Opening Plenary

2026 Opening Plenary
(May 22-24, 2026)

All participants will begin their leadership journey in Quebec City, Québec, for a three-day plenary session. Members will be addressed by high-profile Canadian speakers on issues that provide focus and substance to the Conference theme. For reference purposes, you will find below the preliminary schedule for the 2026 Opening Plenary. All times are subject to change.

Conference delegates arrive in Quebec City
Note: On May 21-22, transportation will be coordinated from the Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport to the hotel.

Early Registration opens at Hilton Québec

Secretariat meeting with Study Group Chairs

Social evening for early arrivals at the hotel

Morning

Remaining participants arrive in Quebec City

Morning

Optional activities, including a guided walk with interpreters to nearby sites

8:00 am

12:00 pm

Lunch available at hotel

1:30 pm

Deadline for arrival of all Conference delegates in Quebec City

2:00 pm

Study groups meet in their breakout rooms

3:00 pm

Sectoral group meetings (for Labour, Government and Indigenous members)

4:30 pm

Reception

5:00 pm

6:30 pm

Opening dinner

8:00 pm

Keynote presentation: Setting the Stage on Leading Canada’s Sustainable Prosperity 

Moderated discussion by Conference Chair Monique Leroux, where GGCLC Alumni will collectively discuss their views on the speaking segments, while sharing their personal GGCLC Experience to guide delegates as they prepare to embark on their leadership journey. 

Speakers: 

• Ranj Pillai, Former Premier, Government of Yukon (2012 Alumni)  

• Dr. Konwatsitsawi Meloche, Educator and Historian (2012 Alumni) 

• Sean Wiltshire, CEO, Avalon Employment Inc. (2000 Alumni) 

• Isabelle Foisy, Présidente, Point Cardinal / Coach, HEC Montréal (2015 Alumni) 

9:30 pm

Opening dinner concludes

5:00 am

Optional sunrise/morning ceremony with an Indigenous Elder

6:30 am – 8:00am

Breakfast

8:00 am

Welcome remarks from Conference Chair

8:03 am

Remarks from Rideau Hall Foundation Board members Yves Pelletier and Victoria Belbin 

8:10 am

Plenary Session 1: Leadership, Resilience and Volatility 

How do leaders steer organizations and communities through turbulence while building resilience for the future? This segment will explore how leaders can thrive in uncertainty while advancing Canada’s sustainable prosperity.  

Speakers: 

• Lana Payne, President, UNIFOR  

• Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, Author, columnist & professor in indigenous Studies, University of Manitoba 

• Claudine Bouchard, President and CEO, Hydro Québec 

10:15 am

Break

10:30 am

Plenary Session 2: Leadership, Identity and Canada’s Place in the World  

Canada’s leadership is shaped by its diverse identity and global role. This segment will explore how values, culture, and diplomacy can define (and/or redefine) Canada’s voice domestically as well as on the world stage.  

Speakers: 

• Ms. Sevaun Palvetzian, CEO, Unicef Canada 

• Natan Obed, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami  

• Cameron Bailey, Chief Executive Officer, TIFF  

12:30 pm

Lunch

1:30 pm

Plenary Session 3: Leadership, Self-Reliance and Autonomy 

Exploring what it means for Canada to be self-reliant in an interconnected world? This segment will examine how autonomy in resources, innovation, and decision-making can support sustainable growth. 

Speakers: 

• Sean Willy, President and CEO, Des Nedhe Group 

• Zita Cobb, Founder and CEO, Shorefast Foundation 

• Angella MacEwen, Senior Economist, CUPE 

• Dr. François Grondin, uSherbrooke

3:30 pm

Study groups meet in their breakout groups (if time permits)

5:30 pm

Members travel to evening experience in Quebec City

6:15 pm

Reception, dinner and evening in Quebec City

10:00 pm

Last shuttle returns to hotel

6:00 am

Breakfast
Ahead of plenary, delegates should check-out of their rooms and bring their luggage to the Operations Room for storage.

8:00 am

Plenary Session 4: Leadership and Security  

From building climate resilience to addressing digital risks, security is essential for prosperity. This segment will explore how Canada supports and protects its people, systems, and values in a rapidly changing landscape. 

Speakers: 

• Sara Olsvig, Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council 

• Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Can. Navy  

• Bob Rae, Former Canadian Ambassador to the UN  

9:45 am

Break

10:00 am

Keynote Session: Leading Canada’s Sustainable Prosperity 

Reflecting on key insights and conversations from the opening plenary, drawing connections back to the central theme of Leading Canada’s Sustainable Prosperity. Surrounded by distinguished Canadian leaders, GGCLC Chair Monique Leroux will moderate a dialogue that offers fresh perspectives and collective reflections to inspire, motivate, and equip participants as they embark on their study tours, and ready to translate ideas into action for a more sustainable and inclusive future. 

Segment 1 – Canadian Vision from a National Perspective  

Speakers:  

• Monique Leroux, GGCLC Chair (Moderator) 

• Denis Dubois, President, Mouvement Desjardins  

• Beatrice Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress 

• Tabatha Bull, President, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business 

11:00 am

Keynote Session: Segment 2 – Canadian Vision from an International Perspective 

Speakers:  

• Monique Leroux, GGCLC Chair (Moderator) 

• Gen Jennie Carignan, Chief of Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces  

• Janice Charette, Chief Trade Negotiator to the US 

12:15 pm

Closing Remarks by Governor General’s and Conference Chair

12:45 pm

Lunch available at hotel

1:15 pm

Departure of Study Groups by bus to Jean Lesage International Airport

2:00 pm

Shuttle to Jean Lesage Airport available for speakers and guest attendees