Speakers
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The Right Honourable David Johnston, P.C., C.C. The Right Honourable David Johnston was Canada’s 28th governor general. During his mandate, he established the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), a registered charity that supports and amplifies the Office of the Governor General in its work to connect, honour and inspire Canadians. Today, he is actively involved as Chair of the RHF Board of Directors. In 2018, he was appointed Colonel to the Royal Canadian Regiment. Prior to his installation as governor general, Mr. Johnston was a professor of law for 45 years, and served as President of the University of Waterloo for two terms, Principal of McGill University for 3 terms. He was president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and of the Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec. He has authored or co-authored more than 30 books, including, most recently, the Canadian Securities Regulation, 6th Edition. |
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The Honourable Tim Hodgson, P.C., M.P. The Honourable Tim Hodgson brings a wealth of experience in finance, public service, and leadership to his role as Member of Parliament for Markham–Thornhill and as Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Born in Winnipeg and raised in a Canadian Armed Forces family, Minister Hodgson grew up moving from coast to coast, gaining a deep appreciation for the country’s diversity and the values that connect Canadians. After completing his MBA at Western University’s Ivey Business School, Minister Hodgson went on to a successful global career in finance. He spent two decades with Goldman Sachs in senior leadership roles across New York, London, Silicon Valley, and Toronto, eventually serving as CEO of Goldman Sachs Canada. He later served as a special adviser at the Bank of Canada, working alongside then-Governor Mark Carney to help navigate global economic uncertainty. He also has experience working in the private sector in both clean and conventional energy, across several provinces. |
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The Honourable Nate Horner Nate Horner was sworn in as the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board on June 9, 2023. He previously served as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development and Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. Prior to his service as an elected official, Mr. Horner was a rancher with a cow-calf mix farm operation and an avid volunteer in local community organizations. Mr. Horner has his agriculture business diploma from Olds College and his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Lethbridge. Mr. Horner was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Drumheller-Stettler on April 16, 2019 and was re-elected on May 29, 2023. |
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Stan Magidson, KC Mr. Magidson is Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ASC and possesses extensive experience in corporate governance and securities law and regulation. Before joining the ASC in July 2016, he was President, CEO and director of the Institute of Corporate Directors and Chair of the Global Network of Director Institutes. Prior, Mr. Magidson was a partner for 21 years with a national law firm in the business law group where he advised corporate issuers, investors, financial intermediaries and boards of directors across the country on securities law, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance matters. Mr. Magidson currently serves as Chair of the CSA. The CSA, the council of securities regulators of Canada's provinces and territories, co-ordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets. Mr. Magidson also currently serves on the international board of the Weizmann Institute of Science and the board of Weizmann Canada. Mr. Magidson holds an LLM in Corporate Law from New York University and an LLB from the University of Ottawa. |
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Cynthia J. Campbell Cynthia Campbell leads the Enforcement division of the ASC, which is responsible for discovering, investigating and prosecuting breaches of Alberta securities laws. Through vigorous enforcement action and collaboration with the ASC’s compliance departments, other securities regulators and Canadian and foreign police forces, the Enforcement division seeks to foster investor confidence and promote the integrity of Alberta’s capital market, thereby protecting the investing public. In 2016, the ASC launched a Joint Serious Offences Team with the RCMP, to investigate and prosecute the most serious securities offenders. Prior to joining the ASC, Ms. Campbell served as Associate General Counsel, Litigation and Administrative Law at Alberta Health Services as well as worked for the Calgary Police Service, providing legal advice on police training, criminal procedure and Charter issues. After receiving her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Ottawa, Ms. Campbell clerked for the Honourable Mr. Justice J.C. Major at the Supreme Court of Canada in 1997-98. |
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Ryan Clements Ryan Clements leads the ARKM division’s work on data governance and analytics, knowledge management, ASC education programs, research into risks that require regulatory responses, and technology testing in capital markets. He currently chairs the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) Financial Innovation Hub. Previously, Dr. Clements was an Assistant Professor and Chair in Business Law and Regulation at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. He also advised governments on fintech, crypto and securities matters, and served on advisory boards for public and private fintech ventures. Dr. Clements holds a Doctorate in Juridical Science (SJD), and a Master of Laws (LLM), Magna Cum Laude, from Duke University Law School. He also received a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Distinction, and Bachelor of Arts Honors in Economics (First Class) from the University of Alberta. He is called to the bar in both Ontario and Alberta. |
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Steve Everett Steve Everett brings over 16 years of experience spearheading and advocating for change within the post-trade and global market infrastructure landscape. With a strong track record of success leading innovative, market-driven, and client-centric transformations across TradeFI and Digital domains in diverse international markets, Mr. Everett’s expertise lies in fostering innovation as a cornerstone of client-driven ecosystems. As Chief Commercial Officer for CDS and leading TMX's Post Trade Innovation, Steve is focused on delivering effective market solutions. This includes expanding Canada's pioneering Triparty Collateral Service, in collaboration with Clearstream, and implementing a range of market-driven initiatives and innovative digital solutions across the post-trade sector. |
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Mark Fitzgerald Mark Fitzgerald served as President and CEO of PETRONAS Canada from October 2024 until his retirement on September 30, 2025. With over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Mark has held senior executive roles spanning production, development, operations, strategy, and corporate development. Mark is a former Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and a past member of the Board of Directors for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). He returned to the STARS Board as a member effective Fall 2025. He is also a founding Board member of Classroom Champions and previously served on the Board of the Edge School Foundation. Currently, Mark serves on the Board of Directors for both the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Calgary Counselling Centre, continuing his commitment to community leadership and advocacy. |
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Bilal Hammoud CEO, NDAX Bilal Hammoud is a Canadian tech entrepreneur and crypto industry leader. As CEO & Founder of NDAX, one of Canada's largest cryptocurrency trading platforms, Bilal spearheads pioneering the crypto industry daily with over a decade of expertise in finance, engineering, digital assets and blockchain. With a global ambition and mindset driven to innovate the digital asset sector, Bilal's mission is to offer a premium experience for all investors and assure a seamless and secure crypto experience for everyone. |
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Hilary McMeekin Hilary McMeekin leads the Communications & Investor Education team at the ASC. She works with a dynamic team that are dedicated to helping inform and empower investors, in addition to providing strategic communications counsel and support to all areas of the ASC. Ms. McMeekin is a senior communications practitioner with over 30 years of experience in a variety of sectors and disciplines. Her goal is always to work collaboratively to build, implement and support effective internal and external communications and engagement programs that strengthen and promote an organization’s reputation. Ms. McMeekin’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and Business from the University of Calgary, a two-year specialty diploma in Public Relations from Mount Royal University, the Canadian Securities Course and professional coaching certification. |
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Andy Mitchell President & CEO, Securities and Investment Management Association (SIMA) Andy Mitchell joined SIMA in January 2023 as President and CEO. He has worked in the financial services sector for more than 30 years and has broad investment industry and leadership experience. Before joining SIMA, Andy was Managing Director and Head of Asset Management Distribution for SEI Investments Canada. Prior to joining SEI, he was President and COO of Worldsource Financial Management, a leading independent advisor network. As the president of Performa Financial Group, a division of Standard Life Canada, he played a principal role in the development of their advisor distribution network. He has also held senior leadership roles at Guardian Capital Group Limited and Bank of America Canada. Andy has an MBA from Dalhousie University, is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, and holds his Responsible Investment Specialist designation. |
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Kathleen Doyle Rockwell
Kathleen Doyle Rockwell, K.C., is the co-author of several editions of the leading text, Canadian Securities Regulation, including the most recent sixth edition published in June 2025. She has a B.Comm (Honours) and a J.D. from the University of British Columbia and an LL.M. (Dean’s Honours List) from McGill University, specializing in international business law. Kathleen clerked at the Supreme Court of British Columbia and worked for several years as Legal Counsel at the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench. She has also practised securities law with a major Canadian law firm, taught securities law at the University of Calgary, and volunteered for many years with the CBA (Alberta) Legislative Review Committee. For over twenty years, she has been with the Alberta Securities Commission and is currently Senior Special Counsel to the Vice-Chairs. |
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Samir Sabharwal
Samir Sabharwal has been the Executive Director of the ASC since April 2023. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Mr. Sabharwal was General Counsel for approximately five years. Mr. Sabharwal began with the ASC as Litigation Counsel in the Enforcement division, and subsequently worked in the Office of the General Counsel first as Legal Counsel and then the Associate General Counsel. Before joining the ASC, Mr. Sabharwal was Legal Counsel at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (now, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario), where he provided legal advice on issues related to the regulation of the financial services sector, including the development of enforcement policies and the amendment of statutes and regulations. Mr. Sabharwal obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Ontario. |
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Peter Tertzakian Peter Tertzakian is an energy economist, author, entrepreneur and podcaster with more than 35 years of experience in the business of energy — from oil and gas to renewables. Known for delivering presentations that spark discussion on some of today’s most important topics, he is frequently called on to share his knowledge of strategic issues with investors, corporate leaders, policymakers and educators around the world. A respected industry leader, Mr. Tertzakian is the founder of the ARC Energy Research Institute. In 2020, he launched Energyphile, a research-based project exploring energy’s past, present and future. And, in 2023, he founded Studio.Energy, an initiative dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders to address the world’s complex energy challenges. He currently sits on the board of the National Gallery Foundation in Ottawa. Mr. Tertzakian is also a storyteller at heart, using a creative approach to distil, clarify and communicate complicated issues regarding energy, economics and the environment. He’s written two international bestsellers — “A Thousand Barrels a Second” and “The End of Energy Obesity.” His most recent book, “The Investor Visit and Other Stories,” is a collection of creative non-fiction stories exploring how our energy past can help us navigate our energy future. Mr. Tertzakian has an undergraduate degree in Geophysics from the University of Alberta, a graduate degree in Econometrics from the University of Southampton UK and a Master of Science in Management of Technology from the Sloan School of Management at MIT. |
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Michael Thom Michael Thom, CFA is the Managing Director for CFA Societies Canada. He leads the strategic direction of CFA Societies Canada and advances the highest professional standards of integrity and ethics for the ultimate benefit of Canadian society. Michael joined CFA Societies Canada following many years of leadership in capital markets and investment management roles. Michael holds an undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia, a graduate degree from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, and is both a CFA charterholder and CAIA charterholder. |
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Lynn Tsutsumi Lynn Tsutsumi joined the ASC in July 2011 as Director, Market Regulation. In this role, she is responsible for the Market Regulation division, which develops and administers rules and policies relating to infrastructure entities, including exchanges, clearing agencies, trade repositories, as well as registrants and self-regulatory organizations. |
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Laura Tamblyn Watts Laura Tamblyn Watts is CEO of CanAge, Canada’s National Seniors’ Advocacy Organization. A lawyer and internationally recognized expert on aging, she teaches law and aging at the University of Toronto. Her #1 international bestseller, Let’s Talk About Aging Parents, has been released in nine languages and twelve countries. Laura provides expert testimony to governments worldwide, from Canada to Australia, and recently shared her insights at the United Nations and the Vatican. She chairs or sits on numerous boards, including the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization and AGE WELL. Laura and her husband Michael Tamblyn, CEO of Rakuten Kobo, balance advocacy with raising three children and caring for aging parents. |
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Denise Weeres Denise Weeres oversees the regulation of issuers participating in Alberta’s capital market, including corporate issuers and investment funds raising money publicly or privately. This involves the development of rules and policy and the administration of them. Staff make recommendations respecting discretionary exemptions from securities law and engage in oversight of the TSX Venture Exchange. Specialized teams focus on priority issues such as energy and environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure; oil and gas reserves/resource disclosure; systemic risk and market intelligence; and support the ASC’s cross-divisional innovation team to explore ways to improve capital formation in Alberta through regulatory innovation. Ms. Weeres previously served as General Counsel & Corporate Secretary to a TSX-listed company engaged in oil sands development and upgrading, and she was Manager, Corporate Finance Policy at what is now the TSX Venture Exchange. She holds an LL.B from the University of Alberta. |
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Blair Wiley Chief Legal Officer, Wealthsimple Blair Wiley leads Wealthsimple's regulatory innovation strategy. He is also the President and Director of Wealthsimple Investments Inc. (WSII), a registered securities dealer and member of CIR. He oversees Wealthsimple’s participation as a securities dealer, PSP and CTP, including its approval as a direct participant in the RTR. Throughout his career, Blair has served as an advisor, mentor and coach to a wide range of organizations, including Creative Destruction Labs, Web3 Canada and the Ontario Securities Commission. Prior to joining Wealthsimple, Blair was a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP where he co-led the firm's fintech and crypto practice groups. He holds degrees from Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Waterloo, and is a member of the bar of the Law Society of Ontario. |
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Deborah Yedlin Deborah Yedlin currently serves as President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. She took on the role of stewarding the 132-year-old organization in July 2021, bringing with her experience in capital markets gained while working on Wall Street and Bay Street, two decades of covering Canadian business as a columnist for various media outlets, and a unique perspective on the role of post-secondary education in society, having just completed a four-year term as Chancellor of the University of Calgary. Since moving to Calgary in 1992, Ms. Yedlin has been very active in the Calgary community, serving on the boards of a number of arts and community organizations. She is currently one of three co-chairs for the $250 million Calgary Cancer Centre fundraising campaign. |