The Conference of Montreal 2025: Change, Vector of Opportunities Français
Turning insights into decisions
In an era marked by uncertainty and global transformation, the Conference of Montreal has become a vital forum for strategic dialogue, influence, and action. It is a space where ideas take shape, conversations spark partnerships, and shared visions translate into tangible initiatives.
By convening opinion leaders, decision-makers, and changemakers from across sectors and around the world, the conference fosters the creation of new alliances, encourages cross-sector collaboration, and drives bold, forward-thinking responses to today's most pressing global challenges.
Understanding tomorrow's world, today
Over the course of three days, the Conference of Montreal will delve into strategic issues at the core of today's global transformations. The program will be organized around three key theme days: finance, capital markets and digital acceleration (June 9); strategic resources and the energy transition (June 10); and global trade, economic policy and urban diplomacy (June 11). To fuel these discussions, a number of high-level speakers will be taking the floor, including :
Jenny Johnson, President and CEO, Franklin Templeton
Laurent Ferreira, President and CEO, National Bank
Martine Biron, Minister of International Relations and Francophonie, Québec
Jean-Guy Desjardins, Chair of the Board and Global CEO, Fiera Capital
Ali Dibadj, CEO, Janus Henderson
Nancy Southern, Chair and CEO, ATCO
Lee Jang-woo, Mayor, Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea
William C. Stone, Chairman of the Board and CEO, SS&C Technologies
Geneviève Fortier, CEO, Promutuel Insurance
Jeffrey R. Orr, President and CEO, Power Corporation du Canada
A forum for strategic alliances
More than just a space for reflection, the Conference of Montreal is a true catalyst for strategic encounters. With a dynamic program including keynote luncheons, B2B meetings, and networking cocktails, participants will be able to forge valuable connections, build business partnerships, and share innovative ideas.
These opportunities support the economic development of Québec, Canadian, and international businesses, both locally and globally.
"Today, more than ever, we need to join forces and build international partnerships to tackle the energy transition and navigate the major challenges we are facing in the current geopolitical climate. The Conference of Montreal is a unique opportunity to expand business ties, diversify our markets, and showcase the expertise of our companies, positioning Quebec and Montreal as key partners on the global stage," says Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region.
"The Conference of Montreal is where ideas become action," says Nicholas Rémillard, CEO of the International Economic Forum of the Americas. "In a world facing urgent and complex challenges, we bring together global leaders to drive collaboration, spark solutions, and build a more resilient future."
Become an agent of change and join the decision-makers who are shaping the world of tomorrow. Discover the full program and the list of speakers on the official Conference of Montreal website.
About the Conference de Montréal
The Conference of Montreal brings together decision makers from all spheres of society to address the most pressing issues of our time. The conference was launched in 1994 by the International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA) and has evolved from a small, one-off event to become an internationally recognized multi-day event attended by leaders and decision makers from the worlds of government, business and academia.
The event's geographic location, in the heart of the city, offers the public a rare socio-political and economic overview that covers both a North American and European perspective, while showcasing best practices from around the world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
a few seconds ago
- CBC
Flight attendants' union says it declined arbitration proposal by Air Canada
The union representing Air Canada's flight attendants says it has declined a proposal by the airline to resolve negotiations through arbitration. In an update posted on the bargaining committee's website, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) wrote that Air Canada had proposed referring the matter to binding interest arbitration, which would bring a third-party mediator into the talks. CUPE published a letter addressed to the president of its Air Canada component, Wesley Lesosky, and signed by Air Canada vice-president and human resources chief Arielle Meloul-Wechsler on Monday. The letter outlines the proposal and says that "if we cannot agree on an arbitrator within 30 days of your agreeing to the proposal, we ask the Minister of Labour to name one." Air Canada has communicated to the union that the sides are too far apart, according to CUPE. CBC News has reached out to representatives for CUPE and Air Canada. Talks ongoing since March CUPE's Air Canada component represents more than 10,000 flight attendants who work for the major airline and its budget carrier Air Canada Rouge. Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate last week, setting up a potential strike action to begin as soon as 12:01 a.m. ET on Aug. 16. Some held demonstrations outside four major Canadian airports on Monday for what the union called a "day of action." The union says the most contentious issues at the bargaining table are wages — which it says have not kept pace with inflation — and unpaid work that occurs before boarding and after deplaning, such as safety checks and assisting passengers. CUPE said last week that it would continue talks with Air Canada until Aug. 15, the day before a potential strike. The two parties have been negotiating since March, when the previous 10-year collective agreement expired. But the talks reached an impasse in May, at which point the union filed for conciliation with the federal labour minister. At the time, Air Canada said that its pay structure is in step with other global carriers. Delta Air Lines is the only major North American airline that offers ground pay to its flight attendants, paying them at half their hourly rate for 40 to 50 minutes of boarding time depending on the flight destination and aircraft.
Cision Canada
30 minutes ago
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada celebrates National Shipbuilding Strategy's continued economic benefits at Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards Français
VANCOUVER, BC, /CNW/ - Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government of Canada is strengthening its sovereign shipbuilding capabilities and supply chains to ensure that the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) are ready to meet evolving maritime challenges and support national and international operations. Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, and Ernie Klassen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, visited Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards (VSY) to celebrate the success of the NSS and mark its 15th anniversary. The NSS is growing shipbuilding expertise and creating thousands of good jobs across Canada, ensuring that we can build the ships the RCN and CCG need, right here at home. As our world changes, the Government of Canada is making the critical investments needed to keep Canadians safe, support the RCN and CCG, and strengthen our role on the world stage. Minister Lightbound commended VSY on its new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in July of 2025, with Stigterstaal Canada and Algoma Steel. Under the MOU, the 3 companies will evaluate requirements and assess the feasibility of Algoma Steel supplying Class and non-Class steel, with the support of Stigterstaal, to VSY for the polar icebreaker. This agreement is an important step toward rebuilding a robust, domestic steel supply chain that enhances national industrial capacity while opening doors to innovation, employment and long-term economic growth. Canadian-made materials and homegrown partnerships help build a more resilient and self-sustaining economy. For the NSS, fostering partnerships with Canadian suppliers is an opportunity to maximize the strategy's potential and deliver even broader national benefits. In the 15 years since its launch, the NSS has revitalized Canada's marine sector and provided measurable economic value to Canadians. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and the end of 2024 are estimated to have contributed close to $38.7 billion to Canada's gross domestic product and created or maintained approximately 21,400 jobs annually between 2012 and 2025. Through the work of VSY and other shipyards and suppliers, the NSS has bolstered the shipbuilding, refit and repair sector in British Columbia, providing a steady workflow that has helped to mitigate boom-and-bust cycles. Over the last 15 years, the NSS has evolved through the integration of lessons learned, ongoing engagement with industry partners and increasing collaboration across the country's industrial base. The Government of Canada remains committed to advancing the delivery of modern, capable vessels, while working closely with a range of suppliers to source domestically for federal contracts and accelerate Canada's economic prosperity. Quotes "Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Canada is delivering a modern fleet for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard, while revitalizing the marine industry and creating thousands of skilled jobs. The ships built at Seaspan and other Canadian shipyards reflect a long-term investment in innovation, sovereignty and industrial growth under Canada's commitment to safeguard our oceans. By strengthening domestic supply chains and prioritizing Canadian-made steel and materials, the strategy is taking another meaningful step forward and will play an even more central role in creating a resilient and prosperous economy." The Honourable Joël Lightbound Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement "The National Shipbuilding Strategy is more than steel and ships. By continuing to invest in homegrown talent and suppliers, we are building a robust industrial base, skilled workforce and competitive economy, while ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard are equipped to meet a range of operational demands at home and abroad." The Honourable Stephen Fuhr Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) "The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term investment in the security of our nation and the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy. By building ships here in Canada, we are strengthening our sovereign shipbuilding capacity, supporting Canadian industry, and ensuring our sailors are ready to meet the maritime challenges of today and tomorrow—both at home and abroad." The Honourable David J. McGuinty Minister of National Defence "Thanks to Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Canadian Coast Guard is receiving the modern, high-performing vessels our employees need to protect our waters, support coastal communities, and respond to emergencies from coast to coast to coast. This continued progress is a testament to our commitment to building a strong, sustainable marine industry and a safer, more resilient Canada." The Honourable Joanne Thompson Minister of Fisheries "Today, we celebrate Seaspan's important contribution to the National Shipbuilding Strategy and to the entire Canadian economy. Its agreement with Algoma is a perfect illustration of our government's strategy to prioritize the use of Canadian steel and aluminum in large procurements and major projects. We are working hard with industry to help them develop new product lines, open new markets and secure key manufacturing capabilities for generations to come." The Honourable Mélanie Joly Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions "As we celebrate 15 years of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, it is important to not only look back on our successes, but to look ahead to where we are going. The state of shipbuilding in Canada right now is very encouraging. In the last year, Seaspan has launched two ships, started sea trials for the Canadian Coast Guard's (CCGs) Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel and construction on the CCG's most powerful icebreaker, and made key partnerships with Canadian companies like Algoma Steel - a true sign of the rebirth of this industry. Seaspan's capability is a national strategic asset. We're ready to design and build the ships Canada needs, in Canada. Thank you to our government partners, our Canadian shipbuilding supply chain and, most importantly, our world-class designers, engineers and tradespeople for proving over the last 15 years that build-in-Canada solutions are the right choice for the economy, for industry, and for Canadians." Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards Quick facts Shipyards and companies in the Pacific region are playing an important role in supporting Canada's shipbuilding needs. As of August 2025, approximately $15.27 billion in contracts has been awarded to Pacific region companies under the NSS. This represents 28.2% of the total value of NSS-issued contracts. NSS shipyards in British Columbia have issued approximately $1.3 billion in supplier development contracts to over 560 firms across the province. These contracts have provided meaningful, long-term opportunities for skilled workers across the Pacific provinces. In 2020, VSY delivered 3 offshore fisheries science vessels to the CCG, representing the first class of large ships to be completed under the NSS. VSY is building 1 of the CCG's 2 future polar icebreakers. Construction began in April 2025 and is progressing. These powerful ships will ensure that the CCG can operate in Arctic waters for longer periods to respond to maritime emergencies and better support Indigenous Peoples, Arctic security and high Arctic science. The offshore oceanographic science vessel is progressing through the final stages of completion, with delivery anticipated later this year. This ship will serve as the CCG's largest dedicated science vessel. VSY is making progress on the joint support ships (JSS) for the RCN, with final outfitting of JSS 1 underway and construction of JSS 2 continuing to advance. VSY has also transitioned from functional design to production design and pre-construction work for the first flight of multi-purpose icebreakers that will be built for the CCG. In 2019, the Government of Canada awarded docking work period contracts to Seaspan's Victoria Shipyards (VSL), Chantier Davie Canada Inc. and Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to provide maintenance support services for the Halifax-class frigates. Each shipyard is responsible for sustaining a portion of the fleet until its planned retirement in the early 2040s. VSL recently completed work on His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Calgary and has now turned to HMCS Winnipeg. Through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and the NSS Value Proposition, the Government of Canada is leveraging defence spending to boost the economy and contribute to the long-term sustainability of its marine industry, with companies like Seaspan reinvesting in Canadian businesses, workforce development and innovation. Canada is participating in a key international alliance through the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) with the United States and Finland. The trilateral partnership aims to deepen existing cooperation, strengthen our shipbuilding industries, allow new equipment and capabilities to be developed quickly, and engage other allies and partners to help meet future global demand for Arctic and polar vessels. Associated links National Shipbuilding Strategy Polar icebreaker projects Joint support ships Multi-purpose icebreakers Offshore oceanographic science vessel Repair, refit and maintenance projects Industrial and technological benefits Canada signs new partnership agreement with United States and Finland to produce Arctic and polar icebreakers Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence
Calgary Herald
30 minutes ago
- Calgary Herald
Cenovus said to be in talks with Indigenous groups for MEG Energy bid
Cenovus Energy Inc. is in talks with Indigenous groups in Canada to jointly buy MEG Energy Corp., an oilsands producer that faces an unsolicited $4 billion takeover bid from a Canadian oil tycoon. Article content A group of First Nations and Metis communities including Chipewyan Prairie First Nation and Heart Lake First Nation are in talks with Cenovus about taking a $2 billion stake in MEG, according to people familiar with the discussions. The Indigenous stake would be backed by financial support from the federal and provincial governments, while Cenovus would bid for the rest, the people said. Article content Article content A joint offer for MEG could be made as early as September, though talks may fall apart. Article content Article content The deal, if successful, would mark the first large, direct Indigenous stake purchase in an oil sands producer. It would also unite two Calgary-based companies with significant operations in the oil-rich region of northeastern Alberta. MEG's Christina Lake project includes 200 square kilometres of leases in the area, and the company has regulatory approvals to produce around 210,000 barrels a day. Article content MEG was put into play in May when Strathcona Resources Ltd. made an unsolicited cash-and-stock bid that valued MEG at about C$6 billion. Strathcona, controlled by former investment banker Adam Waterous, made the bid after taking a 9.2% stake in the company. MEG's board advised shareholders to reject Strathcona's bid, calling it inadequate. The board also started a strategic review that may include finding other offers. Article content Article content MEG traded at C$25.85 a share at 11:45 a.m. in Toronto on Tuesday. That's above the C$23.27 offer from Strathcona, signalling investors are expecting a higher bid. Article content Alberta's First Nations have increasingly sought ownership of large energy-related infrastructure projects such as pipelines and tank storage farms to earn revenue. Canadian energy companies have been partnering more frequently with the communities whose land is affected by their projects in a bid to head off potential environmental and legal opposition.
