Past Lectures

Adapting Public Policy to a Changing World:  A Contact Sport

Dr. Martha Piper, former president of UBC

With a background in epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as a decade of experience as UBC’s president, Dr. Martha Piper offers a unique perspective on public policy and public service in the 21st century. Born in Ohio and a longtime Canadian citizen, she received the Order of Canada in 2002. Her commitment to public life remains strong. 

In 2007, Dr. Piper assumed Board memberships with CARE Canada, the Institute for Research on Public Policy, the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education. In 2008,Dr. Piper joined the Canadian Institutes of Advanced Research and assumed the Chair of the Board of the National Institute of Nanotechnology. Dr.Piper currently is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Montreal, TransAlta Corporation, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Grosvenor Americas Ltd and is a member of the Trilateral Commission, an organization of leading thinkers and former leaders from North America, Europe and Japan.

Public Engagement in an Era of Deep Change

Dr. John McLaughlin, President, University of New Brunswick

With a distinguished career spanning the worlds of science, business and public administration, Dr. John McLaughlin brings a unique perspective to the big issues that challenge the public sector. The 200-plus articles and publications to his name on a wide range of topics are a testimony to the depth and breadth of his thinking. An engineer by training, he was a key architect of the global geomatics industry and founded two successful businesses  – an American-based technology consultancy and a Peruvian international development company. Working with numerous major international agencies, including the World Bank and UNDP, McLaughlin worked extensively to build property systems in over thirty developing countries. While serving as President of the University of New Brunswick, a position he has held since 2002, Business Magazine named him one of Atlantic Canada’s top CEOs and in 2007, he received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

Please click here to read Dr. McLaughlin's lecture

Please click here to read Gordon Osbaldeston's introductory remarks

We're All in This Together - Why Canada's Business Needs a Strong Public Service

Hal Kvisle, President and CEO, TransCanada Corp

Hal Kvisle, with his private sector and Western Canada perspective, provided his take about the  public service.  As someone who has experienced complexity on a global scale and understands the importance of leadership, Mr. Kvisle was well-placed to share some of his views, including how the private and public sectors can work together and the importance of a strong public service for the well-being of this country.

Please click here to read Mr. Kvisle's speech

Panel Discussion: 5 key trends transforming government

The lecture was preceded by a panel discussion between the authors of a collection of essays on the future of government in Canada.

Ian Green, PPF Chair in Public Service Governance
Moya Greene, President and CEO, Canada Post Corporation
Tony Dean, Secretary of the Cabinet and Clerk, Ontario
Louise Fréchette, Centre for International Governance Innovation
Hon. Hugh Segal, Senator, The Senate of Canada

Please click here to read Five Trends that are Transforming Government.

Frank Iacobucci, former Supreme Court Justice and current Chairman, Torstar Corporation

The Honorable Frank Iacobucci, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, examined the key role played by Canada’s public service as a vital national institution that maintains and enhances democratic society.