The Empire Club of Canada
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
On December 3, 2025, The Empire Club of Canada will present a keynote speech entitled, Delivering a Nation-Building Workforce: The Honourable David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Amidst unprecedented economic uncertainty, governments are increasingly turning to the diversification of trade towards new industries, and the stimulation of landmark capital infrastructure projects. From pipelines, to highways, and technological evolutions, to a bricks and mortar construction site – our workforce remains the backbone of these shifts. In response, Minister Piccini will present his approach to deliver a resilient workforce that can withstand ongoing global instability and prepare for the economic opportunity associated with nation building.
Join us on December 3, 2025, and secure your tickets today!
David Piccini is Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland—Peterborough South. He previously served as Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks; and is a former member of Ontario’s Finance Committee.
As Ontario’s Labour Minister, David is focused on driving productivity in Ontario, helping workers access better training, for bigger jobs with bigger paycheques. Since becoming Labour Minister, he has introduced nationally-leading measures, such as banning the use of Canadian work experience as a requirement in job postings; requiring defibrillators be provided on larger construction sites; and strengthening hygiene requirements across workplaces and requiring properly fitting PPE for all workers.
David has successfully expanded the Skills Development Fund, which has grown to $2.5 billion dollars since his tenure as Minister. The Fund has made significant strides to attract, retain, and upskill workers through employer and training provider led partnerships that address local workforce needs. The Capital fund helps expand training infrastructure to provide the system capacity to address impending labour demand across Ontario.
David is a proud resident of Port Hope, where he currently lives with his wife and two dogs.
A dynamic force behind a mic and in the media, Amanda is one of Canada’s leading crisis communications and reputation management experts.
After two decades on the front lines of the most high-profile issues in Canada, her track record navigating media, business, and government speaks for itself, making her a sought-after advisor to political and corporate leaders.
A popular commentator known for her humour and sharp insights, Amanda hosts Free For All Friday, a weekly national publics affairs show on the Bell Media iHeartRadio Talk Network. Amanda is also a regular contributor to CBC Power & Politics and Toronto’s Newstalk 1010.
Amanda has previously worked as a journalist, consultant and communications advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada and the Mayor of Toronto.
When she’s not building a business or behind a mic, Amanda can be found chasing after her two young kids, wistfully remembering what it felt like to sleep.
