💬 From Productivity to Philanthropy: Join the Conversation

Next week, The Walrus dives into productivity and climate.

What drives productivity, why it matters, and how Canada’s top researchers can power an innovation nation. Plus, cutting through disinformation in economic and environmental policy.

SSHRC-CRSH presents

The Walrus Talks at Home: Growing Canadian Productivity

How can Canada become an innovation nation?

Put simply, productivity measures how we convert work into economic output. Strong productivity leads to faster growth, more jobs, and higher wages, and can help protect the economy from high inflation and the shocks of—for example—a global trade war. But Canada’s productivity growth has stagnated in recent years – and over the past four decades, it has slipped significantly.

One way to build up productivity is to harness the energies of Canada’s most innovative thinkers. Every day, brilliant minds are developing research and ideas that could help remedy our lagging productivity. How can we better transfer these critical efforts into the private sector?

Join us to learn more about how higher education can contribute to building Canada’s productivity.

Images of Tima Bansal, Trevor Tombe, Akolisa Ufodike, Val Walker

FEATURING

Tima Bansal, Canada Research Chair in Business Sustainability

Trevor Tombe, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Calgary; Director, Fiscal and Economic Policy, The School of Public Policy

Akolisa Ufodike, Associate Professor, School of Administrative Studies, York University

Val Walker, CEO, Business + Higher Education Roundtable

Max Bell School of Public Policy presents

Climate at a Crossroads

Tackling disinformation in economic and environmental policy

NEXT WEEK! Thursday, October 9 - Daytime Conference
Keynote and panel sessions from 9:30 a.m. EDT to 4:30 p.m. EDT

In person in Ottawa and livestreamed event

At a time of mounting climate urgency, the integrity of our public discourse is under siege. Coordinated disinformation campaigns are not only sowing doubt about solutions to mitigate climate change—they are undermining the very policy tools they require.

Climate disinformation is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a structural barrier to democratic governance.

This day-long event brings together global experts in climate and economic policy, media, and civil society to explore how climate disinformation is restraining progress. Join us, in Ottawa or online, for a riveting day of insights and conversation about how to ensure democratic governance in this new and contested climate crisis landscape.

FEATURING

Andrea Cairola, Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists ad interim, UNESCO

Andrew Leach, Professor of Economics and Law, University of Alberta

Catherine McKenna, CEO, Climate and Nature Solutions; Former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Infrastructure; Chair, UN Secretary General Expert Group on Net Zero

Charlotte Scaddan, Senior Adviser on Information Integrity, United Nations Global Communications

Molly Thomas, Host, TVO’s Big [If True]

And more!

Rogers presents

The Walrus Talks Sovereign Canada

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

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

Stephen Maher, Journalist and Novelist

Jesse McCormick, Consultant, Indigenous Participation in Major Project Developments

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

And more!

Purchase Tickets or Register for the Livestream

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

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

Anthonia Ogundele, Founder and Executive Director, Ethós Lab

Matthew Smedley, Executive Director and CEO, Mission Possible

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

And more!

Purchase Tickets or Register for the Livestream