The Conference is honored to count on exceptional leaders to address our participants and speak during the Opening Plenary of the 2026 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. Below you will find the names of the exceptional Canadians who shared their views and perspectives with the next generation of leaders.
Cameron Bailey
Cameron Bailey
Cameron Bailey is CEO of TIFF, leading the Toronto International Film Festival. A former film critic and programmer of Canadian, African, and South Asian cinema, he is an award‑winning cultural leader, academy member, and recipient of national and international honours.
Bea Bruske
Bea Bruske
Bea Bruske is President of the Canadian Labour Congress, re-elected in 2023. A University of Manitoba Labour Studies graduate, she has championed workers’ rights since 1987, serving as an advocate, negotiator, organizer, and national labour leader.
Tabatha Bull
Tabatha Bull
Tabatha Bull, an Anishinaabe member of Nipissing First Nation, is President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. An electrical engineer, she advances Indigenous economic reconciliation and advises leaders across Canada.
Zita Cobb
Zita Cobb
Zita Cobb is a Canadian business leader and social entrepreneur who founded Shorefast to drive community-based economic development on Fogo Island. A former tech executive, she has earned national honours and global recognition for advancing regenerative tourism and place-based economies.
Denis Dubois
Denis Dubois
Denis Dubois is President and CEO of Desjardins Group. An actuary and Université Laval graduate, he has held senior leadership roles since 2003, contributing to national growth, major acquisitions, and strategic transformation, while championing member service and supporting community and charitable initiatives.
Isabelle Foisy
Isabelle Foisy
Isabelle Foisy is President and Founder of Point Cardinal Inc. With over 30 years of executive experience, she is a certified corporate director, recognized governance expert, educator, and award‑winning leader, actively contributing to boards, leadership development, and community engagement initiatives.
Natan Obed
Natan Obed
Natan Obed is President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, serving his fourth term. A skilled negotiator from Nain, Nunatsiavut, he advances Inuit self-determination, leads national strategies on key issues, and founded the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee to strengthen collaboration.
Sara Olsvig
Sara Olsvig
Sara Olsvig is Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (2022–2026). An Inuk leader and former parliamentarian, she has held senior roles in Greenland’s government, contributes to international policy, and is recognized for advancing Indigenous and human rights globally.
Sevaun Palvetzian
Sevaun Palvetzian
Sevaun is Chief Executive in Canada for UNICEF. A purpose-driven leader, she has held senior roles at Rogers Communications, CivicAction, and the Government of Ontario, and is a Senior Fellow at the Munk School, recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Lili-Anna Pereša
Lili-Anna Pereša
Lili-Anna Pereša is President and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. A global humanitarian and former leader at Amnesty International France, Centraide, and the McConnell Foundation, she advances equitable mental health systems and has received national and international honours.
Bob Rae
Bob Rae
Bob Rae is the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Humanitarian and Refugee Issues. A former Ontario Premier and federal leader, he is a lawyer, professor, and author, recognized for decades of public service, policy leadership, and significant contributions to international humanitarian efforts.
Niigaan Sinclair
Niigaan Sinclair
Niigaan Sinclair is an Anishinaabe writer, editor, and Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba. An awardwinning columnist and bestselling author, he is a leading public intellectual whose work spans media, academia, and national conversations on Indigenous issues.
Siobhán Vipond
Siobhán Vipond
Siobhán Vipond est vice-présidente exécutive du Congrès du travail du Canada depuis 2021. Syndicaliste engagée, elle défend les droits des travailleurs, l’équité et la justice économique, notamment pour les femmes, à l’échelle nationale et internationale.