LEADING CANADA’S SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY
In a world marked by rapid transformation, shifting geopolitical dynamics, the rise of artificial intelligence, pressures on communities, and an evolving climate reality, Canadian leadership stands at a powerful inflection point. This is not just a moment of challenge; it is a moment of unprecedented opportunity. Across every sector, decision-makers are being called to chart a bold course, one that remains anchored in our national values of inclusivity, equity, and social cohesion, while embracing the promise of a more sustainable and shared prosperity for all Canadians.
Today, we face a complex web of interlocking challenges at home and abroad. But within these challenges lies this profound opportunity: a chance to come together and shape a future that is not only more just, but more dynamic and visionary. This is a rallying cry for courageous leadership, for those willing to dream big, act boldly, and forge a renewed social and economic vision that leaves no one behind. It is a call to collaborate across boundaries, spark innovation, and forge partnerships that uplift people and communities.
To build a stronger and more thriving country, we must focus our efforts on enhancing affordability, unlocking productivity, fuelling entrepreneurship, and creating better conditions for workers across Canada. These ambitions are not just necessary. They are entirely within reach, if we choose to rise and seize the moment together.
Canadian leaders are now having to navigate what leadership means in this rapidly shifting world, where we are seeing the continued rise of misinformation, an increasing democratic deficit and a complete shift in the global rules of engagement. What is clear is that leaders have a role to play in celebrating and galvanizing Canadian excellence both domestically and around the world. Our country’s leaders and decision makers have an incredible opportunity, as well as a responsibility to demonstrate the importance of Canada’s place within the global community. Ambition, audacity and action will be essential to achieve this vision and to build a renewed sense of trust in everyone.
As we stand at a pivotal moment in history, where leadership on the world stage is defined by more than economic strength; the 2026 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference will enable its emerging leaders to better understand the role they play within their communities, and how that will contribute to Canada’s role in these key global/local challenges, partnerships and opportunities. Pragmatically, it means that the program will be structured around exploring, understanding, unpacking and identifying how this cohort of leaders can foster ambition, resilience, reconciliation and hope, while effectively addressing the current economic, political, civic and social challenges at play. The conference will enable participants from across the country to make the connection between the work within their communities and how it is linked to Canada’s role in the world.
Supported by the views and perspectives of prominent Canadian and international speakers, Indigenous leaders and field experts from all sectors, participants will be challenged to work together and set the stage to build the foundations for a new roadmap that will shape sustainable prosperity for all Canadians at the community, provincial/territorial, national and international level.
Throughout the Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet, exchange and debate with Canadians from all walks of life – people who are dedicated to building a secure, prosperous, resilient, diverse and inclusive Canada for future generations. Now more than ever, a civil discourse is required amongst Canadian leaders to ensure that we are upholding and celebrating our values. More than ever, this conference will bring together ambitious and innovative leaders who are eager to contribute to Canada and to the world. This will be about leadership in action!