Program
Tuesday, October 28
Land acknowledgement and opening remarks by Elder Commanda.
Welcome remarks by Gabriel Miller, President and CEO, Universities Canada.
Join David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data and Erin Bonokoski, Partner at Crestview, who will show how Universities Canada is turning data into action through a pilot national communications campaign.
Join Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, and John Ibbitson, Writer-at-Large at the Globe and Mail, in conversation with Catherine Clark, Co-Founder of The Honest Talk. Together, they will launch their new co-authored book, Breaking Point: The New Big Shifts Putting Canada at Risk (Penguin Random House Canada, 2025), and share insights on the forces reshaping Canada’s political landscape.
Evening reception with parliamentarians.
Wednesday, October 29
At a time when Canada is competing globally for talent and universities are facing serious financial pressures, the need for a unified voice has never been greater. Institutions across the country are advocating on shared priorities such as international education, research, workforce development and financial sustainability, yet often with different messages, tones and strategies. In a sector working to adapt in a volatile environment, how can Universities Canada and other sectoral associations align efforts and amplify impact? This candid conversation will explore the path from parallel advocacy to coordinated action and how we build a stronger national voice while respecting regional and institutional diversity.
In today’s polarized environment, media stories can take on a life of their own, especially when your institution is at the centre of controversy. This off-the-record, interactive session features a conversation with a national journalist on what drives headlines, how media is evolving and how universities can stay focused on their mission when the spotlight finds them.
How do you respond when your institution is at the centre of a political or media firestorm? This interactive session brings together communication and GR colleagues to walk through real-world issues and offer strategies for staying mission-focused under pressure.
