Insights Speaker Series
Hear from decision-makers, influencers, policy experts and business leaders who are shaping the future of Canada and the world.
Speakers:
Nik Nanos
Founder and Chief Data Scientist, Nanos Research
When stakes are high and the future uncertain, leaders turn to Nik Nanos for clarity, context, and confidence. For more than three decades, he has been the go-to authority for business leaders, governments, associations, and decision-makers looking to better understand the forces transforming the economy, politics, workplaces, and society. He is the founder and chief data scientist at Nanos Research, one of North America's leading research and strategy firms, as well as the official pollster for CTV News, the Globe and Mail, and Bloomberg News. His custom keynote experiences combine real-time data, sharp analysis, and interactive storytelling to leave audiences with practical, evidence-based insight they can act on immediately.
Whether addressing CEOs, boards of directors, public-sector leaders, industry associations, or global audiences, Nanos is renowned for making complex issues understandable, engaging, and actionable. He leads the team behind the weekly Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index, a must-have resource for senior executives, and hosts a weekly segment on CTV’s News Channel called Nanos on the Numbers. His analysis has also been featured in most major news organizations, including Bloomberg News, the Globe and Mail, CTV News, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, and The Guardian.
In recognition of his work, Nanos was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2023. He is also the 13th Chancellor of Carleton University, the Chair of Atlantik-Brücke Canada, a Research Associate Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, a fellow of the Canadian Research Insights Council and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, and an Honorary Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy.
David Coletto
Founder, Abacus Data
Infinitely curious, passionate, and eternally optimistic, David Coletto is the founder, chair, and CEO of Abacus Data and one of Canada’s best known and most respected public opinion analysts, pollsters, and social researchers. Recently named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Canadian politics by The Hill Times, Coletto is the official pollster of the Toronto Star, co-host of the podcast Hub Politics, and curator of the popular Substack “inFocus with David Coletto”. In his timely, data-driven presentations, he delivers strategic advice customized to his audiences and the industries they serve, from generational shifts and political trends to consumer behaviour and workplace dynamics.
Since launching in 2010, Coletto has grown Abacus Data into one of Canada’s most respected, full-service market research and strategy firms. He has worked with many of the world’s leading brands, associations, corporations, and non-profits, including Google, Airbnb, TD Bank, Interac, Canadian Medical Association, Government of Canada, Dairy Farmers of Canada, WorkSafe BC, Imperial Oil, BMW, and the LCBO, among others. He is also frequently called upon by local, national, and international news organizations to assess public opinion and has advised political leaders at all levels of government.
Coletto earned a PhD in political science from the University of Calgary. He is currently a professor in the Graduate Program of Political Management at Carleton University, where he teaches courses in polling, political marketing, and designing public affairs strategies.
Moderated by Sabrina Nanji, Journalist and Founder, Queen’s Park Observer
Sabrina is the author of Queen’s Park Observer, the Legislature’s most-read political newsletter, known for its sharp analysis and insider intelligence from Ontario’s halls of power. She has spent the past decade covering provincial politics — including three elections — turning the Observer into essential reading for cabinet ministers, senior strategists, lobbyists, public-sector leaders, industry stakeholders and political watchers who want to understand everything from what’s driving political and policy decision making, to what’s for lunch in the Legislature’s cafeteria. Sabrina is a regular commentator on CBC, CTV, CP24, TVO, Newstalk 1010 and more. She was born in Etobicoke, raised in Brampton, and graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa.
Introduction by Carol Wilding, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D,
President & CEO,
CPA Ontario
July 15, 2026: Mixed Signals: The State of the Canadian Economy
The Canadian economy is sending mixed signals.
Andrew Coyne and Cynthia Leach joined Matt Lundy in a discussion about the Bank of Canada's rate decision, the forces reshaping Canada's economy, and what it all means for the months ahead.
May 28, 2026: CUSMA and the Future of Canada/U.S. Relations
The Canada-U.S. relationship is being tested like never before. With the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) under joint review and a July 1 review date looming, more than a trillion dollars in annual trade hangs in the balance.
The Honourable Bob Rae and Barry Appleton joined Vassy Kapelos in a discussion unpacking the CUSMA review, the forces reshaping North American trade and what the outcomes could mean for Canada’s economic future and its relationship with the United States.
March 24, 2026: Canada in a New Geopolitical Age
Professor Janice Gross Stein joined Rudyard Griffiths for a conversation that cut through the noise of today's rapidly shifting world order. Together, they explored how trade disruption, geopolitical tension, and military aggression are testing the assumptions that have underpinned global stability for decades, discussed how this new age of conflict is reshaping energy markets, supply chains, and the global economy, and shared their views on what it all means for Canada and its business leaders.
December 2, 2025: Tax Reform for Growth in Canada
CPA Ontario President & CEO Carol Wilding, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D was joined by John McKenzie, FCPA, FCMA, CEO of TMX Group, and John Ruffolo, FCPA, FCA, Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, for a conversation moderated by Chief Financial Correspondent for CTV News Amanda Lang. Together, they explored how Canada’s tax system has become a barrier to growth, discussed tax changes in the 2025 Federal Budget, and shared their views on how tax reform can drive innovation and investment in Canada.
May 22, 2025: A Fireside Chat with the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance
On May 22nd, CPA Ontario welcomed the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance and Vassy Kapelos, Chief Political Correspondent for CTV News to the Insights stage for a discussion on the 2025 Ontario Budget, interprovincial trade, and the long-term prospects for the province’s economy and fiscal position in an unpredictable economic environment.
Read CPA Ontario’s summary of the fireside chat with the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy.
November 26, 2025: How the U.S. Election Will Impact Canada’s Economy — and CPAs
On November 26th, 2024 David Frum, Canadian-American political commentator and staff writer at The Atlantic, and Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates, joined the Insights program for a timely discussion unpacking what a second Trump administration will mean for Canada’s economy. The conversation was frank and wide-ranging, touching on tariffs, trade, taxes, and how Canada might respond.
