Northern Vision: Resilience in a Volatile World September 5 - 7, 2024 | Whitehorse, YT IMPACT REPORT
ABOUT THE BANFF FORUM
The Banff Forum is one of Canada’s preeminent public policy forums, which gathers a diverse group of Canadian leaders to enhance their leadership skills and debate key issues with a view to building a stronger and better Canada. We do this primarily through our annual retreat held every Fall, alternating between Banff and a different location in Canada. The Forum brings together emerging and established leaders from across Canada and leading thinkers from around the world to discuss topics of international and national importance. Its aim is to reinvigorate public debate in Canada and to find ways to strengthen our country. These conversations are then continued in events hosted across the country year-round.
The Banff Forum is a truly unique event. It’s an opportunity for intimate and in-depth exchanges between leading experts and a group of exceptional, passionate and motivated young leaders. Our panel sessions are designed to incite debate and discussion. They take place in an informal setting and are highly interactive. Because the sessions are completely off-the-record, speakers and participants feel free to express genuine opinions candidly. The Banff Forum is strictly non-partisan and non-ideological. Our participants are the leaders of today and tomorrow, and we aim to arm them with tools they can use to create better policies, better businesses, better communities, and a better Canada.
Additionally, the Banff Forum recognizes that acknowledging, understanding, and confronting Canada’s troubling record of wrongs towards Indigenous peoples is essential in order to move towards reconciliation. With the core mission of our organization in mind, we commit to advancing public policy discourse on the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples that have flowed and continue to flow from Canada’s laws, policies, and practices. We will work to ensure representation of Indigenous voices within our community, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders to discuss the hard truths of our shared history and, most importantly, explore actions that can move Canada in the right direction.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The23rdannualBanffForumwasheldin Whitehorse, Yukon from September 5-7, 2024.
With the support of our corporate and foundation partners, the Banff Forum XXIII brought together innovative thinkers and emerging leaders from across Canada for an engaging weekend of debate, discussion,andrelationshipbuilding.
Delegates arrived in Whitehorse, ready to engage and learn about the most pressing issues facing Canada today. The conversations covered a wide range of topics including: Indigenous reconciliation, clean energy and the impact of climate change in the North, innovation and competition policy, the state of the Canadian federation, global food insecurity, restoring trust in the Canadian healthcare system, Canada’s cultural identity, the future of sport in Canada, immigration, the Canadian economy, capital gains tax implications on the Canadian tech sector, arctic sovereignty and northern defense, the Canada/US relationship, and improving public service delivery. Speakers kept the conversations grounded in real-world need, and the time between sessions allowed participants to make new connections with leadersfromacrossthecountryandreflectontheissuesthathitclosesttohome.
Organizationally, careful financial management by staff, together with the Board’s strong commitment to fundraising, allowed the Banff Forum to maintain its financial health. Our 2024 activities were guided by ourstrategicplan,whichoffersafocusedvisiontoleadtheorganizationthroughthenextfewyears.
Privacy at the Banff Forum
Banff Forum meetings are private, off-the-record, and closed to media coverage. This allows the Banff Forum to preserve our status as an informal, non-advocacy, non-partisan group and to respect the differingviewsofindividualspeakersandparticipants.
Our events are held under the Chatham House Rule, which prohibits us or any participant from quoting or summarizing the comments of our speakers or participants. As a result, this report does not include summaries of specific discussions. However, we welcome you to follow #BanffForum on Twitter and LinkedIn toseesomereal-timeresponsesfromourparticipants.
BANFF FORUM DEMOGRAPHICS
Participants are chosen through a rigorous application process and are selected because they show strong potential and/or have achieved significant success in their chosen area of expertise, and because they are actively involved in corporate, social, environmental or political communities. Although they represent a broad spectrum of perspectives and professional sectors, they share a common desire to change our country – and our world – for the better. The 2024 Banff Forum assembled 190 participants, including 37 exceptional speakers. We are pleased to share the following demographic snapshot of our 2024 delegation:
REGION
AGE
SECTOR
GENDER
LANGUAGE
ETHNICITY
2024 BANFF FORUM SPEAKERS
The 2024 program offered insights on topics including arctic sovereignty and northern defense, Canada’s immigration policies, the global food crisis, the Canadian economy and much more. Expert speakers included:
Crystal Smith, Chief Councilor, Haisla Nation
L’hon Gilles Duceppe, Ancien chef de l’opposition officielle du Canada, Bloc québécois
Hon. David Lametti, Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Hon Ranj Pillai, Premier, Government of Yukon
David Pratt, Vice-Chief, Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations
Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner, Member of Parliament - Calgary Nose Hill
Mercedes Stephenson, Ottawa Bureau Chief & Host - The West Block, Global News
Erik “Rick” Neilsen, Chief Operating Officer, Air North
George Abraham, Founder & Publisher, New Canadian Media
Abdikheir Ahmed, Executive Director, Aurora Family Therapy Centre, Winnipeg
Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General, Amnesty International Canada
Omayra Issa, News Anchor, Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC)
Heather Exner-Pirot, Senior Fellow and Director, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment Program, Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Dr. Andrea Charron, Professor of Political Studies, University of Manitoba
Bridget Larocque, Network Co-Lead and Chair, Northern Advisory Board, North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network
Angus Topshee, Vice-Admiral, Royal Canadian Navy / Fellow, Canadian Global Affairs Institute
Sean Boots, Writer & Civic Technology Advocate / Former Federal Public Servant
Jennifer Hassum, Executive Director, Broadbent Institute
Jack Mintz, President's Fellow, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
Hon. Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets / Former Minister of Transport, Labour and Natural Resources
Keith Halliday, Partner, Boston Consulting Group
Beth Burke, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian American Business Council
Meredith Lilly, Professor & Simon Reisman Chair, International Economic Policy, Carleton University, Norman
Paterson School of International Affairs
Mark Warner, Principal Counsel, MAAW Law
Marieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter, The Globe and Mail
Arif Husain, Chief Economist, World Food Programme
2024 BANFF FORUM SPEAKERS CTD.
In addition to our main stage programming, this year we experimented with a unique approach to our fireside chats by engaging participants in conversations on the coach buses en route to Carcross and Haines Junction, and around an actual fire at the Kluane Lake Research Station during the pre-con. Our 2024 “Fire Side” and “Tire Side” Chat speakers included:
Dr. Dominik Nowak, President, Ontario Medical
Dr. Meaghan Thumath, Director of Communicable Disease Control, Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health
Rosie MacLennan, Chair, Athletes' Commission, Canadian Olympic Committee
David Shoemaker, Chief Executive Officer & Secretary General, Canadian Olympic Committee
Nick Schiavo, Director, Federal Affairs, Council of Canadian Innovators
Olivia Norton, Co-Founder & Chief Technology and Product Officer, Sanctuary AI
Eric Chan, Digital Artist & Creative Entrepreneur, EEPMON
Miranda Mulholland, Creative Culture Advisor, Music Canada / Musician & Label Owner, Roaring Girl Records
Robin Shaban, Chair & Co-Founder, Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project
Margareta Dovgal, Managing Director, Resource Works
James Jenkins, Executive Director, Indigenous Clean Energy
We were also graciously welcomed by the local community during the 2024 Forum, and were grateful to engage 10 local community leaders throughout the program with opening/closing remarks, cultural learning opportunities, and territorial blessings. These local community leaders included:
Peter Johnston, Grand Chief, Council of Yukon First Nations
Darla-Jean Lindstrom, Deputy Chief, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Colleen James, Elder, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Amanda Leas, Chief, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council (TKC)
Betsy Jackson, Elder, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council (TKC)
Sheila Kushniruk, Elder, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN)
Marianne Joe, Elder, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN)
Laura Cabott, Mayor, City of Whitehorse
Hon. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament - Yukon
Hon. Ranj Pillai, Premier, Government of Yukon
EVALUATION & IMPACT
Every year we ask participants and speakers to complete a post-event survey to provide feedback on their experience. We use this feedback to measure the success of each Forum and to inform our future planning. Here is a sampling of the comments we received from participants about their experience this year.
10 Overall Participant Satisfaction
It’s not an overstatement to say that being a part of the Banff Forum community has enriched both my professional and personal life. Not only have I met people who I have gone on to collaborate with on work projects, but I have also come away with some cherished friendships. At the end of the day, positive change starts with individuals listening to one another and seeing where they have common ground on which to build future action. This is where the magic of the Banff Forum lies – in the one-on-one conversations that are sparked.
Everything was outstanding. I appreciated the topics covered the most but especially that so much care went into ensuring attendees were diverse. It really felt like the real Canada showed up and that elevated the conversation beyond measure. The forum has kickstarted so many relationships, ideas, and collaborations to make Canada better. So a heartfelt congratulations to the Forum. What a privilege to be able to attend and I hope to attend many more.
Outstanding, my favourite out of the three Banff Forums I have had the privilege of attending so far! Met potential clients and created professional opportunities that are super helpful at a time of career transition. Excellent use of my time. Thank you!
Exceptional planning and logistics. Completely above-and-beyond my normal expectations.
Being with a group of strangers who are incredibly smart, dedicated, and kind people, and quickly bonding with them in an intimate way in the most awe-inspiring geography is literally what the Banff Forum is all about. This Forum really crushed it!
Whitehorse was an excellent host city! I was impressed with the quality of Banffers and events this year. I thought more than ever, you did a great job showcasing the community we were visiting and shining a light on the local culture.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Each year, with the generous support of our corporate and foundation partners, we offer subsidies to Banff Forum participants who face a financial barrier to participation. In 2024 we provided scholarships to 9 participants and subsidized rates to 91 participants. The following is a sampling of the feedback we received from our 2024 recipients.
Being with people who were passionate about policy and Canada was transformative. I came away with a deeper appreciation for issues that I don’t usually tackle during my day to day and a sense of a wider community and being part of a group of people who want to do better. It was a great experience.
I am so grateful to be part of a community like the Banff Forum, because it helps Canada feels so much more connected. Although we all have different lived experiences, diverse perspectives and plenty of strong opinions about the various issues facing Canadians today, we come out of the Forum realizing that our differences make us a stronger, better country, and we have so much more in common than we might initially think.
Everything was outstanding. I appreciated the topics covered the most but especially that so much care went into ensuring attendees were diverse. It really felt like the real Canada showed up and that elevated the conversation beyond measure. The forum has kickstarted so many relationships, ideas, and collaborations to make Canada better. What a privilege to be able to attend and I hope to attend many more.
Very well organized with fantastic variety of topics coupled with top shelf speakers. I especially appreciated the integration of Indigenous perspectives throughout and I thought the keynote with Chief Crystal Smith was significantly impactful.
9
Scholarships
Subsidized Registrations
The panel discussions were candid, insightful, and genuinely brilliant. The keynote on Arctic issues was the best distillation of niche and complex topics into plain language that was easy to understand that I've ever seen. Super well done!
$82K Value of all Subsidies & Scholarships
ARNE BENGT JOHANSSON FELLOWSHIP
The Arne Bengt Johansson Fellowship was founded in 2021 to support the inclusion of practicing artists in the Banff Forum community. The initiative is supported through a generous private donation. The Fellowship is named in honour of the late Arne Johansson, an artist, a writer, a poet, an essayist, a painter, and a philosopher. Johansson was also a stone-mason, a tree planter, a translator, an athlete. He was a brother, a father, and a friend. He was principled, fearless, and an optimist. He was inspiring. The Fellowship covers all expenses related to travel, accommodation, and registration to the Banff Forum. The purpose of this fellowship is to provide artists and creators the opportunity to contribute to policy discussions that they may not otherwise have access to.
The 2024 ABJ Fellows included:
Eric Chan, Digital Artist & Creative Entrepreneur, EEPMON
Miranda Mulholland, Creative Culture Advisor, Music Canada / Musician & Label Owner, Roaring Girl Records
SARAH ROBINSON LEGACY KEYNOTE
In 2021 the Banff Forum lost a deeply respected and honoured member of our community with the passing of Sarah Robinson, a member of the Fort Nelson and Saulteau First Nations in Treaty 8 territory, a passionate advocate for the rights of Indigenous women and girls, and an inspiring leader to all those who knew her. Sarah’s passion, generosity, and leadership touched so many and represented the very best of the Banff Forum. To honour Sarah’s many contributions to our community, and to the nation, we created the Sarah Robinson Legacy Speaker initiative, which ensures that each flagship annual event will include a keynote address from an Indigenous leader.
It was an honour to welcome Chief Councilor Crystal Smith, Haisla Nation, as our 2024 Sarah Robinson Legacy Speaker.
The Haisla Nation on Canada’s west coast is setting a precedent pathway to prosperity for their community, in a manner that will benefit all of Canada, and the world. Chief Councillor Smith is demonstrating leadership when it comes to advocating for her Nation’s share and a say to ensure that current and future Indigenous people prosper on their own terms. Because when Indigenous people prosper, all Canadians prosper.
SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTS, CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Recognizing the vital role of Canada’s arts and cultural sector in shaping inclusive communities and fostering national dialogue, the Banff Forum is committed to integrating arts and culture throughout each edition of the Forum. We actively engage local artists from the region where the event is hosted, ensuring their voices and perspectives are integral to our conversations. This commitment extends beyond showcasing regional talent to embracing the broader goals of cultural development and social impact. This year, in addition to providing each participant with a beautiful blown glass gift from Lumel Studios, and hosting our opening reception at the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, we were delighted to engage
16 Yukon-based artists and makers in a local artisan market during the extended lunch break during our Saturday programming at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. The artisans included:
Han Wahine Indigenous Artist
Yukon Christmas Company
Yucanprints
Lena White Art
Äju Kädän Designs
Stacy's Beaded Jewelry
Dianna Mueller Art
Donna Johnston Gifts
Bean North
Yukon Plastics
Lareware
Pat Bragg Art
Riverbank Arts
Cold Snap Chippery
Crocus Botanicals
Vanessa Ægirsdottir
We also engaged Christopher Tse, an award winning, Whitehorse-based, Canadian spoken word poet, educator, and author of Chinese descent, during our Friday afternoon programming at the Haa Shagóon Hídi (Carcross Cultural Centre). Chris delivered a thought-provoking spoken word poetry slam that he curated specifically for the Banff Forum community, touching on topics like immigration and the Canadian dream, identity and assimilation, racism and xenophobia, colonialism and Indigenous injustice, and capitalism. It was a poignant reflection on identity, belonging, cultural loss, and the challenges of navigating a modern, often indifferent world.
The 2024 Pre-Conference experience took participants out to Haines Junction and the Kluane National Park and Reserve, where we learned about the vibrant language, culture and traditions of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations at the Da Kų Cultural Centre, and the research being conducted at the Kluane Lake Research Station.
New this year, we also offered an optional volunteer opportunity at the Humane Society Yukon during the break between our Saturday afternoon programming and the Saturday Dinner & Closing Party. A group of 12 enthusiastic Banffers spent the afternoon walking dogs, caring for cats, cleaning cages, and sorting supplies. Participants were delighted to share in this bonding networking experience while also giving back to the local community.
YEAR-ROUND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In addition to the annual Banff Forum, we host year-round City Events in different regions across the country. City Events keep our community connected and provide opportunities for current/existing Banffers to network and keep the conversations going throughout the year. These small, private events encourage learning, create dialogue on key issues, and support networking amongst individuals who are passionate about public policy and come from various backgrounds, driven by our belief that many perspectives are better than one.
In 2024 we will have successfully hosted three regional events, including:
The 2024 Ottawa City Event, which took place on February 8 at the historic Lornado (the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence) and featured a fireside chat between His Excellency David Cohen, Ambassador of the United States to Canada and Vassy Kapelos, Chief Political Correspondent with CTV.
The 2024 Montreal City Event, which took place on June 26 at the Mount Royal Club and featured a conversation with two of Canada’s AI sector leaders, The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Dr. Yoshua Bengio, Full Professor at Université de Montréal, Founder and Scientific Director of Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Canada CIFAR AI Chair. The conversation was moderated by Serge Dupont, Senior Advisor and Head of the Public Policy Group, Bennett Jones LLP, and explored the applications and implications of AI, as well as insights on where the field is headed.
The 2024 Toronto City Event will take place on November 19 at the Questrade Centre featuring a keynote and fireside chat with The Honorurable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance.
SAVE THE DATE
Quebec City, QC October 16-18, 2025