{"id":16004,"date":"2026-04-23T06:28:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T06:28:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/16004\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T06:28:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T06:28:01","slug":"intersect-2026-ford-talks-trump-and-private-jets-kenney-warns-of-alberta-separatism-and-leblanc-says-canada-ready-for-usmca-talks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/16004\/","title":{"rendered":"Intersect 2026: Ford talks Trump and private jets, Kenney warns of Alberta separatism and LeBlanc says Canada ready for USMCA talks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney speaks at Intersect 26 in Toronto.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 16:27Where to find more Intersect events across Canada<\/p>\n

\u2013 Abigale Subdhan<\/p>\n

That\u2019s all for Intersect Toronto, but there will be a series of three more conferences across the country over the next few months. Each event will focus on regional issues facing industries and policy in Alberta, Atlantic Canada and British Columbia. <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s when and where Intersect is heading next.<\/p>\n

Calgary<\/p>\n

Date: May 13<\/p>\n

The Intersect Calgary conference<\/a> will address key themes such as growth, innovation and economic development in the province at a time of unstable oil prices converging with higher employment. <\/p>\n

Halifax<\/p>\n

Date: June 10<\/p>\n

The Intersect Halifax conference<\/a> will address challenges affecting economic growth as U.S. tariffs impact business and slow investment, and ideas to prioritize infrastructure and housing in the region. <\/p>\n

Vancouver<\/p>\n

Date: June 23<\/p>\n

The Intersect Vancouver conference<\/a> will focus on industries such as energy, mining and critical minerals as global trade uncertainty continues to test the province\u2019s ability to compete and grow.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 16:18\u2018Let\u2019s not waste this moment\u2019 Business Council of Canada CEO urges in closing remarks<\/p>\n

\u2013 Abigale Subdhan<\/p>\n

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Business Council of Canada president and CEO Goldy Hyder closes out Intersect 2026.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

The Intersect 2026 conference in Toronto wrapped up with closing remarks from Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada. He said that Canadians are looking for a way forward during this moment of uncertainty. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe world is interested in Canada because we have what they need. The resources that we have, the talent that we have, the ingenuity that we have,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cTime is not a friend at a time like this. We need to stabilize our key relationships\u2026 but also strengthen our own country,\u201d he added. \u201cLet\u2019s not waste this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 16:15Slow procurement a major roadblock in defence, aerospace industry veteran Marc Parent says<\/p>\n

\u2013 Mariya Postelnyak<\/p>\n

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Global Aerospace CEO Marc Parent at Intersect.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

It shouldn\u2019t be surprising that it takes over \u201c10 years minimum on average\u201d to complete a defence procurement, said industry veteran Marc Parent. <\/p>\n

Taking the stage with innovation reporter Pippa Norman, he said slow procurement is still a major roadblock even as the federal government pours millions into defence.<\/p>\n

In Quebec alone there are 400 companies that work in the sector and a thousand more that can work in defence, said Mr. Parent. But even as the government has opened the \u201cvalves\u201d on defence spending, very little buying is being done, he said.<\/p>\n

Threats to Canada\u2019s sovereignty are \u201creal\u201d and \u201cexistential,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 15:55Alberta separatist movement could grow if relations with Ottawa don\u2019t improve, Kenney says<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

Jason Kenney said while he does not expect the separatists to win, he warned that if relations between Ottawa and Alberta do not improve \u2013 and the recent memorandum of understanding on building a pipeline between the two sides doesn\u2019t produce results \u2013 they could garner a substantial number of votes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s a substantial \u2018yes\u2019 vote, if they get enough of these frustrated federalists voting for leverage, and you get, I don\u2019t know, 30 or 35 per cent,\u201d he said, this would create \u201ca permanent divisive fact in our politics.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will turn the separatist movement from a marginal fringe into a real factor in our politics that will be disrupted for a long time to come, and I think that\u2019s bad for investor confidence and all sorts of other things,\u201d Mr. Kenney said.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 15:50Separatist sentiment reflects centre-right \u2018federalists\u2019, Kenney says<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

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Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney speaks at Intersect 26.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

Former Alberta premier and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney, onstage with Globe columnist Andrew Coyne, said that his province\u2019s separatist movement has long been a marginal force \u2013 but has been inflamed in recent years by \u201calt-right populists who are angry with a lot of things\u201d who got active in politics after COVID-19.<\/p>\n

With the province poised to have a referendum this fall on splitting from Canada, Mr. Kenney said that while the number of committed separatists remains in the single digits, polls showing 30 or 40 per cent supporting separation, he said, reflect the many centre-right \u201cfrustrated federalists.\u201d<\/p>\n

These voters, he said, remain patriotic Canadians but look to what they see as the success Quebec\u2019s separatists have had in increasing that province\u2019s leverage with Ottawa.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 15:45Pension fund CEO says he is \u2018very encouraged\u2019 on increasing investment in Canada<\/p>\n

\u2013 Meera Raman<\/p>\n

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John Graham, President and CEO, CPP Investments, at Intersect 26.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

In a panel discussion about Canada\u2019s long-term growth led by institutional investing reporter James Bradshaw, CPP Investments CEO John Graham said that he is \u201cvery encouraged\u201d about the increasing investment in Canada.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve gotten curious and interested, and now we\u2019re encouraged.\u201d When it comes to investing in the defence industry, \u201cwe\u2019re open for business,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Twelve per cent of the Canada Pension Plan\u2019s $780-billion fund is invested in Canada, making it the fund\u2019s second-largest investment destination after the U.S. <\/p>\n

This week, the OMERS pension plan said it is looking to add at least $10-billion in new investments in Canada to its portfolio over the next five years.<\/p>\n

In response to a question about how the fund is reacting to the current economic and geopolitical turmoil, Mr. Graham said that over his career, he\u2019s heard the saying \u201cthis time is different\u201d many times. But he does concede that this time actually does feel a little different.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 14:28Canada can\u2019t overcome geography in U.S. trade policy, Bolton says<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

When asked by The Globe\u2019s Andrew Coyne if Canada should be seeking other trade partners and allies as the U.S. has become unreliable, John Bolton said Canada cannot change the geography of living next to the United States and needs to look down the road, when Mr. Trump is gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t rethink much. I mean, there are transient things and there are permanent things,\u201d Mr. Bolton said. <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026 One is geography. I mean, I\u2019m sorry you live next to the United States. What do you want me to do about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 14:10President enjoyed \u2018trolling\u2019 Trudeau with annexation comments, former Trump adviser says<\/p>\n

– Chris Wilson-Smith<\/p>\n

John Bolton, who served as national security adviser in the first Trump administration, heaped criticism on Canada for not paying its fair share of the bill on global defence, and for building closer ties with China.<\/p>\n

Bolton said U.S. President Donald Trump also began his social media campaign about annexing Canada because he enjoyed \u201ctrolling\u201d former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who he didn\u2019t like.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it was ever serious. But the more people reacted, the more he loved doing it in the social media world,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s called trolling. And he and the people around him think that government policy, by and large, is determined by how well you troll, and they trolled Trudeau very, very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

This post has been updated to correct a reference to former prime minister Justin Trudeau.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 13:59Bolton chides Canada defence spending, overtures to \u2018main threat\u2019 China<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

Asked about Donald Trump\u2019s animosity toward NATO, John Bolton said he believed it was in the U.S. interest to have a strong alliance. But he said it took the President\u2019s confrontational approach to get Canada and European allies to finally commit to paying their share for defence after decades of declining to do so.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen along comes Donald Trump and says, you blankety-blanks, you shirkers, you loafers. I\u2019ll withdraw if you don\u2019t spend more on defence,\u201d Mr. Bolton said. \u201cAnd our European friends say \u2018Oh my goodness, I guess we better spend more on defence.\u2019 What does that tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Asked whether Russia or China is the graver threat, Mr. Bolton joked about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney\u2019s recent overtures toward China: \u201cBy the way, congratulations on growing closer to China. I hope you enjoy it. China is the main threat in the 21st century.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 13:50Bolton says Trump\u2019s Iran objectives still unclear<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

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John Bolton is a former Trump adviser who has since become a vocal critic.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, a onetime aide to Donald Trump turned critic, told Globe columnist Andrew Coyne that it remained unclear just what the U.S. President\u2019s objectives were in launching a war on Iran. <\/p>\n

Mr. Bolton said he supported regime change for Iran\u2019s theocratic rulers. But he said the President should have instead made the case to the American people and U.S. allies why regime change was needed before launching a war with such unclear goals.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the first question really is, what were Donald Trump\u2019s objectives? And I don\u2019t know the answer to that,\u201d Mr. Bolton said<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 13:45First Nations have \u2018real concerns\u2019 about projects\u2019 potential harms to communities<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

Former Assembly of First Nations Yukon regional chief Kluane Adamek said First Nations have real concerns about resource projects that could mean thousands of strangers coming to their small communities, noting the potential impacts on women and girls who disproportionately face sexualized violence.<\/p>\n

She urged companies to find ways to help communities address these issues.<\/p>\n

She also said representatives from private-sector companies need to make efforts to get to know Indigenous communities and cultures and listen to their concerns.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake the time. Eat the bannock. Don\u2019t say no to the meal. Try different foods if you go there. If there\u2019s bone marrow, I highly suggest you try it, and it\u2019s fantastic,\u201d she said. \u201c \u2026 Put your jeans on, you know, drive there. Bring some Tim Hortons with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 13:31Companies need to meet First Nations \u2018where they are\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

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First Nations Bank of Canada CEO Bill Lomax, left, and Kluane Adamek, former Assembly of First Nations Yukon regional chief, at Intersect 2026.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

First Nations Bank of Canada CEO Bill Lomax said companies looking to make partnerships with First Nations and accelerate resource or other projects need to take the differences between each First Nation into account, and \u201cmeet people where they are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Different communities will have different needs, capabilities and a need for their own guardrails. He cited the many Indigenous-owned casinos in the United States, saying that while at the beginning, some First Nations were taken advantage of, a government-imposed framework encouraged the industry to invest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then, over time, the nations took full control of the gaming industry within their lands and it\u2019s created enormous wealth,\u201d Mr. Lomax said.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 13:26Some \u2013 but not all \u2013 First Nations ready to approve major projects<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

In a discussion on recognizing Indigenous rights as Canada seeks to fast-track national projects, former Assembly of First Nations Yukon regional chief Kluane Adamek told The Globe\u2019s Laura Stone that some First Nations are ready to approve projects \u2013 but others are not.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are rights holders who are ready and who want to move forward, and that\u2019s great, so work with them,\u201d Ms. Adamek said. \u201cThere are also nations who aren\u2019t ready. And so we have to also be respectful of those who are saying, \u2018Not right now, not ever, or only if.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

She said some First Nations, facing a suicide epidemic or other social issues, are going to say no to development while they seek to have other issues addressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf people aren\u2019t ready to do something, stop pushing them.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 12:28The role of the business community in easing youth unemployment<\/p>\n

\u2013 Abigale Subdhan<\/p>\n

Vass Bednar<\/a>, managing director of policy institute Canadian Shield Institute, is on stage now to discuss the economic challenges ahead for Canada\u2019s next generation \u2013 including youth unemployment. <\/p>\n

First, here\u2019s a bit of context on the picture in Canada right now: The unemployment rate for 15- to 24-year-olds has hovered around 14 per cent for more than a year, according to Statistics Canada. That\u2019s more than double Canada\u2019s overall unemployment rate, which stayed at 6.7 per cent in March<\/a>. <\/p>\n

When asked by Globe columnist Robyn Urback about how the landscape for youth employment in the past decade compares with today\u2019s, Ms. Bednar said that the game has changed largely because of automation. <\/p>\n

She also said that the onus always falls on the supply side to create job opportunities, but perhaps it\u2019s important to pay more attention to the demand side. <\/p>\n

\u201cPeople always like to tell young people what they should do\u2026 but what about calling on our business community more often to give out those early-career carve-out opportunities,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 12:10How can Canada stop its entrepreneur brain drain?<\/p>\n

\u2013 Meera Raman<\/p>\n

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Simple Ventures co-founder and CEO Rachel Zimmer and Brice Scheschuk, managing partner at Globalive Capital say Canada needs to work on retaining its talent pool.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

In a panel discussion on how to keep Canadian entrepreneurs from leaving the country, Globalive Capital\u2019s Brice Scheschuk laid out a few ideas for Ottawa.<\/p>\n

When asked by The Globe\u2019s April Fong about concerns that Canada\u2019s tax system pushes founders to leave, he suggested the country \u201celiminate capital gains tax on early-stage investing.\u201d He also suggested introducing a capital gains tax on [the sale of] primary residences with \u201ca very big exemption for the average Canadian.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also pointed to the newly formed<\/a> Canada-U.S. advisory committee tied to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, saying it lacks voices from the tech and startup world.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is Tobias L\u00fctke, where is Michael Katchen, where is my business partner, Anthony Lacavera?\u201d he said. \u201cTech has been woefully underrepresented.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 11:51Why Canada gets an \u2018F\u2019 grade in keeping homegrown talent from fleeing to the U.S. <\/p>\n

\u2013 Meera Raman<\/p>\n

The next discussion at the Intersect conference is addressing innovative ways to keep and support Canadian talent and ideas at home. <\/p>\n

Many of the country\u2019s best and brightest entrepreneurs are fleeing Canada for the U.S.<\/a>, according to a study from Toronto venture-capital firm Leaders Fund. The survey found that just 32.4 per cent of Canadian-led \u201chigh-potential\u201d startups launched in 2024 were headquartered in this country. <\/p>\n

In a conversation with The Globe\u2019s deputy personal finance editor April Fong, Brice Scheschuk, managing partner at Globalive Capital, gives the entrepreneurial economy in Canada an \u201cF\u201d grade, calling the lack of interest in building in Canada \u201cdepressing\u201d when asked about the trend of why Canadian talent continues to leave for the U.S.<\/p>\n

He said that when it comes to what the Prime Minister is focused on, there has been \u201ccrickets\u201d on the entrepreneurial economy.<\/p>\n

But not all is depressing, says Rachel Zimmer, co-founder and CEO of Simple Ventures. She sees the biggest opportunity in what she calls \u201chomecoming\u201d – Canadians who go to the U.S. for a stint, then come back to Canada to build. She points to Michael Katchen, CEO of Wealthsimple, as an example, who spent time in Silicon Valley before returning to build one of Canada\u2019s largest fintechs.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 11:33Algoma Steel CEO talks about the impact of steel tariffs<\/p>\n

\u2013 Mariya Postelnyak<\/p>\n

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Eliot Pence (L) CEO and founder of Dominion Dynamics and Rajat Marwah, CEO of Algoma Steel during their panel.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

Government measures are \u201cnot enough\u201d to support the steel sector amid U.S. tariffs, said Rajat Marwah, CEO of Algoma Steel<\/a>, in a panel discussion on the competitive challenges facing Canadian industry.<\/p>\n

The more-than-century-old company has been \u201cbattered\u201d by Donald Trump\u2019s section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. <\/p>\n

Mr. Marwah wants further measures to reduce foreign steel imports so that Canadian companies have more opportunity to sell. <\/p>\n

Joining the panel talk, Citibank CEO Raymond Gatcliffe says Canada\u2019s capital gains tax affects the country\u2019s ability to compete.<\/p>\n

To draw businesses and heavy industry, the country needs more attractive \u201ctax spaces,\u201d he said, adding that Canada\u2019s rules around capital gains tax are \u201coutside the competitive realm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read the full story here.<\/a><\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 10:47Working the crowd<\/p>\n

\u2013 Chris Wilson-Smith<\/p>\n

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Mr. Ford thrives in personal settings like this, addressing questions about handling Mr. Trump and recent political controversies with folksy one-liners.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

Ontario\u2019s economy, built largely upon manufacturing and auto-making, is feeling the squeeze of tariffs more acutely than most provinces.<\/p>\n

Mr. Ford thrives in personal settings like this, addressing questions about handling Mr. Trump and recent political controversies with folksy one-liners. <\/p>\n

Sometimes he\u2019ll get around to answering the question, but it\u2019s hard to tell through the audience laughter.<\/p>\n

On critics of his plans for Toronto\u2019s waterfront<\/a>: \u201cThe cheese has fallen off the cracker.\u201d<\/p>\n

On red tape: \u201cYou couldn\u2019t get a doghouse (without waiting) five years.\u201d<\/p>\n

On regulatory hurdles: \u201cWe\u2019re worrying about a grasshopper crossing the street. It\u2019s ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy: \u201cThis guy\u2019s as tight as skin on a grape when it comes to spending taxpayer money.\u201d<\/p>\n

On budgets: \u201cGovernment doesn\u2019t have a revenue problem — it has a spending problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

On his governing style: \u201cCall me on my cellphone.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 10:30No American alcohol until the deal is done, says Ford<\/p>\n

\u2013 Mariya Postelnyak<\/p>\n

Premier Doug Ford has no plans to bring U.S. alcohol back to Ontario any time soon, at least until the USMCA is renewed. \u201cYou never roll over to a bully, you confront them head on,\u201d Mr. Ford said of the U.S president. His government will consider bringing back California wines \u201conce we get the deal done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read the full story here.<\/a><\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 10:15Ford: \u2018I don\u2019t trust President Trump\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2013 Chris Wilson-Smith<\/p>\n

Doug Ford, asked about negotiations with the U.S., said he thinks U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has taken a backseat to United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in dealing with Canada. And Mr. Ford made clear his feelings about the administration: \u201cI don\u2019t trust President Trump.\u201d <\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 10:02Ford brings up the (lack of a) private jet<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

Before The Globe\u2019s Laura Stone even asked, Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched into a spirited defence of his move to buy a $28.9-million private jet, which he suddenly reversed after an outcry<\/a>. <\/p>\n

He also said the government has already sold it back to Bombardier for the \u201cexact same price\u201d it had paid to buy it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m flying commercial. Or we\u2019ll fly on a little puddle jumper that the OPP has,\u201d he said, while also defending the need to charter private jets for trips, including his recent trade mission to Texas.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 09:58Doug Ford says \u2018we can\u2019t afford to be complacent\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jeff Gray<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Jeff Gray and I cover the Ontario Legislature for The Globe. I am here to watch what Ontario\u2019s Premier, Doug Ford, says in his speech and in his conversation on stage with my colleague Laura Stone. I am also watching for a discussion on First Nations economic issues, and appearances by former U.S ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton and former Alberta premier Jason Kenney.<\/p>\n

In his speech today Mr. Ford outlined some of his recurring themes, including the need to build infrastructure and get rid of red tape to shore up the economy as it reels from U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s tariffs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t afford to be complacent,\u201d Mr. Ford said in remarks that also touted his government\u2019s ambitious nuclear expansion plans. \u201cWe can\u2019t accept the status quo.\u201d<\/p>\n

He suggested that instead of needing individual permits for the province\u2019s project to build four small modular nuclear reactors at its Darlington site east of Toronto, regulators should instead give Ontario a \u201cblanket permit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read the full story here.<\/a><\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 09:58How can banks come to our defence? <\/p>\n

\u2013 Chris Wilson-Smith<\/p>\n

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Mr. Culham is bullish on Canada\u2019s potential. He said he sees three themes emerge for the country: optimism, urgency, and collaboration.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

CIBC\u2019s Harry Culham said the bank is prepared to play a larger role in the defence sector \u2014 a key focal point of the federal government in both its push for major projects and sovereignty.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an area where banks can do more,\u201d Mr. Culham said. \u201cThere\u2019s going to be a great opportunity to have a great flow of capital and ideas in that area.\u201d<\/p>\n

But access to capital is the key chokepoint, he said. The public and private sectors must work more urgently \u2013 together \u2013 to actually execute on spending it. That\u2019s a priority of the federal government, but also an issue that has bedevilled Ottawa for years<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mr. Culham also spoke about his announcement at the bank\u2019s recent annual meeting that it is planning to spend $800-million through 2032 in support of medical research and community-building projects.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 09:54LeBlanc says Canada\u2019s ready when Americans are to negotiate<\/p>\n

\u2013 Mariya Postelnyak<\/p>\n

Mr. LeBlanc also clarified again what would happen if the sticking points in negotiations between the U.S. and Canada are not hashed out by the July 1 deadline. The agreement doesn\u2019t expire.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s no consensus on trilateral agreement, we follow into a 10-year period with the treaty being in effect until 2036,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

There are still many sectoral tariffs on Canadian exports in place, including on steel, softwood lumber and the auto industry.<\/p>\n

But, Mr. LeBlanc said \u201cwe\u2019re ready when the Americans are ready to sit down and get that agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 09:41New CIBC CEO is bullish on Canada\u2019s potential<\/p>\n

\u2013 Meera Raman<\/p>\n

CIBC chief executive officer Harry Culham is on stage delivering opening remarks. He is relatively new to the chief role, starting late last year, and started at the bank as an intern. <\/p>\n

Mr. Culham is bullish on Canada\u2019s potential. He said he sees three themes emerge for the country: optimism, urgency, and collaboration. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe actions we take today as a country will define the success we achieve tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

He is about to be joined by the Globe and Mail\u2019s editor-in-chief David Walmsley for a conversation.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 09:21Elbows up?<\/p>\n

\u2013 Chris Wilson-Smith<\/p>\n

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Mr. LeBlanc speaks virtually at Intersect 2026 in Toronto.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

Mr. LeBlanc is talking about Canada\u2019s approach to negotiating with the U.S. He is rhyming off all the concessions Canada has made to keep the U.S. at the table, including Ottawa\u2019s move to ditch retaliatory tariffs and the controversial Digital Services Tax. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s proof Canada is working with the U.S. to address its main irritants, Mr. LeBlanc said. <\/p>\n

But some critics have wondered<\/a> whether the government has given away leverage too soon. Canada\u2019s supply management regime, for example, is still sticking in U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s craw<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Mark Rendell, The Globe\u2019s economics reporter, just asked if there would be a red line on keeping that system alive. Mr. LeBlanc said: \u201cWe\u2019re not going to reopen supply management and have a discussion around quotas.\u201d <\/p>\n

That seems fairly clear. \u201cI\u2019m not pessimistic that we can\u2019t make progress on their list.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read the full story here.<\/a><\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 09:05What\u2019s the breakfast situation like?<\/p>\n

\u2013 Meera Raman<\/p>\n

If anyone is curious what kind of food gets served at these events (maybe only me?), the breakfast is a selection of muffins, oatmeal, eggs, yogurt and fruit. Very healthy, if I do say so myself. Special mention to the thyme-roasted sweet potatoes. <\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 09:02<\/p>\n

\u2013 Mariya Postelnyak<\/p>\n

Hi, I\u2019m Mariya Postelnyak. I usually cover consumer affairs, but today I\u2019ll be covering trade, economic policy, industry and business innovation at Intersect 2026.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 08:58There are three main tasks that the country will have to confront, says David Walmsley<\/p>\n

\u2013 Abigale Subdhan <\/p>\n

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Mr. Walmsley spoke to the current moment of gravity in Canada, saying there are three main tasks that the country will have to confront: National unity, the national economy and our relations with the United States.Fred Lum\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

The Intersect conference has begun following a very fitting playing of O Canada. We\u2019ve heard opening remarks from The Globe and Mail\u2019s editor-in-chief David Walmsley and national reporter (and today\u2019s master of ceremonies!) Temur Durrani. <\/p>\n

Mr. Walmsley spoke to the current moment of gravity in Canada, saying there are three main tasks that the country will have to confront: National unity, the national economy and our relations with the United States.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe opportunities for Canada are endless, if we seize the moment,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

The first guest speaker on the docket will be Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who will discuss the state of Canada-U.S. trade relations.<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 08:55What to expect from the day<\/p>\n

\u2013 Chris Wilson-Smith<\/p>\n

Good morning. I\u2019m Chris Wilson-Smith, writer of The Globe\u2019s daily Business Brief newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At last year\u2019s event, Canada was navigating a U.S. trade war and slow economic growth. This year, Canada is navigating a U.S. trade war, slow economic growth, and a war in Iran that has delivered yet another shock.<\/p>\n

I just chatted with editor-in-chief David Walmsley. He\u2019ll soon be on stage interviewing Harry Culham, president and CEO of CIBC.<\/p>\n

Throughout the day, in remarks from leaders like Mr. Culham, Dominic LeBlanc, the federal minister in charge of U.S.-Canada relations, and many more, Mr. Walmsley said he\u2019s looking for \u201csome sense of optimism, unity, and to come together as a country and make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 08:51Attendees begin filing in<\/p>\n

\u2013 Meera Raman<\/p>\n

Open this photo in gallery:<\/a><\/p>\n

Sarika Bhageratty was one of the first arrivals at this year’s Intersect conference. She works in corporate communications at Interac Corp.Meera Raman\/The Globe and Mail<\/p>\n

Hey, I\u2019m Meera. I typically cover personal finance for The Globe, but today I\u2019m taking you inside The Globe\u2019s Intersect conference.<\/p>\n

Attendees for this year\u2019s Intersect conference are already filing into the Royal York in downtown Toronto. Some notable speakers have already arrived, including Harry Culham, president and CEO of CIBC, and Stepan Arman, senior director at Indeed Canada.<\/p>\n

The event is about to start and the room is buzzing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a great lineup of speakers today. I\u2019m looking forward to what they have to say, especially when it comes to Canada\u2019s digital sovereignty,\u201d said Sarika Bhageratty, who works in corporate communications at Interac Corp. \u201cI\u2019ve seen a lot of these speakers on TV, so I\u2019m going to try my best not to fangirl.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 08:37Throwing it back to key moments from last year\u2019s conference<\/p>\n

\u2013 Abigale Subdhan<\/p>\n

Last year, The Globe and Mail hosted its inaugural Intersect forum with the aim of exploring conversations around Canada\u2019s response to economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and productivity. <\/p>\n

Here are some key moments from Intersect 2025. <\/p>\n

Canada must be on \u201cwartime footing\u201d to fix productivity: CIBC CEO<\/p>\n

CIBC CEO Victor Dodig warned that Ottawa will need a decade \u2013 and possible \u201cwartime footing\u201d \u2013 to bolster the country\u2019s waning productivity. He also said the federal government will have to broaden policy initiatives to help young people save money and encourage businesses to invest in Canada.<\/p>\n

Calls for Canadian self-reliance amid defence boost<\/p>\n

Kelly Craft, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada, told Intersect 2025 that Canada needs to take more responsibility for its own defence and security and contribute more to NATO \u2013 if it wants to avoid U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s annexation threats. (Canada\u2019s military spending finally hit NATO\u2019s target of 2 per cent of gross domestic product earlier this year.)<\/p>\n

Canada\u2019s innovation gap is costing billions: Jim Balsillie<\/p>\n

Jim Balsillie, former co-CEO of Research In Motion, said that Canada is losing billions of dollars every year in data and intellectual property ownership because of its outdated innovation policies. He argued that Canada\u2019s progress hinges on its ability to bring in and listen to new voices: \u201cThe issue isn\u2019t only new ideas. It\u2019s escaping old ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 08:26Themes to look out for during today\u2019s conference<\/p>\n

\u2013 Abigale Subdhan<\/p>\n

Good morning from the Intersect conference in Toronto, where The Globe and Mail\u2019s second annual meeting-of-the-minds is getting under way. My name is Abigale Subdhan, and I\u2019m an audience editor at The Globe. I\u2019m currently in the conference room as participants and attendees file in and chat over coffee, muffins and fresh fruit. <\/p>\n

Soon, the room will gather notable decision-makers spanning across government and business to discuss the major themes of this year\u2019s conference, including the state of Canada-U.S. trade relations, how to defend the country\u2019s sovereignty, solutions to fix a slowing economy, opportunities for growth at this pivotal moment and how to build a stronger Canada. <\/p>\n

There will be a series of conversations \u2013 hosted by Globe reporters, editors and columnists \u2013 with policy-makers such as Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton and former Alberta premier Jason Kenney. There will also be panel discussions with Canadian CEOs to discuss the realities of the current economic landscape and their long-term visions for innovation.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned! <\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 08:00Carney unveils new Canada-U.S. advisory council ahead of potentially rocky USMCA talks<\/p>\n

– Steven Chase, Mark Rendell<\/p>\n

Open this photo in gallery:<\/a><\/p>\n

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations will be chaired by Dominic LeBlanc, the federal minister for Canada-U.S. trade relations.Patrick Doyle\/Reuters<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Mark Carney\u2019s government has struck a new Canada-U.S. advisory committee to offer guidance as a potentially rocky review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement gets under way.<\/p>\n

The Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations will be chaired by Dominic LeBlanc, the federal minister for Canada-U.S. trade relations. It includes former politicians and Canadians with experience in business, investment, trade and labour. It has 24 members not including Mr. LeBlanc.<\/p>\n

Members include former Quebec premier Jean Charest, former Conservative Party leader Erin O\u2019Toole, former Liberal cabinet minister Ralph Goodale, as well as several chief executives, including BMO Financial Group\u2019s Darryl White, CN Rail\u2019s Tracy Robinson, TC Energy\u2019s Fran\u00e7ois Poirier and Nutrien\u2019s Ken Seitz.<\/p>\n

Other committee members include Automotive Parts Manufacturers\u2019 Association president Flavio Volpe, Canadian Chamber of Commerce CEO Candace Laing and Unifor union president Lana Payne.<\/p>\n

Mr. LeBlanc will be in conversation with The Globe\u2019s economics reporter Mark Rendell to discuss the state of Canada-U.S. trade relations, and what\u2019s at stake in the lead-up to the review of USMCA. The interview begins at 8:50 a.m. ET. <\/p>\n

Read more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

04\/22\/26 08:00Intersect 2026: Building a stronger Canada<\/p>\n

– Globe staff<\/p>\n

Canada is facing a pivotal moment. With threats to our sovereignty, a slowing economy, and growing strain on the social foundations we depend on, this is the time for urgent action and leadership.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why The Globe and Mail is convening leaders from business, government and media at Intersect 2026<\/a> \u2013 an annual conference designed to foster conversation around building a stronger Canada. <\/p>\n

In a series of Q&As and panel discussions, Globe reporters will host conversations with key policy-makers such as Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and notable chief executives such as CIBC\u2019s Harry Culham and Algoma Steel\u2019s Rajat Marwah to discuss an action plan for national growth and renewal.<\/p>\n

The conference runs from 8 a.m. ET until 5 p.m. ET, and <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at today\u2019s schedule:<\/p>\n

8:40 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.: Opening remarks8:50 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.: Interview with Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Canada-U.S. trade relations9:10 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Interview with CIBC\u2019s president and CEO Harry Culham on Canada\u2019s vast potential and opportunities for growth 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Interview with Ontario Premier Doug Ford10:30 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.: Panel discussion with CEOs on how to support Canadian industries, featuring EDC\u2018s Alison Nankivell, Citibank Canada\u2018s Raymond Gatcliffe, Dominion Dynamics\u2019 Eliot Pence and Algoma Steel\u2019s Rajat Marwah11:10 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.: Interview with Rachel Zimmer, co-founder and CEO of Simple Ventures and Brice Scheschuk, managing partner of Globalive Capital, on how to support innovation at home 11:40 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Interview with Vass Bednar, managing director of Canadian Shield Institute, on Canada\u2019s next generation12:55 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Interview with former Assembly of First Nations Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek and First Nations Bank of Canada CEO Bill Lomax on recognizing Indigenous rights with Canada\u2019s fast-track national projects1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Interview with former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton on Canada-U.S. relations 2:35 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Interview with John Graham, president and CEO of CPP Investments, on Canada\u2019s long-term vision with 3:00 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.: Interview with former Alberta premier Jason Kenney on restoring national cohesion3:30 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.: Interview with Marc Parent, CEO of Global Aerospace, on rebuilding our nation\u2019s resilience3:55 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Closing remarks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Open this photo in gallery: Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney speaks at Intersect 26 in Toronto.Fred Lum\/The Globe…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":16005,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[136,902,17,8462,484,617,8464,137,8463,906],"class_list":{"0":"post-16004","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-canada","8":"tag-appwebview","9":"tag-aud-growth","10":"tag-canada","11":"tag-live-blog","12":"tag-noastack","13":"tag-nopolly","14":"tag-noreadtime","15":"tag-yesapplenews","16":"tag-yespop","17":"tag-yessnap"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16004","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16004"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16004\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}