Policy Insights Forum

Ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague on June 24–25, the Policy Insights Forum's chairman, Goran Samuel Pesic, has written a timely article proposing that NATO consider the case for a 'Grand Strategy' as part of its formal agenda. With growing geopolitical complexity and uneven alliance contributions, the need for long-term strategic clarity is more pressing than ever. You can read the article here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/df8iPMxd We welcome your thoughts and discussion ahead of the Summit. Canadian Defence Review Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) Privy Council Office Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada #natosummit2025 #nato

Goran Samuel Pesic, Chairman of the Policy Insights Forum (PIF), was honoured to co-host the 2025 North Star Award Gala Dinner with Peter Hall, in celebration of the remarkable contributions of Stephen Poloz, former Governor of the Bank of Canada. The evening highlighted Canadian excellence, dedicated public service, and forward-looking leadership. The formal program opened with a Land acknowledgment by former PIF intern Meagan Boucher-Martin and a stirring live rendition of “O Canada.” Aliénor Peyrefitte, PIF Chief of Staff, assumed the role of Master of Ceremonies, setting an inspiring tone for the night. As Gala Co-Chairs, Peter and I expressed gratitude to our generous supporters—most notably Title Sponsor CGI alongside Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Enbridge, Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada, and the Samuel Group of Companies, whose commitment to Canadian leadership and innovation made the evening possible. During dinner, CGI Executive Chair Julie Godin presented Mr. Poloz with the 2025 North Star Award, after which he delivered an eloquent, deeply personal keynote reflecting on decades of public service and Canada’s future. A surprise video message from his family added a memorable, heartfelt touch. The Gala also launched the North Star Internship Program, introduced by Meagan Boucher-Martin to honour Mr. Poloz’s legacy and foster the next generation of public-service leaders. We were delighted to recognize Malcolm Fisher, a Master’s student in Public Policy at Queen's University, as the inaugural intern. The night concluded with group photographs, lively conversation, and a shared commitment to integrity and vision in public leadership. Special thanks to Richard Emmanuel Foltys of The Digital Mirror for capturing the event, and to musicians Nicholas Deek and Gábor Csonka for their exceptional live performance. #NorthStarAward #PublicService #Leadership #CanadianExcellence #StephenPoloz #PIF #SamuelGroup #Econosphere #CGI #EDC #Enbridge #Osler

It was a privilege to share select moments from the VIP Reception of the 2025 North Star Award Gala—hosted by the Samuel Group of Companies and presided over by the Hon. Jamie Baillie, Managing Director, Atlantic Canada, and presented by the Policy Insights Forum, Canada’s premier recognition event celebrating exemplary leadership in public service. This year’s gala honoured the remarkable contributions of Stephen Poloz, former Governor of the Bank of Canada, whose leadership has left a lasting impact on Canada’s economic direction and public policy landscape. Held on Thursday, May 22, at the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, the evening brought together senior leaders from across government, finance, and industry to recognize Canadian achievement at the highest level. We are deeply grateful to our Title Sponsor, CGI and Julie Godin, and to our corporate sponsors—Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Enbridge, and Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada—for their generous partnership in making this celebration possible. A special thank you to Richard Emmanuel Foltys, Principal of The Digital Mirror and internationally recognized photographer, for his outstanding work capturing the elegance and spirit of the event. I also extend heartfelt appreciation to Peter Hall, Co-Chair of the Gala, and to our Chief of Staff, Aliénor Peyrefitte and Director of Operations Jonas LeBlanc-Wilmink, whose leadership and collaboration were instrumental in delivering a world-class experience worthy of the North Star Award tradition - thank you! #NorthStarAward #StephenPoloz #PublicServiceExcellence #CanadianLeadership #SamuelGroup #PolicyInsightsForum #CGI #EDC #Enbridge #Osler #CanadianExcellence

A marvellous evening celebrating an exceptional Canadian and a kind friend. Grateful to the Policy Insights Forum for a powerful tribute to Stephen Poloz—and for including me. Steve’s vision and service continue to shape Canada. Wonderful to reconnect with leaders and colleagues, past and present. A well-deserved honour! Goran Samuel Pesic

Last night, Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada was proud to join leaders from Canada’s business community and public policy sphere at the North Star Award Gala Dinner in Ottawa, hosted by the Policy Insights Forum. EDC came out in force with our Board Chair Vivian Abdelmessih, MBA, ICD.D, GCB.D, current CEO Alison Nankivell, 3 former CEOs and a team of current and former leaders to support one of our own. It was great to see Governor Stephen Poloz - EDC’s former President & CEO - receive the 2025 North Star Award. His visionary leadership, investment in people and a remarkable lifetime of achievement have significantly impacted our country and Canada “matters more” today as a result. Congratulations Steve! ———— Hier soir, EDC était fière de se compter parmi les leaders canadiens en matière de politique, d'affaires et de service public lors du de gala North Star Award à Ottawa, organisé par le Policy Insights Forum. C'était un plaisir de célébrer Stephen Poloz ancien président et chef de la direction d'EDC et ancien gouverneur de la Banque du Canada, qui a reçu le prix North Star 2025. Son leadership visionnaire et ses réalisations remarquables le long de sa carrière ont eu un impact significatif sur le Canada et sa population. En tant que commanditaire spécial, EDC est fière de soutenir des initiatives telles que le programme de stages North Star, qui permettra à la prochaine génération de leaders politiques et économiques de se réaliser, un investissement dans l'avenir du Canada.

A special evening organized by Goran Samuel Pesic, Policy Insights Forum to recognize a great Canadian and an exceptional leader. Very well deserved recognition of Stephen Poloz and his contributions to Canada.

Only a Few Tables Remaining for the 2025 North Star Award Gala Dinner Table Tickets are still available for Canada’s premier awards and recognition ceremony organized by the Policy Insights Forum—the North Star Award Gala, honouring former Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz for his remarkable contributions to Canada’s economic and public policy leadership. Join us on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa for an evening that brings together leaders in finance, business, and public policy to celebrate Canadian excellence. If your organization wishes to be part of this national event, consider becoming a table sponsor. This is an ideal opportunity to engage clients and colleagues while recognizing outstanding public service. Table Sponsorship includes: ▪️ Reserved seating for eight guests ▪️ Recognition in official event materials and on-site signage ▪️ Opportunities to engage with senior leaders in business, finance, and public policy We are grateful to our Title Sponsor CGI, and corporate sponsors Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Enbridge, and Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada for their support. To learn more, purchase tickets, or explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eQMC2pfw Seating is limited—early confirmation is strongly encouraged. #NorthStarAward #StephenPoloz #CanadianLeadership #PublicPolicy #Finance #Banking #EconomicPolicy #CGI #EDC #PolicyInsightsForum #LeadershipMatters #GalaDinner #OttawaEvents

The Policy Insights Forum is pleased to present a new episode of the Strategic Thinkers Series. In this episode, J. Paul de B. Taillon talks to Dr Charles Burtonto discuss Justice Marie-Josée Hogue's report on foreign interference, challenges of misinformation, and transnational repression. https://lnkd.in/ekB-5Wx7

The Policy Insights Forum is pleased to announce we're prepared a short video highlighting key successes of the NATO Private Sector Engagement (NPSE) 2025 program, tailored specifically for defence industry executives and senior business decision-makers. This video provides a unique glimpse into our comprehensive, multi-year programming designed to enhance understanding of the evolving geopolitical environment involving NATO, the European Union, and Canada-Belgium relations. With Canada actively working towards achieving its NATO commitment of 2% GDP on defence, programs like NPSE are crucial for senior business leaders seeking strategic insights and an edge in anticipating and adapting to forthcoming changes. We're already beginning to plan our NPSE 2026 executive programming. For more information or to get involved, please contact our office at info@policyinisghts.ca or visit us at https://lnkd.in/d8F_YPSD. A special thank you to the Government of Canada, Defence Materiel - ADM(Mat) | Matériel de défense - SMA(Mat), NATO, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), NATO - Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the European Union, the European Defence Agency, and the Government of Belgium for your valuable assistance and facilitation support. Gratitude is also extended to the executive team at the Policy Insights Forum for your hard work and unwavering dedication, and to all our executive participants and their companies. #NPSE2025 #PolicyInsightsForum #NATO #DefenseIndustry #CanadaEU #Geopolitics #ExecutiveLeadership #StrategicEngagement Richard Emmanuel Foltys

The Policy Insights Forum (PIF) is pleased to announce that CGI Inc. will serve as ‘Title Sponsor, of the 2025 North Star Award Gala Dinner, taking place on May 22, 2025, at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa. This year, we are honoured to recognize Stephen Poloz, former Governor of the Bank of Canada, for his exceptional contributions to Canada’s economic growth and public policy leadership. As part of its sponsorship, CGI’s generous support will fund three prestigious internships established in honour of Mr. Poloz. These internships, administered by PIF in collaboration with select Government of Canada departments and agencies, are designed to empower the next generation of Canadian policy leaders—with Mr. Poloz personally serving as mentor. We are deeply grateful to CGI and Executive Chair Julie Godin for their shared commitment to nurturing Canadian talent and fostering future leadership in public service. Join us in celebrating this milestone event and Canada’s policy excellence: https://lnkd.in/eQMC2pfw #PolicyLeadership #NorthStarAward #StephenPoloz #CGI #PublicPolicy #Mentorship #Innovation #Canada #PolicyInsightsForum