As global trade and geopolitical dynamics shift, countries are increasingly turning inward to identify domestic engines of economic growth. In this landscape, the global race to harness artificial intelligence (AI) has intensified. Nations are not only investing in research and talent, but also advancing industrial strategies, expanding digital infrastructure, and deploying targeted incentives to accelerate AI adoption and secure a competitive position in the emerging AI-driven economy. Some estimates project the global AI market could reach USD $2 trillion by 2030.
Canada has earned international recognition for its leadership in foundational AI research and has nurtured a vibrant start-up ecosystem—supported by initiatives such as the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and sustained public investment. However, despite these strengths, Canada has historically trailed its peer economies in productivity growth, due in part to slow and uneven adoption of digital technologies.
Today, Canada faces a critical inflection point: How can it build on its scientific and entrepreneurial foundations to lead in scaled, responsible AI adoption—boosting productivity, driving economic growth, and enhancing global competitiveness?
To confront this national challenge, Ivey’s Lawrence National Centre (LNC) is convening a cross-sectoral coalition of senior leaders from business, government, and academia for its 2025 AI Symposium, taking place on September 18, 2025, at Arcadian Loft, Toronto.
Key Discussion Themes
- Global trends in AI applications across industries and sectors
- Implications of shifting geopolitical dynamics for Canada’s AI competitiveness
- Sector-specific opportunities and barriers to scaling AI adoption, from large corporations to SMEs, including emerging best practices
- Strengthening AI capabilities through targeted public and private investments in compute, data, and digital infrastructure
- The role of industrial strategy, regulation, and procurement in accelerating responsible AI deployment
- Enhancing coordination between government and industry to secure Canada’s long-term advantage in AI
Through a series of focused, interwoven discussions, the symposium will draw out actionable insights and generate concrete policy and industry recommendations. These will aim to mobilize coordinated action from business, government, and other key stakeholders.
The stakes are high. Without bold leadership and strategic alignment, Canada risks falling further behind as other nations embed AI at the core of their economic and industrial strategies—reshaping how they innovate, produce, and compete on the global stage.
AI Symposium
Registration starts at 11:00 a.m.
Lunch
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Symposium
12:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Reception
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Speakers
Stephen Poloz
Former Governor, Bank of Canada; Chair, LNC Advisory Council
Julian Birkinshaw
Dean, Ivey Business School
Nicole Haggerty
Associate Dean & Professor, Information Systems
John Watson
Group President, Business Markets, AI and Ateko, Bell Canada
Kara Beckles
Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Muhammad Mamdani
VP, Data Science and Analytics, Unity Health; Faculty, The Vector Institute
Alyza Keshavjee
Head of Consumer Insights & Executive Experiences, Google; LNC Advisory Council
Michael Pelosi
Country Manager, Canada, Cohere
Tania Leppert
Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson Canada Inc.
Kristin Milchanowski
Chief AI & Data Officer, BMO Financial Group
Lauren Steinberg
Executive Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Loblaw Companies
Dev Saxena
Senior Advisor, OpenAI; Director, Eurasia Group
Jaime Tatis
Senior Vice-President & Chief AI Officer, TELUS Chief Information Office
Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia
Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology and Innovation, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Giles Gherson
President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Region Board of Trade
Sohayla Praysner
Independent Advisor and Former Country Manager, Intelsat
Mark Schaan
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Artificial Intelligence); ISED
Jenny Yang
Partner, RiSC Capital & Senior Advisory, MaRS
Salim Teja
Partner, Radical Ventures; LNC Industry Champion (AI)
Mahmood Nanji
Power Corporation of Canada Policy Fellow, LNC
Romel Mostafa
Professor & Director, LNC
With generous support from:
Power Corporation of Canada
Jack Lawrence Family
Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation
About Lawrence National Centre for Policy & Management
The only leading policy research centre within a top Canadian business school, the Lawrence National Centre (LNC) engages governments, businesses, academia, and communities to advocate for sound policy that will ensure a powerful future for Canada. Its evidence-based policy research, education and outreach programs focuses on critical issues on innovation, human capital and trade that are fundamental to enhancing Canada’s competitive advantage on the global stage.
Arcadian Loft
Arcadian Loft
Event Information
Arcadian Loft
September 18, 2025
Toronto, ON
11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. – Symposium Program (includes lunch and coffee break)
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. – Networking Reception (Hors d’oeuvres and drinks)
Registration Fee: $50 +Tax
Email: eyaquian@ivey.ca
Tel: (519) 661-2111 x88487