The Empire Club of Canada
Hybrid
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
At a time of global uncertainty and changes in Canada’s relationship with the United States—our largest trading partner—the need for national unity has never been more urgent. As economic pressures, geopolitical shifts, and questions about Canada’s place in the world intensify, unity is once again at the forefront of Canadian public discourse in 2026.
This Empire Nights event will take place at a pivotal moment: just days after a Quebec election in which the Parti Québécois is leading in the polls, and on the eve of an Alberta referendum amid heightened debate over foreign influence in provincial politics.
At the same time, the notwithstanding clause and questions surrounding its constitutional use have re-entered mainstream Canadian discourse, prompting leaders across the country—including Premier Wab Kinew, who recently spoke to this issue at the Empire Club of Canada—to exchange views on this topic.
Yet this moment is not defined by division alone. Canada’s premiers are working closely to reduce long-standing east-west trade barriers, while the federal government is focused on strengthening Canadian supply chains, advancing a national electricity strategy, bolster Transportation corridors, and securing new energy infrastructure. Together, these efforts point to a renewed opportunity to bridge regional divides and rethink how Canada builds shared prosperity.
On October 7th, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada is pleased to welcome The Honourable Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta (2019-2022) and Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones and The Honourable Jean Charest, Premier of Québec (2003-2012), and Partner at Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur, for a timely conversation on the future of Canadian unity.
Both Premier’s will lay out their thoughts on national unity before sitting down for a discussion with The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Vice-Chair at Global Public Affairs and Senior Business Advisor at Stewart McKelvey.
Join us for a candid and timely discussion on national unity and the path to a stronger Canada. Get your ticket now!
This is an Empire Nights event, proudly presented by the Empire Club of Canada.
This will be an unforgettable evening of passed canapés, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere designed to inspire and connect.
The Honourable Jason Kenney recently completed a distinguished twenty-five year career in public service. In his twenties he built the Canadian Taxpayers Federation into one of Canada’s most influential advocacy groups, serving as its President and CEO. He was elected to Parliament in 1997, and was re-elected six times with an average of 76% of the vote. He served in key opposition roles, including Shadow Finance Minister. As a senior member of the Harper government, he led some of the largest federal departments as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; Minister of Employment and Social Development; and Minister of National Defence, while chairing the influential Cabinet Operations Committee. The National Post called him “perhaps Canada’s best immigration minister, ever.” In 2016 Jason launched a successful campaign to unite Alberta’s free enterprise parties, going on to win a landslide majority to become Alberta’s eighteenth Premier. His government focused on the successful renewal of Alberta’s economy, while working with Indigenous people to create economic opportunity. Jason holds two honourary doctorates and was voted “best overall parliamentarian” by his colleagues. He now serves as a Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP, and BMO, is a Senior Fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute, and is a member of several corporate boards.
Deputy Prime Minister of Canada (1993)
Member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada
As Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Premier of Québec, and with a public service career spanning almost 30 years, Jean Charest is one of Canada’s best known political figures.
Jean Charest was first elected to the House of Commons in 1984 and, at age 28, became Canada’s youngest cabinet minister as Minister of State for Youth. In 1991, he was named Minister of the Environment and Minister of Industry, Science and Technology, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada in 1993.
In 1994, Jean Charest was chosen Leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party. He held that position until 1998 when he became Leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. Mr. Charest then broke a 50-year provincial record by winning three consecutive election campaigns in 2003, 2007 and 2008.
Furthermore, the Charest government initiated an unprecedented labour mobility agreement between France and Québec and was best known for a major initiative for the sustainable development of Northern Québec called “Plan Nord”. Jean Charest is notably the initiator of the negotiation for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
He is today a Partner at Canadian firm Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur, where he provides invaluable expertise to the firm’s clients with his in-depth knowledge and experience with public policy, corporate Canada, and international matters. As a strategic advisor with a unique perspective, he supports clients on complex transactions, projects, and international mandates.
In January 2025, Mr. Charest was appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada to the Council on Canada–U.S. Relations, which has since become the Advisory Committee on Canada‑U.S. Economic Relations, a role in which his mandate was renewed in April 2026. He is also a member of the steering committee of the private‑sector Canada–United States Trade Council, collaborating on issues related to tariffs and CUSMA.
Seamus O’Regan has served as Canada’s Natural Resources Minister, Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister of Labour, Minister for Seniors, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.
He was first elected Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021.
He was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and raised in Goose Bay, Labrador. He studied politics at St. Francis Xavier University and University College, Dublin, and marketing strategies at INSEAD, near Paris. He graduated Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, with a dissertation on Indigenous participation in large-scale natural resource development.
Before elected politics, he was a host of Canada’s leading morning news programme, Canada AM, for ten years. Today, he is Vice-Chair at Global Public Affairs and Senior Business Advisor at Stewart McKelvey, the largest law firm in Atlantic Canada.
