Over the last few years, conservative parties have experienced highs and lows across the country, losing three federal elections in the last seven years, while currently holding power in seven of ten provinces.
As the federal Conservatives undertake their third leadership race in three years, and the tug of war continues between the movement’s centrist, populist and right-wing elements, what does the future hold for Conservativism in Canada, and which faction will win out?
Join Canadian Club Toronto on June 8 for a dynamic discussion of what comes next for Conservatives in Canada featuring:
**A link to the live stream will be provided closer to the event date.**
Adrienne Batra
Editor in Chief, Toronto Sun
Adrienne Batra was born and raised in Saskatchewan. She has an undergraduate degree in political science and a Masters in Public Administration. Ms. Batra worked at the Saskatchewan Legislature as a researcher with the opposition caucus office. She then moved on to be the Manitoba Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Canada’s largest taxpayer advocacy group. In 2010, Ms. Batra was the Director of Communications for the Rob Ford for Mayor campaign, and moved on to serve in the Office of the Mayor as Ford’s Press Secretary. Upon leaving City Hall, she became the Comment Editor and columnist for the Toronto Sun and political commentator on Newstalk 1010. In June of 2015, Ms. Batra was appointed as the Editor in Chief of the Toronto Sun and 24Hours Toronto. She has appeared on Fox Business News, CNN and BBC and is a frequent contributor on Global News and CTV News Channel, CP24 and AM640. Ms. Batra also served in the Canadian Armed Forces, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant, and was nominated for a YWCA Woman of Distinction award. In 2013 she was awarded with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and serves on the Board of Governors for the National Newspaper Awards and the Canadian Journalism Foundation.
Hon. Lisa Raitt
Vice-Chair Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets
The Honourable Lisa Raitt joined CIBC Capital Markets in January 2020, having previously worked in both the public and private sectors. Ms. Raitt’s current focus is on senior client coverage and business development with clients in the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, which align closely with her deep expertise.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Raitt was the President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority. She was elected into the House of Commons in 2008, where she went on to hold three senior portfolios serving as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Transport. Most recently, Ms. Raitt was the Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada.
Ms. Raitt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis Xavier University and a master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Guelph. She possesses an LL.B from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario bar in 1998. In 2020 Ms. Raitt was named a Woodrow Wilson Center Global Fellow of the Canada Institute.
Chad Rogers
Entrepreneur & Founding Partner, Crestview Strategy
Chad Rogers is a strategist and entrepreneur. Chad helps CEO’s, corporations and industry associations face crisis head-on, make their case, and get things approved.
The Hill Times magazine named Chad one of the ‘Top 100 Lobbyists’ in Canada. A sought-after media commentator, he has been a member of the ‘Power Panel’ on CBC Television’s Power & Politics. A recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for public service, Chad serves as Honourary Consul of the Republic of Kosovo in Canada.
As a Country Director with the Washington, DC-based National Democratic Institute, chaired by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, he’s worked with governments and political leaders around the world.
Chad has advised leaders in Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Georgia, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Pakistan, Serbia, Trinidad & Tobago and Ukraine. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Chad resides in Toronto with his husband Mark.
Sabrina Maddeaux
Columnist, National Post
Sabrina is a columnist for the National Post, where she’s known for her bold opinions on topics from politics to pop culture, economics and equality. Her columns regularly run on the paper’s front page and are considered must-reads for the millennial perspective on Canada’s political landscape. Sabrina is also a frequent on-air commentator, and has appeared on CP24, Breakfast Television, ET Canada, TVO’s The Agenda, CityLine, and many other broadcasts. She’s the recipient of multiple National Magazine Awards and Canadian Online Publishing Awards, as well as a Webby Award.
