Empire Club of Canada

Play Corruption costs the world economy around US$5 trillion each year, the equivalent of 5% of global GDP, according to Transparency International. This widespread issue hinders economic growth, deepens inequality, and siphons funds from essential public services like education and healthcare. While many view corruption as a government issue, businesses can’t afford to ignore the risks. Organizations that neglect these risks not only risk reputational damage but can also face financial penalties, regulatory scrutiny, and potential legal complications. Both businesses and governments have a vested interest in fighting corruption – and this event is crucial for businesses to learn about how to protect themselves and maintain compliance. Is worldwide corruption on the rise? On May 6, 2025, join us at the Empire Club of Canada to find out! This insightful discussion will feature key business leaders and experts on the critical role of the private sector in combatting corruption. Our panel will explore the potential impact of changes in U.S. policies, such as eliminating beneficial owner disclosure and the Trump administration’s decision to halt enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — which has been the linchpin of global anti-corruption efforts — on Canadian businesses operating in the U.S. and abroad. The event will also cover new international anti-corruption initiatives, how the private sector can support them, and provide insights on identifying red flags of corruption and money laundering, as well as enhancing due diligence on customers’ wealth sources. Panelists include Hentie Dirker, Chief ESG and Integrity Officer at AtkinsRéalis; Peter German, President of the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform; Allan Rock, World Refugee & Migration Council Member and former Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada, and moderated by Rita Trichur of The Globe and Mail. The results of a public opinion survey by Angus Reid Institute on the prevalence of corruption in Canada will be shared at the event, and an action plan for the private sector will provide a unique perspective on how businesses can safeguard their operations and reputation. *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

The average life expectancy of a Canadian has grown over the past 200 years from below 40 to over 82 years. Canadians are living longer, but for many, it is not long enough. The pursuit of longevity is further evolving – becoming a passion feeding a booming industry promoting preventative and personalized health care strategies to increase not only our lifespans but our health spans as well. From cold plunges to red-light therapy – from sleep-tracking rings to biohacking practices, there have been many varying methods that have been featured by celebrities in the news and social media, that are claimed to promote life extension. But are any of these treatments grounded in science? Longevity also has “side effects”. When our retirement years can last longer than expected, it requires a different approach to savings and investment portfolio construction. There are insurance implications and immeasurable costs for the sandwich generation as they balance unpaid caregiving with paid employment – impacting economic productive and growth potential. This event will feature three very different approaches to longevity. On April 23, 2025, the Empire Club of Canada will first hear featured remarks from Dr. Kashif Irshad, Lifespire’s Medical Director & Co-Founder on the evolving science of longevity that impacts health vitality and well-being. We are also honoured to welcome the remarks from Dr. Samir Sinha, Geriatrician and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Director of Health Policy Research at the National Institute of Ageing, on the science of ageing from his perspective of his role as a renowned clinician and research who has been known to question the scientific basis for some of the emerging longevity practices being currently promoted. And to understand how living longer should impact your personal approach to financial and estate planning, we will welcome Alex Besharat, Executive Vice President, Canadian Wealth Management of Scotia Wealth Management to join our medical experts on a panel.This discussion will be moderated by Karli Farrow, President and CEO, Trillium Health Partners.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is causing disruption in almost every sector — and the professional services sector is no exception. For those working in law, finance and accounting, AI’s influence is already here, impacting how you work and what clients expect. To stay competitive, firms must balance growth, efficiency, and service innovation with regulatory standards and ethical responsibilities. AI introduces risks that can be challenging for professions grounded in precision and trust, especially as ethical and regulatory frameworks lag in keeping up with technological advancements. The professional services workforce will also change, pushing professionals to become more adaptable, develop new skills and stay ahead of evolving client expectations. On April 15, 2025, the Empire Club of Canada will host an insightful discussion titled The AI Revolution: What’s Next for Law, Finance, and Accounting? This event will bring together a panel of experts to explore the challenges, strategies, risks, and opportunities associated with integrating AI into these key professional services. The discussion will feature Dr. Foteini Agrafioti, Chief Science Officer at RBC and SVP of RBC Borealis; Colin Lachance, Innovator-in-Residence at the Ontario Bar Association; Iliana Oris Valiente, CPA, CA, Managing Director, and NA Innovation Hubs Lead at Accenture; and will be moderated by Cameron Schuler, Chief Commercialization Officer and Vice President of Industry Innovation at the Vector Institute.

Canada and the world are facing a momentous energy challenge. With energy demand soaring, aging infrastructure, population growth, and artificial intelligence rapidly advancing, the pressure on our energy systems has never been greater. On April 10, 2025, join us at the Empire Club of Canada for an insightful conversation with Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation (OPG) – one of North America’s most diverse electricity generators. Nicolle will discuss how OPG plans to help grow Ontario’s economy and energy sector supply chains through first-of-a-kind technologies, new generation developments, and one of the nation’s largest refurbishment programs. This event marks Nicolle Butcher’s first address as CEO of OPG, where she will outline her vision for OPG. The fireside chat will be moderated by Amanda Galbraith, Partner at Oyster Group. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leader at the forefront of shaping our energy landscape. *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

This is an Empire Nights event, proudly presented by the Empire Club of Canada. The stakes could not be higher for Canadians as we choose our next government.  With President Trump imposing tariffs to economically coerce Canada into becoming the 51st state, threats to our water and borders, and the shifting of global alliances away from post-WWII norms, Canadians have awakened to a profound sense of patriotism and resolve. Against this backdrop, Canada’s governing party has chosen Mark Carney to lead them into the election against Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives and Jagmeet Singh’s NDP at the national level. Most experts agree that the convergence of these two events has made the outcome of Canada’s 2025 election less predictable. Just a few months ago, every poll indicated that the Conservatives were heading towards a decisive victory.  With a more competitive election on the horizon, the Empire Club of Canada has brought together a group of experts who will make sense of the rapidly changing political landscape. Join Kory Teneycke, Co-founder and CEO, Rubicon Strategy; Hon. Seamus O’Regan, former Trudeau government cabinet minister; Kathleen Monk, Principal of Monk+Associates; and Laura Stone, Staff Reporter, Globe and Mail as moderator. Kicking off this event will be renowned pollster David Coletto, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data to provide special remarks and a presentation outlining polling data on the mood of the Canadian electorate.