CIC Couchiching Annual Conference

International Disorder

Building Bridges in a Fragmented World

October 7, 2026 | 8:30am – 7:00pm ET
Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON

As alliances shift, technology reshapes power, and economic relationships become increasingly tied to national security, Canada faces critical choices about its role in the world. Building on the conversations begun at CIC Couchiching Victoria, this conference will bring together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to explore how Canada can build stronger coalitions, foster innovation, and strengthen its economic resilience in an era of international disorder. Through practical, forward-looking discussions, the conference aims to generate ideas that will help shape Canadian foreign policy and public debate.

Registration Info

A Conversation with Canada’s Leading Voices

CIC Couchiching will convene some of Canada’s foremost thinkers and decision-makers alongside internationally recognized experts for a day of dynamic discussion and debate. Through keynote addresses, expert panels, and interactive conversations, participants will engage with fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and practical solutions to the foreign policy, economic, and technological challenges defining Canada’s role in a rapidly changing world.

CIC COUCHICHING COUNTDOWN

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8:00 AM	Doors Open Registration, Light Breakfast
9:00 AM	Opening Remarks
9:30 AM	Panel I NEW COALITIONS FOR A NEW WORLD Moderator Rodginie Dorcent Saul Rae Fellow, Massey College Speakers Sascha Priewe Director of Collections & Public Programs, Aga Khan Museum Sabine Sparwasser Germany’s Ambassador to Canada (retired) Whitney Lackenbauer Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North Professor, School for the Study of Canada Kyle Matthews Executive Director, Montreal Institute for Global Security
11:00 AM	Coffee Break
11:30 AM	Panel II TECHNOLOGY, SECURITY AND THE NEW BALANCE OF POWER Moderator Benjamin Steven-Lopez Associate Producer, CBC Politics Speakers Matthew Da Mota Research Director, Emerging Technology and National Security, The Canadian Shield Institute Nathalie DiBerardio Project Lead @ DARO \| Data & AI Strategy and Governance Amal Hussein Researcher, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa Jaxson Khan CEO, Aperture AI
1:00 PM	Lunch
2:30 PM	Panel III COMPETING FOR CANADA’S ECONOMIC FUTURE Moderator Hélène Emorine Global Government Affairs & Public Policy, Sun Life Speakers Jason MacDonald Chief of Staff & Head of External Affairs, Manulife Tu Nguyen Chief Economist, RSM Canada Ali Jaffery Partner & Chief Economist, KPMG Canada
4:00 PM	Keynote Address & Book Launch RECLAIMING CANADIAN SOVEREIGNTY IN A RUPTURED WORLD Featuring the Hon. Bob Rae and esteemed contributors from the book including Steven Wang, Carol Off and Peter Donolo
4:45 PM	Closing Remarks
5:00 PM	Reception & Gallery Access
7:00 PM	Event Concludes

Please note the agenda is subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the conference date.

General Admission

Complete event access

$100

All Access Conference Pass
Includes all meal and coffee breaks
Admission to the Aga Khan Museum‘s permanent collection & installations

CIC Member

or Friend of the Aga Khan Museum

$75

Everything under General Admission
Member discount (25%)
Access to exclusive content & CIC Strategic Briefings

Student

with valid Student ID

$10

Everything under CIC Member/Friend of the Aga Khan Museum
Free bus transportation
CIC Student Membership for one year

Due to limited seating capacity, early registration is strongly encouraged.

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