the Association of Power Producers of Ontario. The Hedley Palmer Award recognizes individuals who have contributed exceptional contributions to Ontario’s power generation industry.

Prior to joining Sussex, Mr. Benedetti was Vice President and Government Relations Practice Leader for a global public affairs and communications company. He has held several positions in the federal government with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and as a political advisor within the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada. 

Mr. Benedetti holds a BA in law and a BA (High Hons.) in political science from Carleton University, and an MA in political science (International Relations) from McMaster University and the University of Bath, England.  Active in his local community, Mr. Benedetti has served as President of Horizons for Youth, a United Way agency and one of Toronto’s largest youth shelters, and is a former Director for Common Ground Co-Operative, providing business training opportunities for individuals with development disabilities.