Stories From Coast to Coast (to Coast)

What makes Canada great? No one knows better than Rick Mercer. This #1 nationally bestselling author spent 15 years as the host of CBC’s Rick Mercer Report, travelling across the country to find the best of Canada. In talks, he offers a hilarious and keen-eyed look at current events, leaving audiences laughing and proud to be Canadian.

Literature Can Show Us Our Future

One of the greatest storytellers in the world, Margaret Atwood has received international acclaim for her prescient writing, including her novel The Handmaid’s Tale. Today, she turns her sharp eye to what’s happening at home and abroad, revealing the questions that face our democracy and the role of art in an uncertain time.

To Win the AI Race, Act Today

AI is disrupting everything. Smart companies have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to gain an edge. Ajay Agrawal is the founder of the world’s largest AI startup incubator, which has helped to make Toronto a key hub for AI innovation worldwide. Ajay has accelerated over 1000 startups, and offers brilliant and accessible talks on how to get ahead.

Fight for What You Believe In

After a near-fatal stabbing by a soldier during the Oka Crisis, Waneek Horn-Miller almost gave up on her dreams in sports. But she persevered—and 10 years later, became the first Mohawk woman to compete in the Olympics. In inspiring talks, Waneek empowers us to stand up for what’s right and take control of our own story.

Now Is the Time to Create the Future

AI is changing our world so rapidly that it can feel difficult to keep up. But Jeremy Gutsche says that a moment of chaos is the perfect time to create the future. A hotly in-demand Canadian consultant described as “an intellectual can of Red Bull,” Jeremy has helped everyone from Google to Disney navigate change and thrive through disruption.

How to Strengthen Our Democracy

We’re in a moment of instability. But we can get back to solid ground. Toronto-based journalist Stephen Marche is the author of The Next Civil War, a look into the potential political paths that lie ahead. In talks, he offers us a glimpse of the future and the tools to forge a path towards unity, stability, and a stronger democracy.

Hope and Purpose in Uncertain Times

Feeling uncertain about the future? You’re not alone. Britt Wray says we can harness this uncertainty to find hope and lasting purpose. The author of Generation Dread, host of The Nature of Invention on CBC’s The Nature of Things, and director of Stanford’s CIRCLE initiative, she offers practical steps towards making real change.

How to Connect in the Age of AI

Technology like AI has made our life better in many ways. But it’s still real life that makes us feel human. A Toronto-based journalist who just won a National Magazine Award, bestselling author David Sax shows us how to forge stronger relationships, make our workplaces more resilient, and build a future with humans at the centre.

Why Does Everything Feel Slightly Off?

AI, misinformation, and polarization have made our familiar landscape feel slightly wrong. But Naomi Klein says that we can still reclaim our democracy—and ourselves. A UBC professor and the author of books like Doppelganger, The Shock Doctrine, and No Logo, Naomi offers clarity on the most pressing issues of today.

The Ingredients for High Performance

How does a Canadian businesswoman and mom outperform the Navy SEALs? Through grit and teamwork. Yvonne Camus was on the first rookie team to ever complete the Eco-Challenge: the world championship of adventure racing. Her talks help us tap into high performance, even with the odds stacked against us.

Who are the top Canadian keynote speakers right now?

Today’s top Canadian speakers include globally recognized voices like Rick Mercer, Margaret Atwood, and Waneek Horn-Miller, each one offering fresh insight into leadership, culture, literature, politics, innovation, and resilience. From tech experts like Ajay Agrawal to cultural commentators like Naomi Klein, Canada’s speaker roster includes some of the most relevant and in-demand minds working today.

Should I book a Canadian speaker for my next event?

If you’re a organizer in Canada looking for a smart, thought-provoking keynote speaker for your event, consider booking a Canadian keynote speaker! While you can find amazing speakers the world over, the top Canadian speakers are uniquely able to speak to your audience’s specific cultural, economic, and political context. What’s more, it’s often less expensive to book a Canadian speaker because they might take a lower fee for local events and you don’t have to pay as much for travel costs.

What events should I book Canadian speakers for?

Canadian keynote speakers are a perfect fit for conferences, corporate retreats, university keynotes, employee resource group events, campus programming, and more. Their wide range of expertise—from mental health and innovation to Indigenous knowledge and global politics—makes them versatile and compelling for Canadian audiences across all industries and sectors. If your event needs a smart, engaging keynote that will leave a lasting impact, Canadian speakers can deliver.

When should I book a Canadian speaker for my event?

The best time to book a Canadian keynote speaker is 3-6 months before your event—especially if you’re targeting popular names with limited availability. For national celebrations like Canada Day or Indigenous History Month, booking early ensures you secure top talent before calendars fill up. Many Canadian speakers also give keynotes internationally, so the earlier you reach out, the better your chances of aligning schedules.

How much does a Canadian keynote speaker cost?

Fees for Canadian speakers vary widely based on profile, experience, and event type. Some university professors or rising stars may charge $5,000–$10,000, while bestselling authors and media personalities can command $15,000–$40,000 or more. Travel costs and event location may also factor in. We can help you find the right Canadian speaker at the right price—just reach out with your budget and goals.

What topics do Canadian speakers cover?

Canadian keynote speakers cover a wide range of relevant and in-demand topics: AI and innovation, mental health, Indigenous reconciliation, climate change, leadership, and more. Many also speak to the uniquely Canadian context—offering fresh takes on identity, history, and culture—while others bring an international lens shaped by their work on the global stage. Whatever your event’s theme, there’s a Canadian speaker who can speak to it with clarity and impact.