2025 Ontario Economic Summit

In a time marked by uncertainty and rapid transformation, leadership that transcends borders has never been more essential. The 2025 Ontario Economic Summit (OES) will convene the province’s most influential leaders from business, government, and academia to explore how we can drive prosperity through collaboration across communities, sectors, industries, and nations.

Under the theme “Leadership Across Borders,” this year’s summit will examine the bold leadership required to strengthen economic progress. As Ontario deepens its international trade relationships, advances regional and national economic integration, and fosters cross-sector innovation, leaders must champion strategies that break down barriers and build new pathways for growth.

Through high-impact discussions, keynote addresses, and strategic networking, OES 2025 will provide a platform for decision-makers to forge alliances, shape policy, and drive forward-thinking solutions that enhance Ontario’s competitiveness on the world stage. Join us as we chart the course for leadership that not only unites but propels us forward—across borders and into the future.

Notice: While every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, the organizers reserve the right to modify the event program, including panels and speakers, without prior notice. Such changes will not entitle attendees to any compensation or refund.

DAY 1 PROGRAMMING

WELCOME REMARKS

Chief Claire Sault, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Positioning Canada as an Energy Superpower

Canada has the resources, expertise, and strategic advantage to become a global energy superpower. This panel will explore how a national energy corridor can unlock the full potential of Canada’s diverse energy portfolio – including oil, natural gas, hydro, nuclear, and emerging technologies – while strengthening domestic supply chains and expanding access to international markets. As global demand for energy continues to rise, Canadian jurisdictions must invest in infrastructure, streamline their regulatory frameworks, and coordinate to ensure the efficient movement of energy and critical resources.

Speakers:
James Scongack, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Bruce Power.
Saga Williams, Vice President and Senior Advisor, External Relations, First Nations Major Projects Coalition.
Mike Gladstone, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Enbridge Gas.
Moderator | Chris Benedetti, Managing Partner, Sussex Strategy Group.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.

Introductory Remarks: James Scongack, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President, Bruce Power.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Victor Dodig, CIBC.

Introductory Remarks: Johanne Senécal, Vice President of Sustainability, External Relations and Indigenous Affairs, CAPP.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Sovereign Capital: Mobilizing Investment for Nation-Building

In an era of rising geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global alliances, Canada must take bold steps to secure its economic future. As traditional development partners grow less reliable, the imperative is clear: Canada must look inward to unlock the potential of its own institutional strength. This panel will convene leaders from across the country’s investment landscape to explore how sovereign capital can be a catalyst for national renewal. Canada must rally its investment power, business ingenuity, and institutional muscle to build the backbone of a resilient, sovereign economy. As global capital flows become more volatile, this conversation will examine how Canadian investment strategies can evolve to protect national interests, attract aligned foreign investment, and ensure long-term prosperity.

Speakers:
Charles Todd, Managing Director, Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Jordan Brennan, Head of Thought Leadership, RBC Thought Leadership.
Robert Peterman, Chief Commercial Officer, Toronto Stock Exchange.
Moderator | Aaron Bennett, Chief Investment Officer, University Pension Plan.

CABINET MINISTER ROUNDTABLES (CLOSED TO MEDIA)

NETWORKING RECEPTION

This year’s Summit will boast several opportunities for connection and dialogue with industry professionals, thought leaders, and decision-makers at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

DAY 2 PROGRAMMING

WELCOME REMARKS

Aliya Ramji, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault; Chair, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, Government of Ontario.

Introductory Remarks:Gina Antonacci, Senior Vice President, Academic, Humber Polytechnic.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Navigating Uncertainty: Building Competitiveness in a Fragmented Global Economy

This forward-looking keynote will explore Canada’s economic outlook, strategies to boost productivity and innovation, and collaborative approaches to resilience in a fragmented global economy.

Frances Donald, Chief Economist, RBC.

FIRESIDE CHAT

Global Bridges: Canada’s Trade Future with the UK

Deepening relationships with like-minded partners is an economic imperative for Canada to secure its long-term resilience and growth. With strong historical and cultural ties, the United Kingdom remains a critical ally in Canada’s efforts to diversify trade, strengthen supply chains, and expand market access.

This fireside chat with the UK Deputy High Commissioner will explore new opportunities for transatlantic collaboration, including modernizing trade agreements, exploring alternative security partnerships, and navigating shared geopolitical challenges.

Speakers:
David Prodger, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission Ottawa.
Moderator | Takara Small, National Tech Columnist, CBC Radio and TV.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Wiring Canada’s Workforce: the AI Advantage

Canada’s productivity gap is widening, and the solution isn’t just more workers, but smarter work. As AI and emerging technologies transform every sector, the real opportunity lies in equipping Canadian workers to harness these tools for greater impact. This panel will explore how Canada can future-proof its economy by scaling up skills, accelerating technology adoption, and building the physical and digital infrastructure needed to power the AI era. From compute capacity to training ecosystems to workplace transformation, leaders will discuss what it takes to turn Canada’s productivity challenge into its next competitive edge.

Speakers:
Mark Patterson, Executive Director, Magnet.
Sabrina Geremia, Vice President and Country Managing Director, Google Canada.
Surranna Sandy, CEO, Skills for Change.
Moderator | Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute; Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ted Rogers School of Management.

Introductory Remarks: Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Ontario Leads: Fostering Innovation for a Healthier World

Ontario’s life sciences sector is a global innovation leader, from medical isotopes to cutting-edge therapeutics and diagnostics.  Harnessing this advantage is critical as international protectionism and supply chain vulnerabilities reshape the global landscape. This panel will explore how Ontario can build its own competitive strengths to grow domestic capacity, accelerate innovation, unlock investment and overcome regulatory and commercialization barriers to future-proof Ontario’s role as a global hub for life sciences.

Speakers:
Céline Landié, Vice President, Radioligand Therapy, Novartis.
Alex Mihailidis, Associate Vice President, International Partnerships, University of Toronto.
Dimitris Polygenis, President, McKesson Canada.
Moderator | Jason Field, President and CEO, Life Sciences Ontario.

PANEL DISCUSSION

The Future is Mined: Tech, Talent and Transformation

Ontario’s mining and critical minerals sector is evolving rapidly, driven by global demand, technological advancement, the need for sustainable growth, and a growing recognition of its role as a key economic engine. As the province looks to the future, meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities and a strong focus on innovation will be essential to unlocking the sector’s full potential. This panel will explore findings from the Ontario Chamber’s latest report, Ontario’s Mining Future 2030, delving into the challenges the industry faces and strategic steps needed to position Ontario as a global leader in responsible, inclusive mining.

Speakers:
Priya Tandon, President, Ontario Mining Association.
Andre Leite, Vice President, Ontario Operations, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.
Marla Tremblay, Executive Director, MineConnect.
Moderator | Monica Banting, Assurance Partner, National Mining Leader, PwC Canada.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Security, Sovereignty and Strategy: What Canada’s Defence Posture Means for Business

In an increasingly volatile global environment, Canada’s defence and security strategy has far-reaching implications for economic resilience, trade, and innovation. This session explores the intersection of national security and economic opportunity, examining how recent federal investments — including the historic $81.8 billion committed in Budget 2025 and the pledge to meet NATO’s 5% GDP defence spending target by 2035 — will shape Canada’s role on the world stage. From supply chain vulnerabilities to the growth of the domestic defence industrial base, the discussion will unpack what business leaders need to know — and why it matters now more than ever.

Speakers:
Hon. Bob Rae, P.C., O.C., Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Hon. Peter MacKay, P.C., K.C., Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Minister of National Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Moderator | Hannah Thibedeau, Executive Communications Officer, Global Public Affairs.

CLOSING REMARKS

Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.