Grandmother Louella Tobias

Elder

Mother of three, two boys and one girl, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of three great-grandsons. Delaware ancestors from Moraviantown First Nations in Southern Ontario, halfway between Windsor and London. 

Bachelor of Social Work degree from Laurentian University. 

Third degree Midewin from the lodge on Manitoulin Island.

Vassy Kapelos

Chief Political Correspondent, CTV News

Based in Ottawa, Vassy Kapelos is host of CTV’s weekly political journal of record, Question Period, and host of CTV News Channel’s weekday marquee political program, Power Play. She is also the host of the weekday national radio program, The Vassy Kapelos Show, on the iHeartRadio Canada Talk Network.

Born in Toronto, Kapelos is a four-time Canadian Screen Award winner. She was recognized for Best Live Production Social Media (2020) for CBC’s coverage of the British Columbia byelection that saw Jagmeet Singh win his seat in Parliament; Best Talk Program or Series (2021) for Power & Politics; and Best Political News Program or Series (2024 and 2025) for CTV News’ Power Play and Question Period. She received the 2021 Leitch Lecture Award from the faculties of law at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary after delivering a lecture on the political impact of the COVID-19 health crisis in Canada.

Kapelos also serves as the goodwill ambassador for The Hellenic Initiative Canada, on the board of the Economic Club of Canada and as a patron on the Patron’s Council for Community Living. She has extensive experience covering federal and provincial politics in Canada.

Prior to joining CTV News, Kapelos was host of CBC’s Power & Politics. Previously, she was Global News’ Ottawa Bureau Chief and host of The West Block. Before working in Ottawa, Kapelos covered provincial politics in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Kapelos graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts and from Dalhousie University with a Master of Arts.

Joël-Denis Bellavance

Chef du bureau d’Ottawa, La Presse

Joël-Denis Bellavance is the Ottawa Bureau Chief for La Presse. He has been covering Parliament and national affairs since 1994. He has been the Ottawa Bureau Chief for La Presse since 2003. He previously covered federal politics for the National Post, Le Soleil and La Presse Canadienne. He frequently appears on political shows such as Power & Politics on CBC News Network or Les mordus de politique on RDI. He can also be heard on Radio-Canada regional radio stations morning shows to discuss the hot political issues of the week. In June of 2016, Bellavance was awarded the Charles-Lynch Award for his coverage of national affairs. Born in Saint-Quentin, New Brunswick, Bellavance lives in Gatineau, in the national capital region

Fred DeLorey

Partner, NorthStar Public Affairs

In the 2021 General Election, Fred was the National Campaign Manager for the Conservative Party of Canada. Despite challenges, Fred led a campaign that remarkably surpassed expectations, demonstrating his adeptness in narrative crafting anchored in comprehensive opinion research. He believes that data should be the foundation of a sound strategy.

As Director of Field Operations for Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Director of Political Operations for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and national spokesperson during the Conservatives’ triumphant 2011 campaign, Fred’s strategic acumen has been undeniable. His counsel is sought after, having advised the highest offices across Canada, from prime ministers to premiers and mayors.

Beyond politics, Fred’s influence has touched the corporate world, representing a number of blue-chip giants in the technology and health-care sectors as a consultant-lobbyist. With a heart anchored in family values, being a dedicated husband and father of four, and a mind attuned to the nation’s pulse, Fred epitomizes the balance and vision that NorthStar Public Affairs brings to its partners.

Meredith Lilly

Professor & Simon Reisman Chair in International Economic Policy, Carleton University

Meredith Lilly, PhD, is a full Professor and Simon Reisman Chair in International Economic Policy at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Her research focuses on North American trade relations, Canada’s trade diversification strategy, economic sanctions and the use of research evidence in policy making. Prior to her appointment at Carleton, she served as Foreign Affairs and International

Trade Advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. She was previously appointed at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and has worked in policy roles in several Canadian government departments. She engages regularly with foreign governments and diplomats and is a frequent media commentator on North American trade issues.

She is a member of CD Howe Institute’s International Economic Policy Council, a non-resident scholar at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Texas, an Advisory Board member for the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Strategic Statecraft and serves as the Academic Partner for Canada’s delegation to the North American Forum.

The Honourable John Hannaford

Personal Representative of the Prime Minister to the EU

The Honourable John Hannaford is a former Canadian public servant with three decades of experience in international affairs, law and public administration, most recently serving as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet.

Mr. Hannaford joined the federal public service at the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1995 as a newly minted lawyer, working on issues ranging from maritime jurisdictions and environmental law to trade policy. Over the next two decades, he represented the Government of Canada on high-profile international and domestic files, from free trade negotiations to foreign and defence policy. This included senior leadership roles such as Foreign and Defence Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister, Deputy Minister of International Tradeand Deputy Minister of Natural Resources. From 2009 to 2012, he also served abroad as Canada’s Ambassador to Norway.

Mr. Hannaford was named the 25^th Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet in June 2023. In this role, his leadership helped steer Canada’s response to emerging trade and security challenges and supported the government in implementing signature priorities, including a middle-class tax cut, stronger border security measures and legislation aimed at building one Canadian economy. As Head of the Public Service, he also championed a renewed dialogue on values and ethics to guide federal employees in serving Canadians in an increasingly complex environment, while advancing efforts to modernize the public service, strengthen accountability and build institutional resilience in the face of rapid technological and geopolitical change.

Mr. Hannaford retired from the public service in July 2025. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada.

Mr. Hannaford holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto and a Master of Science in international relations from the London School of Economics. He and his wife, Anne, have two adult children.

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, BSc, MSc, LLB, P.C.

Former Federal Cabinet Minister

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, BSc, MSc, LLB, P.C. served 11 years as the Conservative MP for Milton (Halton), during which time she served as Deputy Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, as well as holding various portfolios including Transport, Labour and Natural Resources.

Raitt joined CIBC Capital Markets as Vice-Chair and Managing Director, Global Investment Banking in January 2020.

Raitt serves on the boards of Leon’s Furniture Limited, Pomerleau Construction and the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario. Among her many community commitments, she is Vice-Chair on the boards of Care Canada and St. Francis Xavier University. She also serves on the boards of Baycrest Health Sciences, the Global Risk Institute, the Public Policy Forum and the Community Foundation of North Halton. She is a Fellow of the Canada Institute.

Raitt is Co-Chair of the Coalition for a Better Future, a diverse group of over 140 organizations focusing on sustainable, inclusive economic growth. She was also Co-Chair of the Task Force on Housing and Climate, which recently published the Blueprint for More and Better Housing.

From 1998 to 2008, Lisa Raitt held leadership positions at the Toronto Port Authority, including General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, Harbourmaster and finally President and CEO. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from St. Francis Xavier University, a Master of Science from University of Guelph and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. She was also named a Harold G. Fox Scholar in 1998 working with Middle Temple Barristers in London, U.K.

Raitt is the proud mother of two sons, John Colin and William, and a devoted caregiver to her spouse Bruce, who has young-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She advocates for caregivers and families impacted by dementia.

David Coletto

CEO, Abacus Data

Infinitely curious, passionate and eternally optimistic — these are just a few words to describe David Coletto, the Founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data. With a career spanning over two decades, David has devoted his life to exploring what people think and feel about their work, their lives and their politics. He believes that understanding what motivates and informs people’s worldview, we can create a more understanding, empathetic and action-driven world.

David is one of Canada’s best known and most respected public opinion analysts, pollsters and social researchers. He works with some of North America and Europe’s biggest and most respected brands, associations and unions and is frequently called upon by news organizations, to assess public opinion as events happen. In January 2024 and again in March 2026, The Hill Times recognized him as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Canadian Politics noting, “when David Coletto releases polling numbers, Ottawa listens.”

He speaks to thousands of people in audiences from massive national conferences to intimate briefings in boardrooms across North America and Europe.

Earning a PhD in Political Science from the University of Calgary in 2010, David is an expert on survey research methodology, corporate reputation, public affairs, voting behaviour and the intersection of public opinion and public policy. He is a Professor in the Graduate Program of Political Management at Carleton University where he teaches courses in polling, political marketing and designing public affairs strategies.

Outside of Abacus, David is also involved in his community. He’s a member of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Riverkeeper and on the policy committee of Imagine Canada.

Obsessed with all things cycling, David brings his bike anywhere he can, exploring the landscape, food and people of places all around the world. He is also active and a sponsor of Canada’s only professional cycling team Toronto Hustle.

He curates and writes a personal newsletter — inFocus with David Coletto — that is read by thousands of business, political and community leaders. He is also a regular contributor on the The Hub Canada Politics podcast.

Erin Bonokoski

Partner, Crestview

Erin brings more than a decade of senior strategic communications, campaign and public affairs experience in both the public and private sectors. She provides critical insight working across all government departments to influence decision makers and implement results-driven campaigns.

Erin was most recently the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Health Standards Organization and Accreditation Canada, two global not-for-profit healthcare organizations dedicated to quality and safety in 38 countries.

Previously, Erin served as Director of Strategic Communications to Prime Minister Stephen Harper overseeing all proactive government communications including events, announcements, legislation and policies. Erin was also the Manager of Operations for the 2015 election Leader’s tour.

Erin holds certifications in Strategic Communications and Change from the University of Ottawa and from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2). She earned degrees in Political Studies (Honours) and History (Honours) from Trent University and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Relations and Communications from Humber College.

The Honourable Evan Solomon

Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation

Represents the riding of Toronto Centre

The Honourable Evan Solomon is no stranger to turning moments of profound change into opportunities to build a better future for Canadians. Long before being elected as the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre in 2025, Minister Solomon forged a dynamic ten-year career as an entrepreneur — launching and leading a venture that bridged technology and media, with a focus on connecting with Canadians. His entrepreneurial drive sharpened his instinct for innovation and his talent for building teams capable of tackling the challenges of a rapidly shifting world.

Recognized as a trusted voice in Canadian journalism, Solomon had a broadcasting career spanning over two decades, across newsrooms, studios and digital platforms. As the acclaimed host of CTV’s Power Play and Question Period, and CBC’s Power & Politics, he earned a reputation for incisive analysis and fearless interviews. His work as a columnist for Maclean’s and The Globe and Mail, as well as his role as publisher of GZERO Media and as senior executive at Eurasia Group, made him a fixture not just on Canadian airwaves but also among global leaders seeking clarity amid complexity.

Solomon is also an author and has contributed to bestselling works like Fueling the Future and Feeding the Future. His important contribution to Canada has earned him the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

It was the historic, hinge moment currently facing Canada that called Solomon into the public service. Inspired by the conviction that this is an opportunity and a responsibility not to be missed, he answered the Prime Minister’s call, determined to help shape Canada’s digital future to deliver better services for Canadians.

Minister Solomon is a proud graduate of McGill University, having majored in English literature and religious studies. He is a devoted father of two and lives in Toronto with his wife, Tammy — always guided by the belief that bold ambition, entrepreneurial spirit and a deep sense of service can build the future Canadians deserve.

The Honourable Marc Miller

Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture

The Honourable Marc Miller was first elected in 2015 as the Member of Parliament for Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs in Montréal. He previously served as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; Minister of Indigenous Services; and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Before entering politics, Minister Miller was a practising lawyer. He specialized in mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on international and commercial law, and worked in Montréal, Stockholm and New York City. Previously, he served as an infantry soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Minister Miller made history in 2017 when he delivered a statement in the House of Commons entirely in Mohawk, marking the first time the language had been spoken in either the House of Commons or Senate since Confederation. He has also been a forceful advocate for increased federal investment in affordable housing, public transit and the Canada Child Benefit.

Minister Miller has been involved in several charitable and pro bono legal initiatives. He has also authored articles on constitutional and human rights law.

Minister Miller is a graduate of the Université de Montréal, where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science. He also graduated from McGill University with degrees in Common Law and Civil Law.

He was born and raised in Montréal.

General M.A.J. Carignan

Chief of the Defence Staff

A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada in Engineering, General Jennie Carignan was commissioned into the Canadian Military Engineers in 1990.

Since then, she commanded two Combat Engineer Regiments, Royal Military College Saint-Jean and the 2nd Canadian Division, where she led more than 10,000 soldiers and spearheaded crisis operations during the flood relief efforts in the spring of 2019 in Quebec. More recently, she led NATO Mission Iraq from November 2019 to November 2020. Gen Carignan participated in three previous expeditionary operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Golan Heights and Afghanistan. From 2021 to 2024, Gen Carignan was appointed Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture. 

Along the way, Gen Carignan earned a master’s degree in business administration from Université Laval and a second master’s degree from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies. She is also a graduate of the National Security Studies Programme from Canadian Forces College in Toronto and the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Huntington University.

Gen Carignan has been invested as Commander of the Order of Military Merit and is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Cross. She received the prestigious Gloire de l’Escolle medal which recognizes graduates from Université Laval who have distinguished themselves professionally and in service to their communities. She was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in Business Administration from Université Laval.

Gen Carignan was promoted to her current rank in July 2024 and appointed as Chief of the Defence Staff.

Married, Gen Carignan is the mother of four children, two of whom proudly serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Andrew Coyne

Leading Political Analyst & Politics Expert, The Globe and Mail and CBC The National

Andrew Coyne, a renowned Canadian columnist, is a catalyst for action, motivating audiences to transcend their perceived limitations and unlock their untapped potential. With his incisive commentary and razor-sharp wit, Coyne has emerged as a powerful voice in Canadian journalism, fearlessly exploring political and economic issues.

An advocate for democratic reform, Coyne has played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion on electoral changes. His focus on promoting a more representative and accountable system has influenced political debates at both the federal and provincial levels. Coyne’s contributions extend beyond his columns, as he engages in public debates and panel discussions, bridging the gap between academic discourse and public understanding.

Coyne’s influential writings have also been captured in his books, such as “The Uncertain Revolution,” exploring the complexities of constitutional reform in Canada. His ability to delve into intricate legal and political issues while maintaining a clear and engaging writing style showcases his wide-ranging expertise