Shaping Canada, One Conversation at a Time

The Walrus Talks connects you with the thinkers shaping policy, culture, and community. Engage, learn, and be part of the discussion, in person and online this fall.

Rogers presents

The Walrus Talks Sovereign Canada

Exploring the past, present, and future of Canadian sovereignty in a changing world

TONIGHT: Tuesday, October 28
4 p.m. PDT | 5 p.m. MDT | 5 p.m. CST | 6 p.m. CDT | 7 p.m. EDT | 8 p.m. ADT | 8:30 p.m. NDT

In person in Toronto and livestreamed event

What does sovereignty mean for Canada in a rapidly changing world?

At The Walrus Talks Sovereign Canada, seven speakers from seven different disciplines will share expert perspectives on the policies, priorities, and possibilities shaping Canadian independence.

From identity and culture to economy, climate, innovation, and security, this timely conversation will explore how sovereignty affects Canadians today and how it could define the path forward. Be part of the conversation on October 28 in Toronto, or join the livestream from anywhere in Canada.

FEATURING

Marisa Beck, Research Director, Clean Growth, Canadian Climate Institute

Deanna Horton, Distinguished Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto and at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Stephen Maher, Journalist and Novelist

Jesse McCormick, Consultant, Indigenous Participation in Major Project Developments

The Hon. James Moore, Former Minister of Industry

Sean Speer, Co-founder and Editor at Large at The Hub

Richard Stursberg, Former Media Executive, Assistant Deputy Minister for Culture and Broadcasting, and Head of English Services at CBC

The Belonging Forum presents

The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging

Reimagining the spaces that bring us together

NEXT WEEK: Tuesday, November 4
7 p.m. PST | 8 p.m. MST | 9 p.m. CST | 10 p.m. EST | 11 p.m. AST | 11:30 p.m. NST

Virtual event

How do the places where we gather shape how we connect? From housing to green spaces, public libraries to digital forums, the environments around us play a vital role in fostering belonging and community.

At The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, four speakers will share their unique perspectives on how the spaces we design and invest in can strengthen our social fabric. 

Join us online on November 4 for an evening of ideas and inspiration about how environments we create today can give a shared sense of belonging for generations to come.

FEATURING

Anna Gallagher-Ross, Senior Manager of Programming, The Bentway

Jorge Garza, Director, Networks for Change, Tamarack Institute

Michelle Hoar, Project Director, Hey Neighbour Collective; Fellow, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University

Åsa Kachan, CEO and Chief Librarian, Halifax Public Libraries

MakeWay, Philanthropic Foundations Canada, RBC, Vancity Community Foundation, and Vancouver Foundation present

The Walrus Talks Philanthropy in a Changing Canada

How philanthropy is evolving to serve the needs of our communities

Wednesday, November 12
4 p.m. PST | 5 p.m. MST | 6 p.m. CST | 7 p.m. EST | 8 p.m. AST | 8:30 p.m. NST

In person in Vancouver and livestreamed event

Philanthropic endeavours in Canada play a vital role in bridging the gaps that social safety nets can’t. With the never-ending trade war with the US and the possibility of a recession looming, philanthropic support from foundations is more important than ever.

The Walrus Talks Philanthropy in a Changing Canada brings together seven speakers who will discuss how philanthropy and charities are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. What is the unique role of philanthropic foundations in the Canadian support system? How does philanthropy change based on the communities it supports? And, if we dream, how would we reenvision the philanthropic and charitable sector?

Join us in Vancouver, or online, to learn about the trends in philanthropy directly from the voices of the people doing the work.

FEATURING

Kris Archie, CEO, The Circle on Philanthropy

Djaka Blais, Executive Director, Hogan's Alley Society

Anthonia Ogundele, Founder and Executive Director, Ethós Lab

Donna-Lynn Rosa, CEO, Atira Women’s Resource Society

Matthew Smedley, Executive Director and CEO, Mission Possible

Christine Smith-Martin, CEO, Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative

Pamela Uppal-Sandhu, Director of Policy, Ontario Nonprofit Network

YWCA Canada presents

The Walrus Talks Ending Gender-Based Violence

Supported by Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health and Uber

A national conversation for change

Wednesday, November 19
4 p.m. PST | 5 p.m. MST | 6 p.m. CST | 7 p.m. EST | 8 p.m. AST | 8:30 p.m. NST

In person in Ottawa and livestreamed event

Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. It disproportionately affects women, girls and gender diverse people, impacting over half of Canada’s population and costing lives.

Canada is at a critical turning point in how it responds to gender-based violence. The Walrus Talks Ending Gender-Based Violence brings together activists, advocates and experts to examine pressing policy gaps and cultural shifts that can reduce and prevent gender-based violence. This timely event will highlight lived experience, evidence-based solutions and the need for coordinated, cross-sector action.

Join us in Ottawa for this urgent discussion, part of YWCA Canada’s annual Rose Campaign and just ahead of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. Connect with fellow advocates, policymakers, and engaged Canadians as we work toward a future free from violence.

FEATURING

Waneek Horn-Miller, Former Co-Captain, Canada’s Olympic Women’s Water Polo Team; Keynote and Motivational Speaker

Keri Lewis, Executive Director, Interval House of Ottawa

Samira Mohyeddin, Founder and Managing Editor, On The Line Media

Yamikani Msosa, Gender Justice Organizer

Aline Nizigama, CEO, YWCA Canada

Celeste Trianon, Founding Director, Juritrans

And more

Upcoming Events