2026 Speakers

SPEAKERS OF THE 2026 CONFERENCE

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 is CEO of TIFF, leading the Toronto International Film Festival and overseeing its international growth and influence. A former film critic and programmer specializing in Canadian, African, and South Asian cinema, he is an award‑winning cultural leader, academy member, and recipient of national and international honours.

Claudine Bouchard

Claudine Bouchard, President and CEO of Hydro‑Québec since 2025, leads major renewable energy expansion under Action Plan 2035. With 25+ years at the company, she brings deep infrastructure experience and champions sustainable development, innovation, and inclusion within Québec’s evolving energy landscape.

Bea Bruske

Bea Bruske is President of the Canadian Labour Congress, re-elected in 2023, leading national advocacy for workers’ rights, fair wages, and inclusive economic growth. A University of Manitoba Labour Studies graduate, she has championed workers since 1987 as an organizer, negotiator, and national labour leader across sectors.

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.

Janice Charette

The Honourable Janice Charette was appointed Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States in 2026, leading Canada’s CUSMA review efforts. A former Clerk of the Privy Council and High Commissioner to the U.K., she brings decades of senior public service experience and serves as Vice-Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation Board.

Zita Cobb

Zita Cobb is a Canadian business leader 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, cultural preservation, and place-based, sustainable economies.

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 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.

Dr. François Grondin

Professor, Faculty of Engineering, uSherbrooke

Angella MacEwen

Senior Economist, CUPE

John Macintyre

John is a leader, entrepreneur, and real estate advisor at Cresa Toronto, guiding strategic asset management. A former public-sector executive, he serves on multiple boards, holds a Chartered Director designation, and sits on GGCLC’s National Executive Committee while continuing to support its initiatives.

Dr. Konwatsitsawi Meloche

Konwatsitsawi is a Haudenosaunee (Mohawk) educator and professional speaker whose work connects Indigenous knowledge and education. She is recognized for advancing awareness of Indigenous history, culture, and environmental stewardship through research and storytelling.

LGen Darcy Molstad

Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad is Commander of the Canadian Joint Forces Command, a CF-18 fighter pilot with over 2,200 flying hours and extensive leadership experience, including command of 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 3 Wing Bagotville, and senior roles in Canadian Joint Operations Command and international air operations.

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 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 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 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.

Ranj Pillai

Ranj Pillai, former Yukon premier, held senior roles in energy, mining, and economic development. He championed reconciliation, infrastructure, and Arctic priorities, working closely with First Nations, and now operates in the private sector while advising on mining, security, and northern policy.

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 is an Anishinaabe writer, editor, and Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba. An award‑winning columnist and bestselling author, he is a leading public intellectual engaged in media, academia, and national conversations on Indigenous issues.

Victor T. Thomas

Victor Thomas is President and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council, advancing bilateral ties. A former Asia Pacific Foundation VP, he has held senior leadership roles, serves on major boards, and contributes to GGCLC, including service on its National Executive Committee.

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee is the 38th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, with a distinguished career in global naval operations, senior command, and strategic leadership, including command of HMCS Algonquin, Canada’s Pacific Fleet, and key roles at NORAD and Canadian Forces Base Halifax.

Siobhán Vipond

Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress since 2021, is a trade unionist advocating for workers’ rights, equity, and social justice. She leads campaigns on childcare and gender equity and serves in national and international labour organizations.

Sean Willy

President and CEO, Des Nedhe Group

Sean Wiltshire

Sean Wiltshire is CEO of Avalon Employment Inc. and a recognized leader in inclusive employment. With over 35 years of experience, he created the Autism at Work model and has led national and international initiatives advancing workforce inclusion and economic participation.