Couchiching Annual Conference
Securing Canada’s Atlantic Future
A Strategic dialogue
September 29 & 30, 2025
Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON
The Couchiching Conference, co-hosted by the Canadian International Council (CIC) and the Aga Khan Museum, is a high-level strategic dialogue bringing together policymakers, thought leaders, and experts to provide insights into how to navigate Canada’s role in an era of global upheaval. From shifting alliances and economic security to artificial intelligence, Arctic sovereignty, and foreign interference, this conference tackles the defining challenges of our time. Held at the iconic Aga Khan Museum, it will be a catalyst for bold ideas and actionable solutions, shaping Canada’s security and future in an unpredictable world.
Prepare for Insightful Discussions and Global Perspectives
This year’s Couchiching Conference offers a dynamic and thought-provoking agenda designed to address pressing global challenges. With expert panels and keynote speakers, the sessions will explore critical topics like Artificial Intelligence, the future of multilateral institutions, Arctic security and sovereignty, as well as cultural security in an era of social media and foreign interference. Attendees will gain valuable insights and foster connections with leaders and change-makers committed to shaping the future of international relations.
By registering for Couchiching, you have access to two exclusive events as part of the conference.
On Monday September 29th, Andrew Coyne of the Globe & Mail will give the Macdonald Lecture, presented by Trent University and The Canadian International Council. A private reception will follow the lecture.
On Tuesday September 30th, join us for the launch of Chrétien and the World: Canadian Foreign Policy from 1993 to 2003 with special guest the Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien. Books will be available for purchase. A private reception will follow the presentation.
Agenda
Click on the Panel to see Bios of Speakers
Monday September 29, 2025
1:00 PM – Doors Open
1:30 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
2:00 PM – Panel 1: The Changing Global Order: Canada’s Role in a Post-Neoliberal World
3:30 PM – Coffee Break
4:00 PM – Panel 2: Arctic Frontiers: Security, Sovereignty, and Climate Challenges
5:30 PM – Macdonald Lecture presents Andrew Coyne, Globe and Mail
6:30 PM – Reception Begins
Tuesday September 30, 2025
8:30 AM – Doors Open; Light Breakfast in Atrium
9:00 PM – Opening Remarks and Address by Mississaugas of the Credit Chief Claire Sault
9:30 AM – Panel 3: Economic Security in an Uncertain World: Trade, Tariffs, and Adaptability
11:00 AM – Coffee Break
11:30 AM – Panel 4: AI, Quantum Technologies and the Future of National Defence
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Panel 5: Cultural Security Under Pressure: Platforms, Policy, and Power
4:00 PM – Book Launch: Chrétien and the World and Oral History Project of the Chrétien years
5:00 PM – Closing Remarks
5:30 PM – Reception
* Please note that the agenda and speakers are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the event date.
Panel 1
The Changing Global Order: Canada’s Role in a Post-Neoliberal World
The decline of traditional multilateral institutions, shifting alliances, and Canada’s strategic position in a world where trade and security are being redefined.
MODERATOR
Cassie Heward
JD/Master of Global Affairs Candidate
University of Toronto Faculty of Law and Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
SPEAKERS
Dr. Bessma Momani
Associate Vice-President, International and Professor of Political Science, University of Waterloo
—
Hon. David Collenette, P.C.
Former Minister of National Defence
Chair of the NATO Association of Canada.
—
Hon. Catherine McKenna, P.C.
Chair, UN High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities
Panel 2
Arctic Frontiers: Security, Sovereignty, and Climate Challenges
How Canada can lead in Arctic security, infrastructure, and environmental resilience amid growing geopolitical tensions and climate change.
This panel has been organized by the Frost Centre for Canadian and Indigenous Studies Trent University.
MODERATOR
Sam Huyer
NAADSN Research Fellow
Suzanne Lalonde
Professor, Faculty of Law, Université de Montreal
—
Catherine Welsh
Whitehorse Ranger Patrol
—
Journalist
—
Former Deputy Commander of NORAD
—
Canada Research Chair for the Study of the Canadian North, Trent University
Panel 3
Economic Security in an Uncertain
World: Trade, Tariffs, and Adaptability
How Canada can navigate economic uncertainty, U.S. trade policies (including Trump-era tariffs), and the rise of new industries in a shifting global economy.
MODERATOR
James Appleyard
Chair, CIC Stewards
Chief Investment Officer, Freycinet Ventures
SPEAKERS
Stephen Lackey
National Board Member and Treasurer, World Affairs Council
—
Martha Harrison
Partner, Co-Head, International Trade and Investment Law, McCarthy Tétrault
—
Prof. Andrew Williams
Professor, School of International Relations, University of St. Andrews
Panel 4
AI, Quantum TEchnologies, and the Future of National DefenCe
This panel explores how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing are reshaping Canada’s national security landscape. From combating cyber threats and misinformation to fortifying border security, these innovations offer both powerful tools and complex challenges.
MODERATOR
Jamie Sandhu
Policy Researcher, Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society
SPEAKERS
Lisa Lambert
CEO of Quantum Industry Canada (QIC)
—
Peter Suma
Digital Policy Hub Doctoral Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation
—
Halyna Padalko
Digital Policy Hub Doctoral Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation
—
Alexander Martin
CIC Junior Fellow
Panel 5
Cultural Security Under Pressure: Platforms, Policy, and Power
In an era where digital platforms and algorithms shape what we see, hear, and believe, cultural security has become a frontline issue. This session explores how foreign interference, mis/disinformation, and the dynamics of platforms are reshaping Canada’s cultural landscape. From discussing cultural sovereignty to the question of where “Canadian” cultural policy is truly made, panelists will examine the evolving meaning of cultural security. What does it mean to navigate Canadian identity and culture in a globalized, digitized world—and how can democracy thrive amid these shifting currents?
MODERATOR
Dr. Sascha Priewe
Director of Collections & Public Programs
Aga Khan Museum
SPEAKERS
Vass Bednar
Managing Director, Canadian SHIELD Institute
—
Kyle Matthews
Executive Director, Montreal Institute for Global Security
—
Sarah Bay-Cheng
Professor of Emerging Technologies in Theatre & Performance and Helen and Paul Phelan Chair in Drama, University of Toronto
—
Narendra Pachkhédé
Commonwealth Fellow, Centre for Inquiry into the Social, Geneva-London
Accommodations
Discounted Hotel Rooms at the Royal Sonesta Downtown Toronto
We’ve arranged a special room rate of $369/night at the Royal Sonesta Toronto for Couchiching guests. Rooms are limited and subject to availability, so we encourage you to book early.
To reserve by phone, call 416-960-5200 or 1-800-SONESTA (766-3782) and ask for the Canadian International Council Room Block.
You can also book online using the Group Code: G092625ECR.
Or, click the button below to be taken directly to our private booking page.
Stay close to the Museum at the Pan Pacific Hotel
If you’d like to stay closer to the venue, we recommend the Pan Pacific Hotel located at 900 York Mills Rd. For discounted conference rates, please contact:
Rashida Tejani, Manager
Globex Travel Inc.
Tel (416) 445-1522 Cell (416) 543-4109
Email: rashida@globextravel.com
Pricing & Registration
Your registration includes access to both days of programming, all food and beverages, private reception and access to the current exhibit.
Thanks to generosity of our members and sponsors, we will be offering students free admission. When you register, please consider sponsoring a student and encouraging the next generation to get involved. Students will be required to present valid ID.
Contact Jennifer at jennifer@thecic.org if you have any questions.
General Admission (open to the public)
- Conference Seat
- Breakfasts
- Coffee Breaks
- Lunch
- Access to Exhibit
- Access to private reception
CIC Member or Friend of the AKM
- Conference Seat
- Breakfasts
- Coffee Breaks
- Lunch
- Access to Exhibit
- Access to private reception
Students (with valid student ID)
- Conference Seat
- Breakfasts
- Coffee Breaks
- Lunch
- Access to Exhibit
- Access to private reception
Thank you to our conference partners
