In the run-up to the 8th Annual Ontario Economic Summit (OES), the OES team got a chance to interview Parag Khanna, the leading next generation voice on the future of global affairs. Named one of Esquire magazine’s “75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century, you will not want to miss his Summit keynote address “The Next Wave of Globalization” on Tuesday, November 22nd.  

Covering the three key focus areas of this year’s Summit, namely Health Care, Energy and Urban Regions, Parag answered our questions pertaining to the state of the Eurozone and how it might impact Canada. He shared his views on Ontario’s ability to overcome its most pressing challenges in the light of growing global urbanization and even provided his forecast for the future of the U.S. economy.

Take a sneak peak at some of the issues Parag Khanna will address at this year’s Summit and read our full interview.

Sector leaders from across the province will come together in Toronto for the 2011 Ontario Economic Summit (OES), which will kick-off with a keynote address by President Bill Clinton, Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States.

The 8^th annual OES will be held November 21- 23, 2011 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto and will feature some of the world’s leading minds from the business, government, labour, academia, not-for-profit and aboriginal communities, with a focus on three key topics:

• Innovation in Health Care Delivery
• Ontario’s Energy Future
• Championing Urban Regions

We will open the Summit with a Keynote Speech by President Bill Clinton on Monday night. Through his speech “Embracing our Common Humanity”, President Clinton will describe the challenge of globalization, emphasize our growing interdependence and point the way toward a common future based on shared goals and values. His address will be an inspirational start to the Summit and a timely discussion considering the Summit’s overall theme – Towards Ontario’s Next Great Era.

A ticket to the Keynote Speech by President Bill Clinton (with priority seating) is available with a full registration to OES.

For more information or to register please visit the OES website.

2011 Ontario Economic Summit Speakers

	President Bill Clinton Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States
	Grand Opening Event: 8:00 – 9:00 PM – Monday, November 21, 2011
	Keynote Speech by President Bill Clinton: “Embracing our Common Humanity” President Clinton served the United States for eight years during a time of unprecedented prosperity and change.  Now, President Clinton is a powerful voice for progress around the world as he shares his unique insights and observations with audiences around the world.  President Clinton’s public speeches describe the challenge of globalization, emphasize our growing interdependence, and point the way toward a common future based on shared goals and values.
	Laurent Auguste President and Chief Executive Officer Veolia Water Americas Presenting: 3:15 – 4:15 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Appointed president and CEO for Veolia Water Americas in 2008, Mr. Auguste leads Veolia Water’s activities in North and South America.  He is a member of the Executive Committee for Veolia Water, the world’s No. 1 water company.The company’s North American operations serve 270 municipal and industrial customers and a population of 15 million.  South American activities are largely performed through Proactiva Media Ambiente, a joint venture with FCC, a Spanish construction company.A graduate of the prestigious engineering school École Centrale de Lyon, Mr. Auguste began his environmental services career in Tokyo in 1991.  He joined Veolia Water as a branch director in France in 1995. In 1999, he established the company’s foothold in South Korea, developing some of parent company Veolia Environnement’s largest industrial contracts and landing large wastewater build-operate-transfer projects.In 2002, he became president of Veolia Water Japan, which represents the only substantial foreign water services company operating in Japan.
	Read/Print Laurent Auguste’s Full Biography
	Roland Aurich President and Chief Executive Officer Siemens Canada Limited Presenting: 3:00 – 3:15 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Aurich is responsible for the overall strategic management, direction and leadership for all Siemens activities in Canada, including its four sectors: Industry, Energy, Health Care and Infrastructure & Cities. Mr. Aurich brings over 20 years of experience with Siemens Canada. He joined Siemens in 1986 and has held various senior positions within the global organization. Most recently, he was the President and CEO of Siemens AB in Sweden. Prior to that, he was responsible for sales of the Transportation Systems, Power Generation and Power Transmission & Distribution groups at Siemens in Sweden. Siemens is one of the largest and most diversified companies in the world of electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and health care sectors.  The company has approximately 5,000 employees in Canada, working to develop and manufacture products, design and install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of solutions for individual requirements. For almost 100 years in Canada, Siemens has stood for technical achievements, innovation, quality and reliability.  Sales for Siemens in Canada for fiscal 2010 (ended September 30), were $2.3 billion CAD.
	Read/Print Roland Aurich’s Full Biography
	Len Crispino President and Chief Executive Officer Ontario Chamber of Commerce
	As Ontario Chamber of Commerce President and CEO since April 2002, Len has worked tirelessly to build a stronger Chamber Network through change management.The Chamber has thrived under Len’s leadership with an expanded research and advocacy capability, an ISO 9001 designation, and with the founding of the Ontario Economic Summit, an event that brings together leaders from business, labour, government, academia, non-profit and Aboriginal communities. His working philosophy is to affect change by building multilateral relationships which lead to desired outcomes on a range of regulatory issues impacting business, from fiscal policy, competitive tax and regulatory regime, energy & infrastructure, health care costs, workforce development, Canada-US border to other relevant concerns.  He is a respected leader among all sectors of the economy.Len has served as Assistant Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Exports Inc. from 1993 to 2001.
	John Cruickshank (Moderator for “In Conversation with Premier Dalton McGuinty”) Publisher The Toronto Star Moderating: 12:45 – 2:30 PM – Wednesday, November 23 2011
	John Cruickshank is the Publisher of the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest newspaper, and President of Star Media Group. Mr. Cruickshank is the 9th publisher in the newspaper’s 119-year history. Mr. Cruickshank has enjoyed a distinguished career in newspapers and television in both Canada and the United States.Prior to his appointment as the Star’s Publisher in November, 2008, he served as Publisher of CBC News since September, 2007, where he was responsible for all English language television, radio and online news. Before joining the CBC, he was Publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times and Chief Operating Officer of the Sun-Times Media Group, based in Chicago, from 2003 to 2007. Prior to being named Publisher of the Sun-Times, he was Vice President, Editorial, from 2000 to 2003. John is also a former Managing Editor of The Globe and Mail and former Editor-in-Chief of The Vancouver Sun. He has also worked for The Montreal Gazette and started his journalism career with the Kingston Whig Standard.Born and raised in Toronto, Mr. Cruickshank is a graduate of Trinity College at the University of Toronto.
	Read/Print John Cruickshank’s Full Biography
	The Honourable Richard M. Daley (“Championing Urban Regions “Keynote Address) Former Mayor of Chicago and Of Counsel Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP Presenting: 2:00 – 3:00 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	The longest-serving mayor in Chicago’s history, Richard M. Daley has earned an international reputation as a leading innovator in urban development, fiscal policy and government stewardship. During his 22-years, Chicago became a prominent player in the 21st century global economy, now ranking among the top economic centers and most influential cities worldwide. Mr. Daley pioneered a model of successful public-private partnerships that established Chicago as the benchmark for long-term sustainable economic and social benefits for urban growth and development. Throughout his career, Mr. Daley has maintained a commitment to unifying mayors across the United States and the world to tackle the challenges confronting cities. He served as the 54th president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, organized the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative in 2003 for the restoration of the Great Lakes, and founded and chaired the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for the Chicagoland region.  He has also hosted international conferences in Chicago for delegations of municipal leaders from the United States, Canada, China and the Middle East.Mr. Daley now serves as Of Counsel to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, an international law firm based in Chicago; a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy; a member of the International Advisory Board for the Russian Direct Investment Fund; and a senior advisor to JP Morgan Chase, where he will chair their new “Global Cities Initiative”with the Brookings Institution.
	Read/Print Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Full Biography
	Jan Dressel President and Chief Executive Officer Soventix Canada Inc. Presenting: 11:15 – 11:55 a.m. – Wednesday, November 23, 2011
	Jan started his professional career with Siemens, a large German conglomerate where he held several key positions in IT, Operations Management and Finance. His experience in the renewable and photovoltaic industry started in 1995 in California where he served as Vice President and CFO of Siemens Solar. A Canadian from Dutch descent, Jan graduated from McGill University in Montreal, and holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.
	James Eddy General Manager, Energy Vale Presenting: 10:30 – 11:10 a.m. – Wednesday, November 23, 2011
	Mr. Eddy is a Canadian who graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. He has 10 years of experience working in the Canadian steel industry and for the last 20 years has worked in mining and mineral processing operations in the United States and Canada.  In 1996, he joined Vale, a global mining company headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  For the majority of his tenure at Vale, he was responsible for the safe operation of several different processing facilities at the Sudbury, Ontario nickel operations.  In 2007, as a result of demonstrating “sustainable” leadership within the business and his commitment to the well-being of the community and the natural environment, Jim was appointed as the Director of Environment for Vale’s global Nickel operations.  In April 2009, he was appointed as the General Manager of Energy for Vale’s businesses in Canada and the UK.
	Read/Print James Eddy’s Full Biography
	Fred Eisenberger President and Chief Executive Officer Canadian Urban Institute Presenting: 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Fred Eisenberger was appointed President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute in December of 2010. Currently, he is also member of CivicAction’s 2011-2015 Steering Committee, joining other prominent Toronto region leaders in guiding to execute CivicAction’s post-2011 Summit strategy. His career includes serving as a Councillor for the City of Hamilton and the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth for nearly a decade in the 1990s.  In 2001, he was appointed by the Federal Government as the inaugural Chairman of the new Hamilton Port Authority providing strategic and operational leadership to one of Canada’s largest inland Ports and, in 2006, Eisenberger was elected Mayor of Hamilton and served until November of 2010.  As Mayor, he championed a wide array of successful initiatives promoting sustainability, urban revitalization and economic transformation in a diverse regional city of more than 500,000 people. His private sector experience as Government and Community Relations President for ECS Consulting (2000-2006) was focussed on providing public and private entities consulting services in strategic planning, business development, public relations and communications. While serving on the Metrolinx Board of Directors 2006-2009 and thereafter, Fred Eisenberger made his mark as an advocate for public transit, transit-oriented land-use, and active transportation (cycling, walking).  He is particularly known for his vision of sustainable cities and equally for his willingness to advance and defend often-unpopular positions with a long-term vision of urban sustainability, environmental remediation, and economic revitalization. During his mayoral tenure he served on several federal, provincial and local area Boards. In 1991-2000 as Hamilton City and Regional Councillor, Fred Eisenberger held Committee Chairmanships of Environmental Services, Parks & Recreation, Licensing, Planning and Development and West Harbourfront Development Committee.Fred was born in the Netherlands, raised and educated in Hamilton. He holds a license in residential and commercial real estate, diplomas in Municipal Planning and Development (Honours) as well as Communication Arts from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology along with selected courses on Political Science at McMaster University. He has taken courses towards Environmental Sciences (BES) at the University of Waterloo. Fred’s voluntary interests have involved the chairmanship of Giant’s Rib Discovery Centre in Hamilton highlighting the natural benefits of the Niagara Escarpment as well as the memberships of Hamilton Civic Coalition, Jobs and Prosperity Collaborative, Hamilton Roundtable of Poverty Reduction and Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
	Read/Print Fred Eisenberger’s Full Biography
	Tyler Elm Vice President, Business Sustainability, Corporate Strategy and Business Development Canadian Tire Corporation Presenting: 10:30 – 11:10 a.m. – Wednesday, November 23, 2011
	A leader in his field, Tyler specializes in employing business sustainability as a strategic framework for innovation, growth and organizational enhancement in profit-seeking organizations. In addition to his role with Canadian Tire, Tyler is a Member of the Retail Council of Canada’s Sustainability Task Force; a member of the Energy and Environment Committee at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Expert Advisory Committee at the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy; and Co-founder of the Global Business Sustainability Network, a private environmental for-profit serving more than 20 corporations with a cumulative annual revenue of $1.5 trillion. Tyler, recently named one of Canada’s “Clean50,” has an unprecedented wealth of first-hand knowledge, experience and success at incorporating sustainability into business operations and culture of government and industry. Tyler is the principal architect of the business sustainability strategies at several major retailers in the United States and Canada, including Canadian Tire Corporation.
	Read/Print Tyler Elm’s Full Biography
	Will Falk (Facilitator for “The Role of Technology in the Delivery of Health Care Services”) Executive Fellow in Residence, Health Policy and Public Sector Transformation Mowat Centre Facilitating: 1:10 – 1:50 p.m. – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Will is an independent director and advisor. He has academic appointments at the University ofToronto as an Adjunct Professor at the Rotman School of Management and as an Executive Fellow inResidence at the Mowat Centre for Policy Innovation.He spent 19 years as a strategist and consultantin New York and Toronto advising top academic centers, governments, and public companies inhealthcare.Will is a frequent speaker and author on health policy and innovation; his recent writing and speeches are available through the Mowat Centre.  Over his career he has had several advisory roles within federal and provincial governments.Will now works with innovative provider systems and firms as a Director, owner or asan advisor. Will is an advocate for child welfare issues and adoption system reform.
	Read/Print Will Falk’s Full Biography
	Laura Formusa (OES Co-Chair) President and Chief Executive Officer Hydro One Inc.
	Laura Formusa was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro One Inc., on November 23, 2007, having served as the Company’s acting President and Chief Executive Officer since December 8, 2006.  Her career spans more than 30 years at Ontario Hydro and Hydro One Inc.  She practised law in the areas of corporate/commercial, regulatory and environment and held various senior positions within the company until being appointed Hydro One’s General Counsel and Secretary in 2003.Ms. Formusa earned her Bachelor of Law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School and was admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1980, following her call to the Bar of Ontario.  She has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Ryerson University and an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies degree from Georgian College.  Ms. Formusa is currently serving a second term as trustee to the Banting Research Foundation and is a director of the Canadian Electricity Association.  She is also a director of DHX Media Inc., a publicly-listed company focusing on children and youth programming. She has been a director of Hydro One since March 30, 2007.
	Read/Print Laura Formusa’s Full Biography
	Dr. Stanlislav Glezer Vice President, Medical Affairs Sanofi Canada  Presenting: 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Stanislav Glezer was appointed Vice-President, Medical Affairs, of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc. on September 1, 2010. He received his MD degree in Moscow, Russia, and his MBA in California, USA. He also completed postgraduate training in clinical research and pharmacoeconomics at McGill University in Montreal.At sanofi-aventis, Dr. Glezer has held positions of increasing responsibility in the areas of medical affairs, sales and marketing. Prior to joining sanofi-aventis in 2001, he worked in clinical research, marketing and international business development in the pharmaceutical industry in Europe and Canada. Dr. Glezer has served on several industry committees and is often invited to speak on the subjects of patient registries and health management.
	Read/Print Dr. Stan Glezer’s Full Biography
	Mary Jo Haddad (OES Co-Chair) President and Chief Executive Officer The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
	Mary Jo was appointed President and CEO of SickKids in 2004. Since joining the hospital in 1984, she has held several leadership positions, including Executive VP and COO, Chief Nurse Executive, VP Child Health Services, and Director of Neonatology and Critical Care. Mary Jo is the Board Chair of MaRS Innovation, and Chair Provincial Council for Maternal Child Health. Mary Jo lectures at the University of Toronto, Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and at the U of T Rotman School of Business.  She is also a mentor for aspiring leaders from the Women’s Executive Network and the Creative Institute for Toronto’s Young Leaders and is frequently invited to speak on leadership. Mary Jo was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in June 2010 and is a recipient of the Premier’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.
	Read/Print Mary Jo Haddad’s Full Biography
	Andrea Horwath Leader of the New Democratic Party of Ontarion and MPP, Hamilton Centre Remarks: 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Andrea Horwath is Leader of the Ontario NDP.  She was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in a by-election in 2004 and now represents the riding of Hamilton Centre. Ms. Horwath is the first woman to lead the Ontario NDP and only the second to lead a major Ontario political party. Prior to entering provincial politics she served for seven years as a city councilor in Hamilton.Andrea was born in Stoney Creek and raised in Hamilton. She attended McMaster University where she earned her degree. As leader of the Ontario NDP, Andrea has focused on making life more affordable, improving health care and education, protecting good jobs and green, sustainable future for Ontario. Andrea lives in Hamilton with her son Julian.
	Read/Print Andrea Horwath’s Full Biography
	Tim Hudak Leader of the Official Opposition and MPP, Niagara West – Glanbrook Remarks: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Tim was born and raised in Fort Erie, a small town in Ontario. He and his younger sister Tricia were lucky to have the love, support and guidance of their parents, Pat and Anne Marie, both of whom were teachers. After graduating from university, Tim worked as a Customs Officer at the Peace Bridge. Then he traveled across the country as part of a management team helping a major international retailer grow its operations throughout Canada. In the early 1990?s, Tim became motivated to enter politics. Like most of Ontario, his town was having a tough time. His friends were leaving Fort Erie and heading to other places to find opportunities that were not available at home. Tim wanted to stand up for families like his own, and restore the jobs and the sense of community that were under such serious pressure where he lived, and across Ontario. Tim was first elected as the MPP for Niagara South in 1995. He served as a Cabinet Minister for five years. Tim was then elected the 23rd Leader of the Ontario PC Party in June 2009. But the most important dates in his life is October 5, 2002, when he married his wife Debbie, and October 3, 2007, when the light of his life – his daughter Miller – was born. Tim wants to be Premier to stand up for families – to restore Ontario as the economic engine that drives this great country, to ensure Miller has every opportunity to succeed like Tim had and more, and to deliver the change and relief Ontario desperately needs.
	Read/Print Tim Hudak’s Full Biography
	Christopher Hume (Moderator for “Championing Urban Regions: Their Importance to Provincial Prosperity”) Urban Issues Columnist The Toronto Star Moderating: 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Christopher Hume is the architecture critic and urban issues columnist of the Toronto Star. In 2009, he won a National Newspaper Award, Canada’s highest award in print journalism, for his columns about architecture and urban affairs. Since the 1980s, when he began working for the Star, he has received five NNA nominations. In 2009, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada gave Hume its President’s Award for Architectural Journalism. He has also received a certificate of appreciation from the Ontario Association of Architects. His book, William James’ Toronto Views, won a Toronto Heritage Award in 2000 and in 2004 he received a Landscape Ontario award. Hume was named Toronto’s best newspaper columnist by NOW magazine in 2005 and Eye magazine in 2006. In 2009, Hume hosted and wrote a one-hour special about Canadian cities for CBC TV’s flagship series, The Nature of Things. He appears frequently on radio and television as a commentator on city issues. Born in England in 1951, he came to Canada as a child. He was educated at the University of Toronto and Glendon College. Known as a champion of cities and the arts, Hume lives in downtown Toronto.
	Read/Print Christopher Hume’s Full Biography
	Dr David Grazter Senior Fellow The Manhattan Institute of Public Policy, New York Presenting: 10:40 – 11:20 AM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Health care. It’s a debate of great importance and intense interest to everyone. Confidence in our system is at an all time low, and people increasingly wonder if they will have access to the best treatment when they need it.  Horror stories about over-crowded emergency rooms and waiting lists for life-saving treatments only add to the concern and confusion. Yet, this debate has, until now, been dominated by special interests and entrenched positions.  New ideas and practical solutions are in great demand but short supply.  That’s why you should listen to David Gratzer. A Toronto-based physician and frequent media commentator, Dr. Gratzer strips the special interests and entrenched positions from the health-care debate and takes a clear-eyed, uncompromising look at the problems plaguing the system. Arguing that the two dominant schools of health-care reform – the magicians and the spendthrifts – are misguided, he outlines a health care system defined by individual choice and competition. It may be drastic medicine, but it is award winning: Dr. Gratzer’s book, Code Blue: Reviving Canada’s Health Care System, won the prestigious Donner Canadian Foundation Prize for the best book on Canadian public policy. In 2002 he edited and released a collection of essays on medicare entitled, Better Medicine: Reforming Canadian Health Care. David takes a clear-eyed and uncompromising look at the problems plaguing the health care system, and provides commentary that is insightful and balanced.  And, he offers his listeners real solutions to this most intractable of problems.  Drawing on evidence from around the world, he makes a convincing case why the old ways just won’t work, and provides a clear roadmap for a new, more effective, and accessible health care system for everyone.
	Read/Print Dr. David Gratzer’s Full Biography
	Dr. Stewart Kennedy (Facilitator for “Prevention & Awareness”) President and Chief Executive Officer Ontario Medical Association Facilitating: 1:10 – 1:50 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Dr. Stewart Kennedy is the Ontario Medical Association’s 130th president.He obtained his medical education at McMaster University and following this was the Chief Resident in Family Practice at the Calgary General Hospital. He also has a Masters in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa.Dr. Kennedy has been practicing comprehensive family medicine with active hospital privileges in Thunder Bay for over 25 years.  He has been on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Medical Association since 2000 and held the Chair position of a number of major committees, including the Physician Services Committee, the Negotiations Committee, the Hospital Issues Working Group and the Academic Medical Steering Committee. He has also been the Chair of the Section of General and Family Practice.
	Read/Print Dr. Stewart Kennedy’s Full Biography
	Parag Khanna (“The Next Wave of Globalization” Keynote Address) Director, Global Governance Initiative and Senior Research Fellow New America Foundation Presenting: 8:30 – 9:30 AM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Parag Khanna is a leading geo-strategist, world traveler and author. Presently a Senior Research Fellow at the New America Foundation, he is author of the international best-sellers How to Run the World: Charting a Course to the Next Renaissance (2011) and The Second World: Empires and Influence in the New Global Order (2008). In 2008, Parag was named one of Esquire’s “75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century,” and one of fifteen individuals featured in WIRED magazine’s “Smart List.” Parag served in the foreign policy advisory group to the Barack Obama for President campaign. During 2007 he was a senior geopolitical advisor to United States Special Operations Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. From 2002-5, he was the Global Governance Fellow at the Brookings Institution; from 2000-2002 he worked at the World Economic Forum in Geneva; and from 1999-2000, he was a Research Associate at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
	Read/Print Parag Khanna’s Full Biography
	Dr. Bernard Kouchner (“Innovation in Health Care Delivery” Keynote Address) Co-founder and Former President, Doctors Without Borders Former Minister (Foreign Affairs, Health), France Presenting: 9:45 – 10:40 AM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Bernard Kouchner is the co-founder and former president of Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders,) a Paris-based nonprofit humanitarian organization made up of voluntary medical personnel who contribute their time and expertise in assisting in situations of emergency or inadequate medical care in the developing world. In that capacity he has traveled extensively in all the troubled areas of the world.The first person to challenge the Red Cross’s stance of neutrality and silence in wars and massacres, Kouchner has played an important role in international humanitarian efforts for more than twenty years. As France’s Minister of Health and Humanitarian affairs, he convinced the U.N. to accept “the right to interfere” resolution, and after devastating civil wars in the Balkans, served as Special Representative to U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in Kosovo. Today, Kouchner continues to promote universal access to medical care, and takes part in international efforts in the fight against AIDS. He brings his in-depth experience with public health, human rights and international political involvement to his discussion of global issues. The author of several books and co-founder of the news magazines L’Evenement and Actuel, he is the recipient of several human rights awards, including the Dag Hammarskjold Prize and the Prix Europa.
	Read/Print Dr. Bernard Kouchner’s Full Biography
	The Honourable Frances Lankin P.C., LLD (Hon) Commissioner Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario Presenting: 3:15 – 4:15 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Frances Lankin has spent a lifetime in service to the community and is a recognized leader in the non-profit sector. She is the former President and CEO of United Way Toronto.  In November of last year Ms. Lankin was appointed by the Provincial Government to serve as Co-Commissioner of the Ontario Commission for the Review of Social Assistance. Ms. Lankin was a Member of Provincial Parliament from 1990 to 2001 and held posts as Minister of Government Services, Minister of Management Board, Minister of Health and Minister of Economic Development and Trade.In 2006, she chaired a federal government Blue Ribbon Panel, examining how Ottawa distributes $27 billion in grants and contribution programs. In 2009, Frances was appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to the Security Intelligence Review Committee, which provides an external review of CSIS operations.Recently, Frances received honourary Doctorate of Laws degrees from Queen’s and Ryerson Universities.
	Read/Print Frances Lankin’s Full Biography
	The Honourable Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario In Conversation with: 12:45 – 2:30 PM – Wednesday, November 23, 2011
	Dalton McGuinty is putting forward a positive, responsible plan for Ontario families that will see us reach our goal of making Ontario the place where the best-educated workers make the cutting-edge products and services that the world wants to buy. He has set an agenda heavily focused on jobs and the economy.His top priority remains education. Ontario’s schools are the best in the English-speaking world. The McGuinty government is phasing in North America’s first full-day kindergarten program. We will build on this progress with new emphasis on science, after-school programs and nutritious snacks that will help encourage healthy habits.Under McGuinty’s leadership in health care, Ontarians now have the shortest surgical wait times in the country. Since 2003, over 1 million more Ontarians gained access to a family doctor. Premier McGuinty is now working to redesign our health care system so it is ready for Ontario seniors. That’s why his plan includes house calls and a new Healthy Home Renovations tax credit to help families and create jobs.The government is also renewing its commitment to postsecondary education, creating more spaces and cutting tuition by 30 per cent for low- and middle-income students. We’ve made record investments in infrastructure that creates jobs today, and strengthens the province tomorrow. And we’ve introduced tax reforms that are attracting investment and creating jobs. Ontario is now a manufacturing hub for clean energy technology and a North American leader.Dalton McGuinty is Ontario’s 24th Premier and was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1990. He became Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in 1996 and led his party to a majority government in 2003. He was reelected to a second majority government in October, 2007. In 2011, he led the Ontario Liberal Party to a historic third mandate — the first time a Liberal Premier has done so in 125 years. Born on July 19, 1955, Dalton McGuinty was raised in Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighbourhood. One of ten children in a close family, he credits his parents with teaching him the values and ethics that guide him as Premier. Before entering politics, Dalton McGuinty practised law in Ottawa. He met his wife, Terri when they were both high school students in Ottawa. They have been married since 1980 and have four grown children.
	Read/Print Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Full Biography
	Dr. Jatin Nathwani (Facilitator for “A Competitive Energy Policy for Ontario”) Professor and Ontario Research Chair in Public Policy and Sustainable Energy Management University of Waterloo Faciliating: 12:05 – 12:45 PM – Wednesday, November 23, 2011
	Dr. Jatin Nathwani is at the forefront of the global green revolution, pushing for sustainable electricity development for billions worldwide. Working closely with the Ontario government in his role as Ontario Research Chair in Public Policy and Sustainable Energy Management, Dr. Nathwani is leading initiatives for energy conservation and demand management in the province. With a focus on developing tangible solutions for both industry and public policy, he is investigating micro-grid combinations of wind and hydrogen fuel cells for electricity in Ontario’s rural northern communities. Dr. Nathwani developed ‘The Life Quality Index,’ an effective tool that enables national policy decisions by assessing the lives of people in the midst of scarce resources. He has extensive experience in the energy sector in long-term corporate and policy strategy, regulatory affairs, and the timely integration of R&D into business practice and success. He is a member of Ontario’s Smart Grid Forum and a Board Member for the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Energy. Dr. Nathwani received his PhD in Engineering and Environment from the University of Toronto.
	Read/Print Dr. Jatin Nathwani’s Full Biography
	Steve Paikin (Moderator for President Bill Clinton’s Grand Opening Event Keynote Address “Embracing our Common Humanity”) Anchor and Senior Editor “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” TVOntario Moderating: 8:00 – 9:00 PM – Monday, November 21, 2011
	Read/Print Steve Paikin’s Full Biography
	Barbara Pitts (Moderator for “Innovative Solutions for Optimum Health Care Delivery”) Associate Partner and National Leader of the Health Care Services Group PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited Moderating: 10:40 – 11:20 AM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Barbara M. Pitts is the national leader of the Heath Care Services group at PwC and works in the firm’s Toronto office. Barbara advises health service leaders in the design and implementation of new health systems and integrated service delivery models, in the improving of quality and operational performance, and in facilitating the effective commercialization of new technology. She has recently completed leading the first Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) health system planning project, as well as leading a project focused on establishing the vision and detailed implementation plan for the integration of four regional clinical programs in Mississauga Halton LHIN.
	Read/Print Barbara Pitts’ Full Biography
	Dr Michael Rachlis Health Policy Analyst and Associate Professor, University of Toronto Presenting: 10:40 – 11:20 AM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Dr. Michael Rachlis was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1951 and graduated from the University of Manitoba medical school in 1975. He interned at McMaster University and then practiced family medicine at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre in Toronto for eight years. He completed specialty training in Community Medicine at McMaster and was made a fellow of the Canadian Royal College of Physicians in 1988. Dr. Rachlis practices as a private consultant in health policy analysis. He has consulted to the federal government, all ten provincial governments, and two royal commissions. He is also an associate professor (status only) with the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health. In 2010, the University of Manitoba conferred upon Dr. Rachlis a doctor of laws in recognition of his service to Canadian health policy. Dr. Rachlis has lectured widely on health care issues. He has been invited to make presentations to committees of the Canadian House of Commons and the Canadian Senate as well as the United States House of Representatives and Senate. He is a frequent media commentator on health policy issues and the author of three national bestsellers about Canada’s health care system. In his spare time, Dr. Rachlis enjoys cycling and duplicate bridge.
	Read/Print Dr. Michael Rachlis’ Full Biography
	Stephen G. Snyder (“Ontario’s Energy Future” Keynote Address) President and Chief Executive Officer TransAlta Corporation Presenting: 9:30 – 10:30 AM – Wednesday, November 23, 2011
	Named the 2010 Canadian Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada, Stephen G. Snyder joined TransAlta Corporation in September, 1996 as President & CEO. Prior to that, he was President & CEO of Camco Inc., GE Canada Inc., and Noma Industries Ltd.Mr. Snyder holds a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Queen’s University (Kingston, ON) as well as a master of business administration from the University of Western Ontario (London, ON). In addition, he has honorary degrees from the University of Calgary (LLD), and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (bachelor of applied technology).
	Read/Print Stephen Snyder’s Full Biography
	Jim Stanford (Moderator for “The Next Wave of Globalization” Keynote Address) Economist Canadian Auto Workers Moderating: 8:30 – 9:30 AM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Jim Stanford is an Economist with the Canadian Auto Workers, Canada’s largest private-sector trade union. He received his Ph.D. in Economics in 1995 from the New School for Social Research in New York, and also holds economics degrees from Cambridge University and the University of Calgary.Jim is the author of Economics for Everyone published in 2008 by Pluto Press and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives). He writes an economics column for the Globe and Mail, and is a member of CBC TV’s regular National News economics panel, “The Bottom Line.” He lives in Toronto with his partner and two daughters.
	Read/Print Jim Stanford’s Full Biography
	Helen Stevenson (Moderator for ”The Role and Place of Prescription Drugs in the Provincial Health Care System”) President and Chief Executive Officer Reformulary Group Inc. Moderating: 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Helen Stevenson is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Reformulary Group Inc., a company dedicated to helping manage prescription drug costs for employer drug plans. She is the former Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Executive Officer of Ontario Public Drug Programs, from June 2007 to July 2010, responsible for the Province’s $4 billion publicly funded drug programs. In this role, Helen led the most significant reforms to the prescription drug system in Ontario in two decades – the reforms became known as Bill 102, as well as a second set of transformational reforms to generic pricing and pharmacy reimbursement in Ontario. She is a Trustee of the Auto Sector Retiree Health Care Trust, and formerly a Governor of the Board of North York General Hospital. Helen holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University, Montreal, Canada and a Master of Science in Management from Boston University Brussels. She also has the ICDD.
	Read/Print Helen Stevenson’s Full Biography
	Janeen Stodulski President and Chief Executive Officer PowerWatch Presenting: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Ms. Janeen Stodulski, MBA, CGA, is the President and CEO of PowerWatch, a world leader in real-time energy monitoring systems for residential and small commercial applications. PowerWatch allows consumers to take control of their electricity consumption and encourages behavioural change through real-time feedback. In 2009, PowerWatch accompanied the Premier of Ontario on the Ontario Clean Tech Trade Mission to India. Ms. Stodulski specializes in corporate turnarounds. PowerWatch is her fourth successful company and her second successful technology start-up.  She has received numerous awards and appointments, including an appointment to the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Women Entrepreneurs, Royal Bank Women Entrepreneurs finalist, and Oakville Community Environmental Award, as well as being a member of the Cambridge Women’s Who’s Who.
	Read/Print Janeen Stodulski’s Full Biography
	John H. Tory (Moderator for the “Championing Urban Regions” Keynote Address) Chair Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance  Moderating: 2:00 – 3:00 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	John Tory is a lawyer, business leader, community activist and broadcaster. He was formerly an elected representative serving as Member of Provincial Parliament, as Leader of the Ontario PC Party and as Leader of the Official Opposition in the Ontario Parliament.The early years of Mr. Tory’s career were spent practicing law in Toronto, and he was later elected as a managing partner of one of Canada’s biggest law firms. In the 1980’s he served as Principal Secretary to Ontario Premier Bill Davis and as Associate Secretary of the Ontario Cabinet.  In 1995, John Tory joined the Rogers Group of Companies, first as President and CEO of Rogers Media Inc. and then as President and CEO of Rogers Cable, Canada’s largest cable and internet service provider. He presently serves on the Board of Directors of Rogers Communications Inc. and a number of other companies.John Tory was a founding Board Member and is the voluntary Chair of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance (formerly the Toronto City Summit Alliance), a highly respected city-building organization. He hosts a daily three hour talk show on Canada’s leading talk station Newstalk 1010.
	Read/Print John Tory’s Full Biography
	Chief Angus Toulouse Ontario Regional Chief Chiefs of Ontario (COO)  Presenting: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	Chiefs of Ontario (COO) Regional Chief Angus Toulouse was born and raised on the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation in north eastern Ontario.  He graduated from Espanola High School, attended Algonquin College in Ottawa in Business Administration, and studied Public Administration and Governance at Ryerson University in Toronto.Through his work in the federal public service, Band Administration, and Tribal Council, Regional Chief Toulouse has made public service the cornerstone of his career, and he continues to be committed to First Nations people in Ontario.
	Read/Print Chief Angus Toulouse’s Full Biography
	David West Partner Mercer (Canada) Limited Presenting: 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM – Tuesday, November 22, 2011
	David West is a Partner of our global firm and located in Toronto with over 32 years in employee benefits. He specializes in design, funding strategies, assessment of risk and risk mitigation through effective cost management. During 2009 David participated in the stakeholder consultation process conducted by Ontario’s Ministry of Health on reform to public and private payer drug programs. David projects employer drug spend will increase by 3% to 5% of payroll costs before 2019 resulting from new high cost drugs entering the market. Consequently, David obtained the buy-in of the Canadian insurance industry to integrate catastrophic drugs through private and public payers and has commenced discussions with provincial governments to introduce change. David is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, co-chair of the Employer Committee on Health Care Ontario and Director on the National Board of the Arthritis Society chairing the Advocacy Committee.
	Read/Print David West’s Full Biography
	Mel Ydreos (Moderator “Mitigating Increasing Energy Costs” and “Smarter Power: How Can Ontario Benefit?” & Facilitator for “Innovative Solutions to Reduce Energy Costs”) Vice President, Marketing and Customer Care, Union Gas Limited | A Spectra Energy Company Moderating: 10:30 – 11:10 AM and 11:15 – 11:55 AM – Wednesday, November 23, 2011 Facilitating: 12:05 – 12:35 PM – Wednesday, November 23, 2011
	Mel Ydreos is vice president of marketing and customer care for Union Gas Limited.In his current capacity, Mr. Ydreos has responsibility for Union’s marketing activities with its residential, commercial and industrial markets, Union’s Demand Side Management programs, and is accountable for the entire revenue cycle though Union’s Customer Care operation.Through a career that spans over 31 years at Union Gas, Mr. Ydreos has gained extensive experience in engineering, field operations, marketing and energy conservation. Previous to his current role, Mr. Ydreos held the position of vice president, operations and vice president, engineering and gas supply operations. Mr. Ydreos also served as Interim President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association in the summer of 2010.Mr. Ydreos joined Union Gas after graduating from the University of Waterloo with a civil engineering degree.
	Read/Print Mel Ydreos’ Full Biography

Today’s op-ed by Scott Stinson in the National Post reflects the growing frustration among Canadians and a variety of thought leaders and advocacy groups that little is being done by Ottawa or Queen’s Park to examine potential models of fundamental health care reform.

As Stinson aptly notes, health care gained some traction in the last federal election, but only to the extent that current levels of transfer payments to the provinces would be maintained at 6% for the foreseeable future.  A new report this week from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is another wake up call for government leaders (whom are well aware of the health care sustainability challenge) to step forward in a bold fashion and convene a variety of stakeholders to determine how best to sustain a system we are accustomed to and make it more efficient.

For Ontario, this higher level of efficiency and value for public dollars invested becomes increasingly important as our population increases by 28% by 2030.  Our senior population is projected to represent one in five of all Ontarians by this time.  With 42 cents of every program dollar already going towards health care, what level of “distress” is the right time to roll up our sleeves and truly address this dilemma?

No doubt, health care reform is a highly sensitive topic and Canadians across the political spectrum are deeply passionate about it.  Nevertheless, there will come a point at which it is no longer simply easier to ignore the matter or delay the point of crisis with additional funding – at the expense of other public spending priorities.  Think transportation gridlock for instance?  Is it so difficult to put aside our ideologies and pause for a constructive conversation about the health care system?  A dialogue that is open to all ideas and one that is built on a spirit of cooperation?  Whether or not there is enough of a public appetite for health care reform to become a top campaign issue in the upcoming provincial election, November’s Ontario Economic Summit will tackle it head-on.  We look forward to facilitating a genuine debate and strategy session among a cross-section of economic leaders who will seek to uncover dynamic solutions to this very complex challenge.

Photo source: Flickr (nihilenz)

Canada can be proud of its talent pool, its rising number of university graduates and science post-graduates. In comparison to other OECD countries, Canada fares rather well in the areas of education, university-funded R&D, competition and peer review. Where we are not delivering is in transferring the knowledge from our talent pool to the marketplace.

The State of the Nation 2010 report, issued by Canada’s Science, Technology and Innovation Council states “research and development performed by business in Canada is low by international standards.” This is reason for serious concern.

It was with great interest that we, at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), read Paul Davidson’s article “We need a culture of innovation: Build links between business and academe” (July 5, 2011). The article highlighted the findings of this report and rightly emphasized the need for Canada to foster a culture of innovation by building stronger links between the private sector and academic institutions.

In an age where innovation is essential to remaining globally competitive, Canada and its provinces cannot afford to lag behind.

For the last eight years, the Ontario Economic Summit (OES), an initiative of the OCC, has been bringing economic leaders from business, government, academia, labour and non-profit communities together, to address some of the most pressing concerns affecting Ontario’s economic prosperity.

In recent years, leaders participating at the OES have pointed to the need for a dialogue about how business-academia collaborations might be enhanced to help build a robust innovation climate. In response, the OES and the Council of Ontario Universities partnered to develop the “Connect to Innovate” (CTI) initiative in 2010.

These workshops, facilitated by local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, were held in Sudbury, London, Vaughan and Windsor. They featured senior administrators from each University with one of their research partners from the business community – exactly what Paul Davidson’s article said was needed for this country to remain globally competitive.

Clearly, one of the most significant challenges we face is an inadequate innovation culture, as noted in Paul Davidson’s article. OES “Connect to Innovate” set us moving in the right direction.

The discussions held were open and honest and demonstrated a sincere desire from all to foster closer relationships with a view to a more innovative economic climate. Most importantly, they provided insight which could lead to additional solutions as we move forward with Ontario – and Canada’s – innovation agenda. A full report of our findings can be found at www.occ-oes.com/connect-to-innovate <http://www.occ-oes.com/connect-to-innovate>.

We found that academic institutions and businesses across the province were shifting their mindsets and opening themselves up to new collaborations or building on existing ones in more innovative ways. They recognized the strategic importance of being innovative in the way we work together, to advance our standing on the international stage.

We thank Paul Davidson for showcasing the importance of innovation in our economy – and society. We are pleased to be part of the solution as we host additional workshops in other communities across Ontario throughout 2011 and 2012. This unique program will be extended to include Ontario’s Colleges and we will review our progress at the next Ontario Economic Summit, taking place November 21-23, 2011 in Toronto.