The Canadian Club of London is proud to partner with the London Black Heritage Council (LBHC) for this event- a not-for-profit heritage and cultural organization that is committed to supporting initiatives, activities and services that increase the public’s understanding of the diversity and rich history of London’s Black community.
As diverse peoples of the African Diaspora and drawing on their lived experiences and knowledge, the panelists will share their perspectives on Black history and heritage in London and southwestern Ontario.
1. Charles Innis- a multifaceted community developer and entrepreneur with a rich mixed heritage. His father, Douglas Innis, was a Black musician, actor, and playwright from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, known for authoring "Satchmo Suite" and working as a sought-after session musician in Toronto. His mother, a White photographer, hails from London, Ontario, as a third-generation Londoner. Charles's Nova Scotian roots trace back to United Empire Loyalists.
A graduate of St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto, Charles began his career in music, serving as a public relations artist for the Cabbagetown Arts Center during its early years. He later transitioned to clinical massage therapy, practicing from 2004 to 2014. After completing the Campus for Communities community development course, Charles has been working as a community developer in London, Ontario since 2014.
Currently, Charles manages the Mystic Wisdom Tea and Bookshop alongside his daughter Adina. His diverse background, encompassing music, therapy, retail management, and camp curriculum coordination, contributed to his and his wife Carolyn's selection for the Mayor's Honors list in London, Ontario in 2016.
Charles's unique perspective, shaped by his mixed heritage and varied professional experiences, makes him a valuable contributor to discussions on Black History in Canada.
2. Christina Lord MaAdEd (she/her)- a long-time member of the London Black community and has served in a volunteer capacity with several organizations over the years. She currently serves on the London Black History Coordinating Committee of which she was a founding member and is on the Board of Directors of the London and Middlesex Heritage Museum (Fanshawe Pioneer Village). She is a long-standing member of The Congress of Black Women, London Chapter.
3. Tarik Kifle - a passionate advocate for Black student success and a dedicated Graduation Coach at the Thames Valley District School Board. With a Master’s Degree in Sociology specializing in African Studies from Carleton University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Criminology from King’s University College, Tarik combines her academic background with a deep commitment to anti-racism, equity, and community empowerment.
A proud member of the London Black History Coordinating Committee, Tarik has been instrumental in organizing initiatives such as the Black Business and Career Opportunities Conference and has worked to create a collective of Black Student Associations across the TVDSB through the Black Student Union. These efforts reflect her longstanding passion for fostering spaces where Black youth can connect with their heritage and one another.
Tarik’s work is deeply informed by her dedication to social justice, identifying and addressing social inequities, and empowering others through Afrocentric knowledge. Her Master’s degree in African Studies sparked her desire to continue empowering Black communities through education, while her experience in community outreach has allowed her to work in settings that reflect her passion for both Afrocentric education and community development. In her current role as a Graduation Coach for Black students, Tarik is committed to helping students navigate the educational system with the support and mentorship they need to succeed.
With over 12 years of experience in community outreach and advocacy, Tarik is excited to share her insights on Black heritage, the importance of community, and how we can continue to pave the way for future generations of Black leaders.
Our Moderator: Carl Cadogan - a long history of community involvement and volunteering.
He has served on numerous boards, committees, and task forces, including the Premier’s Council on the Voluntary Sector , and the Provincial Work Group on Gaming (that redesigned the Ontario Trillium Foundation). He was a founding member of Pillar, and Eva’s Place, and is the Chair of the London Black History Coordinating Committee, the Treasurer of the Aya Afrika Foundation, and is on the Boards of the Vanier Institute of the Family, the Grand Theatre, Urban Roots London and Fanshawe Pioneer Village.. Carl is the Senior Regional Manager, Southwestern Ontario for the Kidney Foundation of Canada. He lives in London with his wife Cynthia and in his spare time, loves to travel, and has been to every province and one territory and to thirty US states, and sixteen African countries. He is an avid cyclist, reader, and kite flyer
Doors at 5pm
Event at 5:30pm
Post Reception 6:30pm to 7:15pm
Great Hall at Huron University
1349 Western Rd, London, ON
Free Parking in designated lot near the venue
Dr. Tommy Cooke, BA, MA, PhD is Co-Founder, President, and CEO of voyAIge strategy. He is an expert in data privacy and ethical technology with a PhD from York University. He is an experienced researcher, investigator, and consultant of AI ethics, specializing in AI thought leadership and executive training. Tommy has held research fellowships in Germany and at Queen's University, where he led award-winning research. Currently leading a multinational academic research team exploring smartphone privacy, Tommy has also worked with Deloitte Canada's Trustworthy AI team, the Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, and served as a professor in political science, sociology, and engineering.
Dr. Christina Catenacci, BA, LLB, LLM, PhD, is Co-Founder, Vice-President, and CPO of voyAIge strategy. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and is a privacy and employment law expert with a PhD in law. She has worked as a law professor, senior policy advisor, and consultant. She writes on AI, privacy, and surveillance for publications like First Reference Talks, Tech Policy Press, and the International Association of Privacy Professionals. With experience across Canada, the U.S., and the EU, she focuses on solving complex privacy and legal challenges.
Our moderator: Christina Fox- CEO of TechAlliance
A follow-up from our very successful event last season!
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries across the globe, and London is no exception. We explore the latest AI trends impacting local sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education, and examine how organizations are leveraging AI to drive efficiency and innovation. We also discuss why governing AI effectively is essential for long-term success. Many organizations struggle to manage AI responsibly, leading to avoidable risks, cost, and inefficiencies. Learn what organizations tend to get wrong and learn about three key strategies to ensure AI is governed in a way that supports sustainable growth and minimizes ethical, legal, and operational risks.
Doors at 5:15pm
Event at 5:45pm
Post Reception: 6:45 to 7:30pm
Frank Holmes Centre for Leadership, Ethics & Entrepreneurship
Huron University College, 1349 Western Rd, London, ON N6G 1H3
Free parking. Details will be provided when you purchase a ticket or, as a member, register for the event
Interested in sponsoring this event? Click on the PARTNERS tab above or contact us at connect@canadiancluboflondon.com
Joe Murray
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Murray (retired) served for thirty years in the Canadian Armed Forces. Lieutenant Colonel Murray also served as Commanding Officer of 31 Brigade Battle School and was Assistant Chief of Staff at 31 Brigade Headquarters based in London. Joe served in the First Hussars Regiment, starting as a private in 1970 and ending up as a Lieutenant Colonel and the Commanding Officer of this storied regiment. LCol Murray retired from the military in 2009. During his time as a Hussar, Joe help to establish a museum and helped to update and publish the Hussar’s Regimental History, which was published in 2004. He has in depth knowledge of the roles that Canada played on the battlefields during World War One and Two. Joe and his wife Nancy recently published a book on World War One called ‘Death of a Gunner’
Royal Canadian Regiment Museum - 750 Elizabeth St, London, ON.
Doors open @ 4:30pm
A FREE self guided tour of the museum for all attendees at 4:45pm is included.
Our event will begin at 5:30pm with the Post Reception and light refreshments at 6:30pm.
Douglas Porter - Chief Economist at BMO
A discussion about the economy in Canada and here in Southwestern Ontario. Where are we now? What does the coming year look like?
Douglas has over 30 years of experience analyzing global economies and financial markets. As Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group and author of the popular Talking Points, he oversees the macroeconomic and financial market forecasts and co-writes the firm’s weekly flagship publication, Focus.
Mr. Porter manages the team that has won numerous forecasting awards. Most recently, Douglas led the team to a #1 ranking for Top U.S. Forecaster among 60 global firms in the 2023 Focus Economics Survey, and #1 for Top Canadian Inflation Forecaster among 28 firms. Also, his team took the #1 spot in the StarMine Awards for Most Accurate Forecasters for Canada in 2022.
Douglas’ career began at the Bank of Canada; then, before joining BMO, he held the positions of Economist and Country Risk Analyst with other Canadian financial institutions. He has been a member of C.D. Howe’s Monetary Policy Council since 2008 and serves on the Investment Management Committees of the Bank of Montreal’s Canada Pension Plan and Western’s Endowment Fund. Douglas Porter, CFA, earned a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario.
London Club - 177 Queens Ave, London.
Doors open at 5pm, Event at 5:30pm, Post Reception at 6:30pm with light refreshments.
In a fast-moving world, the London Club provides a haven amidst the stress of everyday life.
1. TED BARRIS
Award winning Author, Journalist
Battle of the Atlantic: During the event, the speaker discussed the research from his book, shedding light on the significance of the North Atlantic during the defining conflict of the 20th century. He emphasized the Battle of the Atlantic as a pivotal moment in the Second World War, which lasted 2,074 days and nights and proved to be the turning point of the conflict.
The speaker emphasized Canada's remarkable transformation throughout the war. Initially entering with a modest fleet of 13 warships and around 3,500 sailors in 1939, Canada's navy swelled during the Atlantic crossings to encompass 400 fighting ships and over 100,000 personnel by V-E Day in 1945, earning it the rank of the world's fourth-largest navy. The Battle of the Atlantic, as the speaker elucidated, marked Canada's lengthiest continuous military engagement during the war, reflecting upon his extensive research and insights provided in his book.
Local music industry community members
The event brought together a dynamic panel of local influencers, delving into the vibrant tapestry of London, Ontario's music culture. Amidst animated discussions, panelists shared their insights on cultivating the city's music industry, amplifying the voices of emerging artists, and nurturing successful initiatives that have blossomed in the heart of the City.
Excitement buzzed as attendees immersed themselves in talks about London's eclectic festivals, celebrating the city's rich artistic heritage. From jazz to indie rock, the panelists explored the diverse musical landscape that defines London's cultural identity.
Adding a crescendo of excitement, the audience was treated to a mesmerizing "sing-off" between two opera virtuosos, both alumni of Western University. Their awe-inspiring performances left the crowd awestruck, reaffirming the wealth of talent nurtured within London's artistic community.
1. Roy Butler
Chief Executive Officer, St.Joseph's Health Care London
2. Dr. Alexander Summers
Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit
3. Dr. Kevin Chan
Acting President and CEO , London Health Sciences Centre
During the event, the speakers delved into a comprehensive discussion on London's healthcare landscape, addressing critical areas such as budgeting, prioritization, expansion, and AI integration. They collectively emphasized the need for strategic resource allocation to ensure optimal patient care while navigating the challenges of a dynamic healthcare environment.
Through their collective insights and expertise, the speakers provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within London's healthcare system, inspiring dialogue and innovation towards a more sustainable and patient-centric future.
1. Anna Badillo
Executive Director of Urban Roots London
2. James Smith
Director of Agrifood and the Grove
3.James McInnes,
CEO and Founder, Odd Burger
4. Host: Andrew Fleet
Executive Director, Growing Chefs! Ontario
Speakers delved into the city's Urban roots, celebrating its diverse culinary scene and vibrant food culture. From iconic eateries like Odd Burger to emerging trends in plant-based cuisine, the discussion highlighted the dynamic evolution of food offerings in the region. They discussed the importance of sourcing locally and investing in sustainable agriculture to support both the community and the planet.
From farmer's markets to community-supported agriculture programs, they emphasized the importance of fostering connections between consumers and local producers to promote healthier, more sustainable food choices. Speakers shared insights into innovative approaches to food packaging and distribution aimed at minimizing environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.
1. Annabelle Pundaky
Student, Ivey Business School
2. Matt Ross
Director of Applied Research, Scribd
3. Moderator: Christina Fox
CEO, Tech Alliance
Speakers delved into the complexities of AI biases, highlighting the importance of addressing inherent prejudices in algorithms to ensure fair and equitable outcomes. They also examined the ethical implications of deepfakes, discussing strategies to combat misinformation and protect against digital manipulation. Speakers showcased the potential of AI-powered tools in streamlining content creation processes while raising important questions about copyright laws and intellectual property rights in the digital age. They discussed the importance of privacy protections and data security measures in safeguarding individuals' rights in an increasingly data-driven world.
Advancements in AI technology were also a focal point of the discussion, with speakers highlighting groundbreaking innovations in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. They explored the potential of AI to drive positive societal impact, from revolutionizing healthcare to optimizing transportation systems and beyond.
1. Christian Leuprecht
Royal Military College
Christian Leuprecht (Ph.D, Queen’s) is Class of 1965 Professor in Leadership, Department of Political Science, Royal Military College.
We unraveled the complexities surrounding open borders and discuss strategies for effective border management that extend far beyond physical boundaries.
In today’s interconnected world, the concept of open borders poses a complex security dilemma. While open borders promote freedom of movement and economic prosperity, they also can present significant challenges in terms of security and management. Contrary to common belief, securing open borders does not happen at the physical border itself; rather, it necessitates a comprehensive approach that starts well beyond the border.
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Purchase or Renew an Individual, Family or Student Membership for next season (Sept. 2025 to June 2026) before April 15th, 2025 and receive the last 2 events of this season FREE!