The Empire Club of Canada
Hybrid
Friday, March 27, 2026
Timing is everything. Canada has what the world wants, from critical minerals and energy to advanced manufacturing, agri-food, technology, and talent. Yet, it is entering a more protectionist, volatile era of trade just as global demand for our resources, expertise, and innovation is accelerating. To future proof our economy, we must prove that we can move goods, ideas, and people reliably, predictably, and at the pace global partners now expect.
It’s not just about managing risk; it is about seizing opportunity at a key inflection point. And the world is watching to see if we can deliver at scale and on time.
Unlocking Canada’s potential requires a trade infrastructure strategy that is built with tomorrow in mind despite today’s constraints, one that ensures that our supply chains work end to end. It requires us to recognize strengthening ports, rail networks, and aviation systems, modernizing trade corridors, and advancing nation-building projects such as high-speed rail as not only transportation projects, but as productivity strategies, labour mobility enablers and long-horizon investments in Canada’s economic resilience and growth.
On March 27, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada will host The Honourable Steve MacKinnon, Canada’s Transport Minister, for Connecting Canada: The Trade Infrastructure Strategy to Power Canada’s Economic Future, a strategic conversation on how Canada is responding, where the next wave of trade-enabling infrastructure will take shape, and why Toronto and Ontario sit at the centre of a national strategy to ensure Canada not only adapts, but leads in a more competitive world.
Steven MacKinnon was first elected in 2015 as the Member of Parliament for Gatineau (Québec) and was re-elected in 2019, 2021 and 2025. He was recently named Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. MacKinnon also previously served as Minister of Labour and Seniors, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, as well as Minister of Jobs and Families. He also served as Chief Government Whip, and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
Prior to his election, Mr. MacKinnon was Senior Vice President at a global public affairs consultancy, where he was a practice director for mergers, acquisitions, and financial communications. He has been involved in national and international transactions worth hundreds of billions of dollars, with Bloomberg recognizing his practice as Canada’s leading mergers & acquisition advisory.
Mr. MacKinnon has a long track record in the Liberal Party of Canada, having served as its National Director from 2003 to 2006, and an advisor to former Prime Minister Paul Martin. In 2009, he was Co-Chair of the party’s Reform Committee, and later he was the Chief Returning Officer for the national Liberal leadership contest in 2013. He also served as an advisor to New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna.
Over the course of his career, Mr. MacKinnon has participated in constitutional negotiations, the negotiation of trade agreements, labour negotiations, and major health, education, and election reforms. He has volunteered with organizations involved in combatting illiteracy and family Violence.
Mr. MacKinnon holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Université de Moncton and a master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Queen’s University.
Steven resides in Gatineau with his spouse Janelle, and they have three children: Liam, Cassandra, and Alexander.
Steven Mackinnon a été élu député de Gatineau en 2015, et ré-élu en 2019, 2021 et 2025. Il a récemment été nommé ministre des Transports et leader du gouvernement à la Chambre des communes.
M. MacKinnon a aussi occupé les fonctions de ministre du Travail et des Aînés, puis de l’Emploi, du Développement de la main-d’œuvre et du Travail, ainsi que de ministre de l’Emploi et des familles. De plus, il a été whip en chef du gouvernement et secrétaire parlementaire de la ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement.
Avant son élection, M. MacKinnon était vice-président directeur d’un cabinet mondial de conseil en affaires publiques, où il était directeur de la pratique des fusions, acquisitions et communications financières. Il a participé à des transactions nationales et internationales totalisant plusieurs centaines de milliards de dollars, et Bloomberg a même reconnu son cabinet comme le principal conseiller en fusions et acquisitions au Canada.
M. MacKinnon a eu un long parcours au Parti libéral du Canada, ayant servi en tant que le directeur national de 2003 à 2006, et conseiller de l’ancien premier ministre Paul Martin. En
2009, il a été coprésident du comité de réforme du parti et il a été directeur du scrutin pour la course à la direction du Parti libéral en 2013. Il a également été conseiller du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Frank McKenna.
Au cours de sa carrière, M. MacKinnon a participé à des négociations constitutionnelles, à la négociation d’accords commerciaux, à des négociations collectives et à d’importantes réformes de la santé, de l’éducation et des élections. Il s’est porté bénévole auprès d’organisations impliquées dans la lutte contre l’analphabétisme et la violence familiale.
M. MacKinnon est titulaire d’un baccalauréat en administration des affaires de l’Université de Moncton et d’une maîtrise en administration des affaires (MBA) de l’Université Queen’s.
Steven habite à Gatineau avec son épouse Janelle et ils ont trois enfants: Liam, Cassandra, et Alexander.
