For Canada to stand tall as a middle power, businesses must step up
In this article in The Globe and Mail Report on Business, my colleague Perrin Beatty and I offer our views on the potential of the middle power coalition for business and make the case that only business can deliver the capital, the innovation and the talent to give real meaning to the idea. The Globe and Mail Report on Business – OPINION For Canada to stand tall as a middle power, businesses must step up PDF – The Globe and Mail ROB – OPINION For Canada to stand tall as a middle power, businesses must step up
Middle Power Leadership – Seizing the Business Opportunity
Along with colleagues from the Expert Group on Canada – United States Relations, we tabled a report this week accompanied by a video briefing on the immense opportunities for business in Canada and throughout the democratic world in acting through a middle power coalition. It calls for a business hedging strategy defined as “America plus”. It suggests that Canada not pivot away from the United States but rather that Canadian business defend and grow our hard won gains in the U.S. while reaching out vigorously in search of new markets in the spirit of Prime Minister Carney’s Build Canada Strong. Middle Power Leadership – Seizing the Business Opportunity – Video and Report
My farewell toast to dear friend, Japanese Ambassador to Canada Kanji Yamanouchi
ARIGATŌ – Thank you for demonstrating to me and all who have come to know you, what it means to serve as an exemplary Ambassador – one who represents his country with dignity, integrity and pride; one who works tirelessly to build bridges in support of an ever-expanding relationship… Farewell Toast to Ambassador of Japan Kanji Yamanouchi
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Business Council of Canada
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Business Council of Canada this past week offered a memory of a lifetime. In the company of fellow members of the organization, past and present, and a distinguished array of leaders from across Canada, I saluted the over 1000 CEOs and business owners with whom I worked during the three decades I led the Council. As the founding CEO of the Council, I spoke of its origins, of its values, and of its triumphs in key public policy domains. I also called on the Council to show strong leadership on the big issues facing Canada today, specifically: in fighting for Canadian unity; in securing long-term stability in our relationship with the United States; in vigorously reaching out to the most attractive global markets; and in embracing “this hinge moment in our history” – to build economic resilience and military and industrial capabilities “to ensure […]
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP IN A TIME OF CRISIS
I was honoured to present the Ivey School of Business 20th Anniversary Thomas d’Aquino Lecture on Leadership. Responding in part to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call on middle powers to unite in advancing the rule of law and multilateral cooperation – I challenge the business leaders of Canada and the democratic world to engage at this “hinge moment” to push for global economic stability through strengthened institutions and open commerce. I identify three top priorities for business leadership in Canada: fighting for national unity and the integrity of the Canadian economic union; achieving long-term stability in the Canada-United States relationship; and working with Prime Minister Carney to bolster Canadian economic resilience, national sovereignty and our country’s defence industrial base. Business Leadership in a Time of Crisis – 2026 Ivey-Thomas d’Aquino Lecture on Leadership
Reflecting on a positive book review – Private Power Public Purpose – Adventures in Business, Politics and the Arts
A friend was speaking admiringly of a fellow Ottawa resident, Hattie Klotz, and asked if I knew her. I responded with gusto in the affirmative remarking on her achievements as a writer and skiing enthusiast not to mention her knowledge and love of gardens. I remember with gratitude the attached article she authored in 2023 sparked by the publication of my book “Private Power Public Purpose – Adventures in Business, Politics and the Arts”. Luxe Magazine – Private Power Public Purpose – Adventures in Business, Politics and the Arts
Andrew Coyne’s ‘Cri de Coeur’ for Canadian Democracy – Review by Thomas d’Aquino
Andrew Coyne’s ‘Cri de Coeur’ for Canadian Democracy The Crisis of Canadian Democracy By Andrew Coyne Sutherland House/May 2025 Reviewed by Thomas d’Aquino June 2, 2025
Defeating the Trump Threat – A Winning Canada Strategy – Notes for remarks to the Rockcliffe Park Speakers Series
Notes for remarks to the Rockcliffe Park Speakers Series March 26, 2025 By Thomas d’Aquino Donald Trump has declared an unjustified economic war against our country and has repeatedly expressed his desire to annex Canada as the 51st state. Canadians have responded with defiance and a surge of patriotism unmatched since World War II. The Canadian response has also been sensible: we have endeavoured to persuade Trump and his Administration to retreat from the tariff war he seeks to impose on America’s closest ally and friend; we have argued that the tariffs will destroy jobs and investment on both sides of the border; we have said clearly that proposed annexation is a pipe dream and that he should cease and desist his insulting and inflammatory language. We have taken measures to strengthen our shared borders and aggressively counter the small quantities of fentanyl that cross into the United States […]
DEFEATING THE TRUMP THREAT – A WINNING CANADA STRATEGY – By Thomas d’Aquino
Summary of my key points before the Progressive Senate Group at the Senate of Canada By Thomas d’Aquino Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Donald Trump has declared economic war on Canada and has repeatedly called for our country to become the 51st state. The attachment contains a summary of the key points drawn from my remarks before the Progressive Senate Group at the Senate of Canada earlier this week. Donald Trump has declared an unjustified economic war against our country and has repeatedly expressed his desire to annex Canada as the 51st state. Canadians have responded with defiance and a surge of patriotism unmatched since World War II. The Canadian response has also been sensible: we have endeavoured to persuade Trump and his Administration to retreat from the tariff war he seeks to impose on America’s closest ally and friend; we have argued that the tariffs will destroy jobs and investment on […]
Canada needs a Grand Coalition – By Thomas d’Aquino and J.D.M. Stewart
To Meet This Moment, Canada Needs a New Grand Coalition
