Toronto Talks

Toronto is about to welcome the world. One of the largest sporting events on the planet is coming to the city this summer, and getting millions of visitors to and from the waterfront is no small feat. With match days expected to be bigger than Game Seven of the World Series, Toronto's transit system is about to face its biggest test.   Recorded live at the Board's Home Field Advantage event, Giles Gherson sits down with Mandeep Lali, CEO of the TTC, and Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Metrolinx, to talk through the plan, the pressure, and what it all means for downtown employers.

Canada is not a country of business. Not at the moment. On the latest episode of Toronto Talks, Giles Gherson speaks with Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair in the Office of the CEO at CIBC, about why Toronto's productivity gap with ten major US metros has grown to nearly $100,000 per worker, what's driving the outflow of talent and capital, and what it will actually take to start thinking and acting like a country of business.

Ontario is in the middle of the largest transit expansion in its history and two of the province's most senior ministers say the hardest part is behind us. Recorded live at the Board's 11th Annual Transportation Symposium, this conversation between Giles Gherson and Ministers Sarkaria and McCarthy covers GO Expansion, the shift to alliance-style procurement, OneFare, and why — despite the bumps on the road — the future has never looked brighter for getting around the Toronto region.

Giles Gherson sits down with Wellington Holbrook, President & CEO of Vancity, to discuss how institutions of different sizes contribute to a strong and resilient financial ecosystem. Holbrook explains Vancity’s growing presence in Canada’s financial capital and it's supporting role in housing, clean energy, community infrastructure, and small business growth. The conversation explores how mid-sized institutions can complement Canada’s well-established banking sector by advancing innovation, and deepening relationship-based financial services.

In this special bonus episode, recorded live at a Toronto Region Board of Trade luncheon, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Anita Anand, sits down with John Stackhouse, Senior Vice-President at RBC, just hours after returning from trade negotiations in India and as a new military conflict in the Middle East unfolds in real time. From the breaking Iran-Israel crisis to Canada's accelerating reset with India, China, and the Asia-Pacific, Minister Anand offers unfiltered, first-hand insight into where Canada's foreign policy is headed and what it means for business.

In this episode of Toronto Talks, Giles Gherson speaks with Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, about what it takes to plan, build, and operate regional rail systems in the world’s leading cities. Drawing on Alstom’s experience across Canada, the United States, and Europe, Michael explains why long-term planning, disciplined execution, and a focus on day-to-day service quality matter as much as capital investment. The conversation looks at GO Expansion, electrification, modern signaling, and the role of operations and maintenance in delivering reliable service that people trust. They also explore why regional rail has become a critical piece of economic infrastructure. As congestion, labour access, and productivity shape business decisions across the Toronto region, the ability to move people efficiently is no longer just a transit issue. It is a competitiveness issue that will influence growth for decades to come.

Toronto’s rental housing challenge is far from over. In this episode of Toronto Talks, Giles Gherson speaks with Tony Irwin, President and CEO of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario, about why short-term market indicators can be misleading and why rental housing remains critical to Toronto’s long-term growth. Irwin explains why nearly half of the city’s residents rent, how rental affordability affects talent attraction and workforce stability, and why essential workers and families are increasingly priced out.

In this year-end episode of Toronto Talks, Giles Gherson sits down with Goldy Hyder, President & CEO of the Business Council of Canada, to look back on a tumultuous 2025 — and ahead to the choices Canada must confront in 2026. Together, they examine an uncomfortable paradox: a country with every structural advantage a modern economy should want still finds itself struggling to scale companies, attract investment, or remove the barriers it built for itself. As they reflect on the year, they press into the questions 2025 made impossible to avoid: Why did a more assertive U.S. catch us off guard yet again? How did regulatory inertia become a defining feature of Canadian policymaking? And heading into 2026, is our real challenge competitiveness — or complacency? Hyder argues that Canada’s greatest vulnerability isn’t external pressure but the comfort that allows drift to masquerade as stability. If 2025 was a wake-up call, then 2026 will test whether we’re willing to act.

As AI moves from helpful tool to ever-present companion, what does that mean for how we work, lead, and stay in control? In his new book You to the Power of Two, Don Tapscott argues we’re entering the age of Identic AI—digital extensions of ourselves that can think, act, and even negotiate on our behalf. In this episode, World Trade Centre Toronto VP Jon Worren sits down with Don to explore how Identic AI could transform business, reshape personal identity, and test our ability to build technology we can trust. From the future of executive work to the question of who owns our digital selves, this is a conversation about what’s coming and why Canada needs to get ahead of it.

AI doesn’t create value until people use it. Olivier Blais, co-founder and Vice President of AI at Moov AI, shares how businesses can turn artificial intelligence into real results. From grocery forecasting that cuts waste to financial tools that save hours of manual work, he explains how to build trust, boost productivity, and make AI part of everyday operations. This episode of Toronto Talks is brought to you by the AI Business Catalyst program from World Trade Centre Toronto. It helps small and mid-sized businesses use AI to strengthen operations and drive growth through hands-on tools and expert coaching. To learn more visit bot.com/aibc.

This fall, the Toronto International Film Festival marked its 50th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates not only great storytelling, but the powerful economic engine behind it.  In this special #TIFF50 conversation, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey joins Jennifer van der Valk, the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, to reflect on how a local showcase for Canadian filmmakers became a global industry hub. From $240 million in annual impact to the next generation of creative talent and cross-border collaboration, Bailey shares what it takes to turn art into enterprise and why Toronto’s film story is also a business success story still in the making.

Weeks before delivering Ontario’s Fall Economic Statement, the province’s Finance Minister joined the Board's President and CEO, Giles Gherson, for a timely and candid conversation about how Ontario is navigating global trade tensions and economic uncertainty. From record infrastructure investments to interprovincial trade and the race to lead in nuclear innovation, the Minister outlined a vision of nation building at speed; built on fiscal discipline, domestic strength, and long-term growth.

As Ontario embarks on some of the largest infrastructure and mining investments in its history, one truth stands out: success depends on Indigenous partnership. In this episode, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by focusing on the critical role Indigenous communities play in shaping Ontario’s economic future. Michael Fox, President of Indigenous Community Engagement, moderates a powerful discussion with Chief Cornelius Wabasse of the Webequie First Nation and The Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs.  Then, Minister Rickford joins the Board's President and CEO, Giles Gherson for a sit-down conversation. The conversations speak about: The road to developing the Ring of Fire responsibly Embedding Indigenous leadership from the start Training the next generation of Indigenous workers Access to capital and building sovereign wealth Turning policy into practice with real infrastructure investments

Ontario and Alberta, two of Canada’s largest economies, are moving past old rivalries to forge a stronger economic partnership. With new agreements in place, the provinces are working to break down trade barriers, recognize credentials across borders, and collaborate on energy, infrastructure, and investment. In this episode, Alberta’s senior representative in Ottawa, James Carpenter, joins us to discuss what this new chapter means for businesses, workers, and Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage.

In this episode, we explore how Toronto’s 10-kilometre waterfront can transform the city from being a city on a lake to a true Waterfront City. Achieving this vision means striking the right balance between housing, employment lands, culture, and industry. The conversation, hosted by our President & CEO Giles Gherson, touches on: How flood protection is unlocking new neighbourhoods Why transit investments like East Harbour and marine mobility are game changers How mixed-use planning, cultural destinations and film studios can create year-round activity and well-paid jobs. We also examine how city-owned lands and port operations can coexist with public spaces, and why connecting destinations from west to east is essential for long-term success. This episode features Vic Gupta, CEO of CreateTO, and Chris Glaisek, Chief Planning & Design Officer at Waterfront Toronto.

In this episode of Toronto Talks, Deb Pimentel, President of IBM Canada joins us to share how IBM is helping Canadian companies unlock real productivity gains through AI. From a storied past in hardware to becoming a global leader in hybrid cloud and AI, IBM’s transformation is a case study in strategic reinvention. She outlines how IBM is applying AI internally to improve its own productivity and how it’s helping clients do the same. If you want to understand what it actually takes to adopt AI in your business, this is not an episode to miss.

Entrepreneurship takes resilience. For Theresa Bailey, it also took Play-Doh. In this episode we sit down with Theresa, founder of Starfish Synergies Inc. and winner of this year’s Export Plan of the Year Award from the World Trade Centre Toronto. She shares how a cancelled contract during the pandemic sparked an unexpected pivot, from team-building workshops to a North American licensing deal with Hasbro. Theresa talks with World Trade Centre Toronto’s VP Jon Worren about starting a business in a crisis, building emotional intelligence into corporate strategy, and scaling internationally with the help of our Trade Accelerator Program.

Canada sits on 150 years of natural gas reserves, yet we watched helplessly as Europe begged for energy we couldn't deliver.  In this episode, Michele Harradence, Executive Vice President and President at Enbridge Gas, reveals how Canada's energy infrastructure challenges are costing us billions and why the time to act is now. Michele and the Board's President and CEO, Giles Gherson explore: How Enbridge's $350 million PREP project unlocked $4.5 billion in potential investment opportunities in southwestern Ontario Why Ontario's 300 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage helped stabilize prices during Winter Storm Elliott while other regions faced crisis The productivity gains from utility integration, including how Enbridge returned $100 million in savings to Ontario customers How renewable natural gas and hydrogen can work within existing infrastructure as part of Canada's net-zero transition Why declaring energy as a national interest and streamlining regulations could position Canada as a global energy leader Michele also shares how generative AI is transforming customer service, why natural gas provides the flexibility needed for a 24/7 economy, and what it will take for Canada to capitalize on growing global demand before other nations capture these markets.

At the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s 2025 Annual Lunch, the message was clear: it’s time to create the conditions for growth. This episode brings you into the room as we launched our bold new campaign, Stronger Starts Here, and heard directly from Mayor Olivia Chow about how Toronto is tackling congestion, accelerating housing, and preparing for the future. In conversation with our president and CEO, Giles Gherson, Mayor Chow lays out her vision for a more affordable, connected, and prosperous city—including a new “traffic czar,” a second New Deal with the province, and coordinated efforts across all levels of government and business. Join the movement at StrongerStartsHere.ca

Canada’s clean energy future depends on more than just minerals, it needs meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. In this episode, Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, explains why Indigenous-led innovation is essential to the success of Canada’s energy transition and what needs to change for that potential to be fully realized. The Board's SVP of Marketing and Communications, Jennifer van der Valk,  and Tabatha touch on: Why Indigenous equity in energy projects reduces risk and accelerates progress The persistent barriers to capital, procurement, and opportunity How social capital—and a single connection—can change everything What every business leader can do right now to support a more inclusive economy Tabatha also shares how CCIB’s new Connects Program is working to close the gap between Indigenous entrepreneurs and Canada’s business networks, one conversation at a time. Learn more about the program at https://www.ccab.com/connects/. This episode is supported by Imperial. Learn more at imperialoil.ca.

In this episode of Toronto Talks, Giles Gherson sits down with Gordon McCauley, President and CEO of AdMare BioInnovations, to explore what it will take to turn the Toronto Region into a global life sciences powerhouse. From talent gaps and capital constraints to scaling barriers and regulatory inefficiencies, they get candid about the roadblocks—and how to overcome them. This conversation coincides with the release of the Board's new report, The Winning Formula: A Playbook for Ontario’s Life Sciences Sector, which offers practical solutions for building anchor firms, attracting global capital, and driving biotech breakthroughs right here at home.

Downsview is no longer just a part of Toronto’s past, it’s about to define the city’s future. In this episode, Derek Goring, CEO of Northcrest Developments and Chair of the Business Council of Toronto’s Climate and Energy Transition Council, joins Giles Gherson to reveal how the YZD project will transform 370 acres of land into seven new, complete communities. Hear how Northcrest is creating a connected, climate-smart, and vibrant destination with space for thousands of residents and jobs, and a new vision for sustainable urban living.

As Toronto City Council prepares to debate the Board's Congestion Action Plan, business leaders are urging immediate action. In this episode, Sal Iacono, President and CEO of Cadillac Fairview and a member of the Board’s Congestion Governing Council, shares real-world examples of how gridlock is hurting business and why waiting to act is no longer an option.

The TTC’s interim CEO, Greg Percy, joins our President and CEO Giles Gherson to talk about how we restore public confidence, build a stronger customer experience, and rethink the financial model that powers our city’s transit. This episode was recorded during the Board's 10th Annual Transportation Symposium: From Gridlock to Growth.

What takes a supercomputer 7 million years, Christian Weedbrook’s Toronto-based quantum computer did in just two minutes. Christian Weedbrook, CEO and founder of Xanadu, sits down to explain quantum computing in plain English and why it matters for industries like health care and clean tech, what makes Toronto a global hub for talent, and why this moment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Canada to lead. 

Canada is a leader in AI research, but are we applying that technology to boost our own industries? Greta Cutulenco, CEO and co-founder of Acerta Analytics, joins us to discuss how we need to do a better job using AI to transform this country’s manufacturing sector. This episode is being released shortly after International Women’s Day, highlighting a trailblazer shaping our economy. As a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Greta shares her perspective on leadership, breaking barriers, and building a global tech company. 

Canada is facing a new trade war, and businesses are bracing for uncertainty. How can we defend our economic interests, secure investment, and navigate the unpredictability of U.S. trade policies? In this episode, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, joins Toronto’s business leaders for a frank conversation on the future of trade, the impact of tariffs, and what Canadian businesses must do to stay competitive.  

From electrification to Industry 4.0, Ontario’s manufacturing sector is undergoing a seismic shift. Frank Voss, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, shares how innovation in technology, workforce development, and global partnerships is reshaping the industry.  This conversation was recorded during the Board's Manufacturing Symposium in October. 

Toronto’s gridlock has reached crisis levels. To get our region moving again, the Board is preparing to release a bold Congestion Action Plan. John Kiru, Executive Director of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, joins our President and CEO, Giles Gherson to discuss how better coordination, smarter policies, and decisive action can finally get Toronto moving. 

Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector is skyrocketing, with $50 billion in investments driving innovation in EVs, green steel, and aerospace. MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley discusses how technologies like robotics, 3D printing, and augmented reality are reshaping manufacturing—and how these advancements are paving the way for a new industrial frontier in space.

Toronto is at a financial crossroads. Councillor Shelley Carroll, Budget Chief for the city, joins the Board to discuss tackling the city’s $1.8 billion budget shortfall. From structural fiscal challenges to the need for predictable funding and smarter spending, hear how Toronto can rebuild its financial foundation and ensure a thriving future.

Canada’s productivity crisis is catching up to us. Giles Gherson and Jon Ramscar, CEO of CBRE Canada, unpack why the Toronto region is falling behind and what it will take to turn things around. From unlocking employment lands to cutting red tape, discover actionable solutions to boost economic growth and reclaim our competitive edge.

Toronto Talks is a new podcast from the Toronto Region Board of Trade bringing the voice of our business community directly to your ears.   Each episode will feature a conversation about how innovation is reshaping industries, how CEOs are addressing productivity challenges, and why Toronto is poised to grow across key sectors of our economy.   Toronto Talks will cover the issues that matter most to our members and the broader business community - from congestion, to productivity, to manufacturing, and more! Subscribe today and listen to the conversations driving our region forward. Visit our website to learn more about the Board's events, advocacy initiatives, and new reports: https://bot.com/home