Empire Club of Canada

About Empire Club of Canada

The Empire Club of Canada is Canada’s go-to forum for conversations that matter. Established in 1903, as a response to Canadian political unrest, the Empire Club of Canada quickly became a leading speakers’ forum. Beginning with speeches to address Canada’s relationships with the British Empire and the United States, the ECC continues to tackle issues that affect the lives of Canadians.

Publisher

Empire Club of Canada

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Jan 2013

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

459 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Empire Nights: A United Canada? — A Country at an Inflection Point

   At a time of global uncertainty and changes in Canada’s relationship with the United States—our largest trading partner—the need for national unity has never been more urgent. As economic pressures, geopolitical shifts, and questions about Canada’s place in the world intensify, unity is once again at the forefront of Canadian public discourse in 2026. This Empire Nights event will take place at a pivotal moment: just days after a Quebec election in which the Parti Québécois is leading in the polls, and on the eve of an Alberta referendum amid heightened debate over foreign influence in provincial politics. At the same time, the notwithstanding clause and questions surrounding its constitutional use have re-entered mainstream Canadian discourse, prompting leaders across the country—including Premier Wab Kinew, who recently spoke to this issue at the Empire Club of Canada—to exchange views on this topic. Yet this moment is not defined by division alone. Canada’s premiers are working closely to reduce long-standing east-west trade barriers, while the federal government is focused on strengthening Canadian supply chains, advancing a national electricity strategy, bolster Transportation corridors, and securing new energy infrastructure. Together, these efforts point to a renewed opportunity to bridge regional divides and rethink how Canada builds shared prosperity. On October 7th, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada was pleased to welcome The Honourable Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta (2019-2022) and Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones and The Honourable Jean Charest, Premier of Québec (2003-2012), and Partner at Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur, for a timely conversation on the future of Canadian unity. Both Premiers laid out their thoughts on national unity before sitting down for a discussion with The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Vice-Chair at Global Public Affairs and Senior Business Advisor at Stewart McKelvey. The evening opened with a polling presentation by David Coletto, Founder, Chair and CEO at Abacus Data, who offered insight into national public opinion trends and the forces shaping Canadian’ views on unity, federalism, and the country’s future. Join us for a candid and timely discussion on national unity and the path to a stronger Canada.

2. 

   6 Oct 2026

   CUSMA and the Future of North American Trade

   Just weeks after Canada’s counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion in U.S. imports take effect, following the breakdown of Canada–United States trade negotiations and the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, it is time to reflect. Canada is entering a consequential period for its trading relationship with the United States—one that calls for a clear-eyed assessment of the country’s economic interests, resilience, and future direction. Canada’s countermeasures, which take effect September 8, are designed to match U.S. tariff levels across affected products. The future of Canada’s trading relationship with its largest partner is now at the centre of the national conversation. Canadian business leaders who depend on this relationship are preparing for the impact of new 50 percent U.S. tariffs affecting key Canadian sectors and products. As a result, business leaders and Canadians alike are focused on what these changes will mean for competitiveness, investment, energy security, supply chains, and long-term economic growth—as well as the immediate pressures facing workers, businesses, and communities. This moment also reinforces the importance of strengthening Canada at home and abroad: reducing internal trade barriers, securing strategic supply chains, supporting Canadian industry, and expanding international trade relationships rooted in fair, open, and rules-based commerce. While the Canada–U.S. relationship remains vital, Canada’s long-term prosperity depends on the capacity to defend its interests, diversify its economic reach, and compete with confidence in a changing global economy. On October 5, the Empire Club of Canada, in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AMCHAM), will convene this timely conversation on the future of trade among Canada, the United States, and Mexico—and on the practical paths toward restoring stability and predictability for businesses on both sides of the border. Bringing together experts from all three countries, this discussion will examine the way forward, the implications of the current dispute, and how Canadian businesses can prepare. Please join The Empire Club of Canada for this high-impact panel discussion featuring David MacNaughton, Canadian Ambassador to the United States (2016-2019), Chairman of Therme Ventures and Strategic Advisor in CIBC’s Office of the CEO; Sergio Gómez Lora, Mexico’s Business Coordinating Council (CCE), U.S. Representative Office; and Dan Ujczo, Associate General Counsel, Cenovus Energy, and AMCHAM Board Member. The panel will be moderated by Hannah Thibedeau, Executive Communications Officer, Global Public Affairs, and award-winning veteran journalist. The event will kick off with a brief presentation from Dr. David Colleto, Founder Chair, and CEO Abacus Data, on the views of American and Canadians regarding the U.S. — Canada relationship, and contextual remarks from Christopher Sands, Director of the Center for U.S.-Canada Studies at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. Hear from leading experts on Canada’s approach to CUSMA, the future of North American economic cooperation, and the choices that will determine whether Canada is positioned to protect its interests, seize new opportunities, and maximize its long-term success.

3. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Ana Bailão: Building What Canada Needs — The Partnerships, Investments, and Innovations Shaping Build Canada Homes’ New Approach to Affordable Housing Delivery

   Housing affordability remains one of Canada’s most pressing challenges. Meeting it will require more than funding alone. It will require new partnerships, new approaches, and a renewed focus on delivery. As Canada’s newest federal Crown corporation, BCH was established to help unlock affordable housing supply by activating public land, deploying flexible financing, supporting modern methods of construction, and building stronger partnerships across the housing ecosystem. Its first year has been focused on creating the foundations for long-term impact and identifying the barriers that continue to stand in the way of building more homes, faster. On October 2nd, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada was proud to host Ana Bailão, CEO of Build Canada Homes for a keynote address followed by a fireside chat moderated by Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC, on the future of affordable housing delivery in Canada, the lessons emerging from BCH’s first year, and the actions needed to translate ambition into homes.

Who has been a guest on Empire Club of Canada

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Kinga Surma
• Hon Pete Hoekstra
• Premier Danielle Smith
• Premier Andrew Furey

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

74

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

30

Contact Empire Club of Canada

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.