Stephen Poloz, Chair of LNC Advisory Council & former Governor of Bank of Canada

In a time of rapid technological change and rising uncertainty, Canada must embrace digital transformation to stay globally competitive, says Stephen Poloz. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the digitalization of our economy. AI is just a prominent, catchy layer of this broader wave. But this general-purpose technology promises to deliver massive increases in productivity.” Chair Poloz offers a macroeconomic outlook grounded in historical perspective and calls for bold policy action to harness innovation, close investment gaps, and strengthen Canada’s resilience in an increasingly uncertain and competitive world. 

Sam Sebastian, VP, Canada Country Manager for Google Cloud

Sharon Hodgson, Dean, Ivey Business School (Moderator)

Cloud infrastructure is the foundation for AI innovation, and its role is growing fast. In this session, Google Cloud’s Sam Sebastian explores how cloud platforms are enabling AI adoption, scaling startups, and transforming traditional industries. He highlights Canada’s opportunity to lead, the importance of public-private partnerships, and how thoughtful policy and infrastructure investment can turn AI potential into economic power.

Mark Schaan, Senior ADM, Strategy, and Innovation Policy, ISED

Dr. Joel Martin, Chief Digital Research Officer & Chief Science Officer, National Research Council Canada

Mahmood Nanji, LNC Power Corporation of Canada Policy Fellow (Moderator)

What role should government play in the age of AI? In this session, senior leaders from ISED and the National Research Council reflect on Canada’s evolving AI strategy, from early investments in foundational research to today's efforts to foster talent, adoption, and trust. They discuss the challenges of commercialization, private sector engagement, and the critical importance of sustained, strategic public investment to unlock AI’s full economic and social potential.

Blake Goldring, Executive Chairman, AGF Management Ltd; LNC Advisory Council Member (Moderator)

Janet Bannister, Founder & Managing Partner, Staircase Ventures

Richard Black, Managing Partner, First Ascent Ventures

Richard Nathan, Senior Managing Director, Kensington Capital Partner

This panel features top voices in Canadian venture capital on what it takes to fund and scale innovative startups. Hear how they’re navigating global competition, shifting market conditions, and why long-term support, not just capital, is key to building world-class companies.

Eduard Van Gelderen, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, PSP Investments

Meghna Singh, Managing Director, Head of Strategy & Innovation, AIMCo

Alison Loat, Senior Managing Director, Sustainable Investing and Innovation, OPTrust

Mahmood Nanji, LNC Policy Fellow (Moderator)

Leaders from OPTrust, AIMCo, and PSP Investments shared how Canada’s top pension funds are approaching AI with caution and intent, prioritizing long-term innovation and risk management over short-term gains. Through direct investments, strategic partnerships, and support for enabling technologies, they’re focused on value beyond capital: alignment, learning, and responsible growth.

Salim Teja, Partner, Radical Ventures; LNC AI Industry Champion

Dr. Joel Martin, Chief Digital Research Officer & Chief Science Officer, National Research Council Canada

Alison Loat, Senior Managing Director, Sustainable Investing and Innovation, OPTrust

Darren Meister, Professor, Ivey Business School (Moderator)

This panel examined the foundations needed to strengthen Canada’s AI ecosystem, emphasizing five core priorities: talent development (including vocational training), access to compute, effective regulation, geopolitical positioning, and clean energy capacity. Panelists underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the creation of sector-specific sandboxes to drive adoption. Real-world use cases and public engagement were identified as key to building trust and understanding. While challenges remain, the discussion reflected a shared commitment to scaling Canada’s AI capabilities responsibly and competitively.