The Empire Club of Canada
Hybrid
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
On January 20, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada will convene a high-stakes conversation at a time of rapid transformation for the Canadian and broader global economy. Featuring John McKenzie, CEO of TMX Group—the operator of Canada’s premier stock exchanges with a central position in the country’s financial ecosystem—and Frances Donald, Chief Economist at RBC, attendees will gain privileged insights into where the next disruptions may occur and the strategies required to thrive. Moderator Andrew Willis, one of Canada’s most experienced business journalists, will drive a discussion that addresses the 2026 economic landscape, and the tough questions facing policymakers, executives, and investors as they chart paths through volatility, technological change, and geopolitical uncertainty.
The stakes are high: As Canada’s businesses, financial and labour markets respond to shifting trade relationships, geopolitical instability, and the emergence of new technologies — from AI to digital assets — this event shines a spotlight on the decisions that will shape prosperity for years to come. This conversation will offer both context and clarity on what lies ahead for Canadian leaders and organizations. Get your tickets now!
Frances Donald is the Chief Economist at RBC and leads a team of economists who deliver economic analyses to help inspire and empower informed decision making in an evolving world. Frances is a leading voice on economic issues and is highly sought after by clients, government leaders, policy makers, and media in the U.S. and Canada for her deep insights on the macro-economic environment and financial markets in North America. She is recognized for her ability to effectively communicate complex economic issues to wide audiences.
Frances joined RBC from another financial institution where she served as global chief economist and strategist. In this capacity, she was responsible for forecasting global macroeconomic and financial trends, analyzing the economy and capital markets for potential opportunities and risks, and serving as a thought leader both within the firm and externally.
She’s a frequent public speaker and regularly appears in international media, including Bloomberg and CNBC.
Frances obtained a Bachelor of Economics from Queen’s University and earned her master’s degree in economics from New York University.
John McKenzie is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TMX Group.
Mr. McKenzie is a member of the TMX Group Board of Directors and also a member of the Board of Directors of several TMX Group subsidiaries.
Mr. McKenzie has worked for TMX for over 20 years; prior to his appointment as CEO on August 17, 2020, he served as Chief Financial Officer and was responsible for corporate strategy, corporate development, investor relations and the financial management of the company as well as for the administrative oversight of TMX Group’s Capital Formation business. He has led various TMX acquisitions, including the Maple transaction, and the acquisitions of Montréal Exchange and Trayport.
From July 2015 to August 2016, Mr. McKenzie served as President of CDS, Canada’s equity and fixed income clearing house and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TMX Group. Prior to that he was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and CFO of CDS.
Mr. McKenzie is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) and has an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University and an Honours BA from Wilfrid Laurier University. He has served on a number of boards, and is currently the Working Committee Chairman of the World Federation of Exchanges, and a Board Member and Treasurer for the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.
Andrew Willis is a business columnist for Globe and Mail, Canada’s national newspaper. He been in journalism and communications for more than three decades, including serving for six years as senior vice-president at Brookfield Asset Management. He has co-written two books and frequently serves as a commentator on radio and BNN Bloomberg television.
