Canada’s leaders are navigating a period defined by pressure, from shifting trade relationships and global instability to economic uncertainty at home. At INTERSECT/26, The Globe and Mail convened voices from government, business, and policy to confront those realities directly.
Held at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, the event focused on what national growth and renewal looks like in practice. The discussions were frank, at times uncomfortable, and grounded in the idea that Canada’s next chapter depends on decisive leadership and long-term thinking.
From defence and trade to industrial policy and public trust, INTERSECT/26 offered a clear snapshot of the debates shaping Canada’s future and the expectations Canadians have for those in power.
INTERSECT/26: Policy, Progress, and a Call to Action
Canada is facing a defining moment. Questions around economic resilience, trade relationships, defence readiness, and national sovereignty are no longer theoretical. They’re immediate, and they demand clear-eyed leadership.
Yesterday, The Globe and Mail brought together political, business and policy leaders at INTERSECT/26 in Toronto to tackle what comes next for Canada, and what it will take to get there.
One thing was clear across conversations: the path forward will require tougher choices and a willingness to act with intent rather than comfort.
For advertisers and media partners, INTERSECT/26 offers an early signal of where public debate is heading, and how Canadian audiences are thinking about leadership, accountability, and the country’s future. These are the conversations shaping trust and influence right now.
Catch up on the key moments from INTERSECT/26 and what they mean for marketers:
FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Intersect 2026: Ford talks Trump and private jets, Kenney warns of Alberta separatism and LeBlanc says Canada ready for USMCA talks
By: Globe Staff
CEOs, politicians and First Nations and industry leaders tackled Canada’s pressing economic and social issues at second annual conference in Toronto.
FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Business Brief: Key takeaways from leaders at the Intersect forum
By: Chris Wilson-Smith
From defence spending and trade resilience to energy security and economic confidence, this Business Brief distills what mattered most from the INTERSECT/26 stage. The piece captures how political and business leaders framed Canada’s challenges, and where urgency, confidence, and concern surfaced most clearly.
FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
John Bolton says Canada must play the long game with Trump
By: Janice Dickson
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, said Donald Trump was never serious about annexing Canada, framing the rhetoric as political “trolling” rather than policy. Bolton urged Canadians to separate Trump from the broader U.S. relationship, while also criticizing Canada for underinvesting in defence and deepening ties with China.
FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Ottawa has red lines in USMCA talks, but sees path to a deal, LeBlanc says
By: Mark Rendell
Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canada has firm red lines as the USMCA review approaches, while still expressing confidence that a deal is possible. The discussion highlighted how trade and national interest are now more tightly linked than ever.
FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
CPPIB’s John Graham says pension fund ‘open for business’ to invest in defence sector
By: James Bradshaw
CPP Investments CEO John Graham said the pension fund is prepared to invest more actively in the defence sector, citing the need for long-term capital as global security priorities shift. His comments underscored how geopolitics are reshaping investment strategy, even for traditionally cautious institutional players.
FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Algoma CEO says Canada not doing enough to support steel sector during trade war
By: Niall McGee
The CEO of Algoma Steel called for stronger and faster government support as U.S. trade pressures continue to batter the industry. His comments reinforced broader concerns at INTERSECT/26 about supply chains, domestic production, and economic sovereignty.
FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Ford says $28.9-million private jet sold to Bombardier
By: Jeff Gray
Premier Doug Ford addressed the backlash over Ontario’s purchase of a private jet, confirming it had been sold back to Bombardier at full price. The exchange became a flashpoint conversation about optics and public trust.
FRED LUM/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Jason Kenney warns Alberta independence movement could become ‘a real factor’ in politics
By: Matthew Scace
Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney cautioned that economic pressure and federal-provincial tension could push Alberta separatism from the margins into mainstream politics. His remarks highlighted the risks of continued national fragmentation if regional grievances go unaddressed.
What This Means for Advertisers:
INTERSECT/26 made one thing clear: Canadians are paying close attention to how leaders respond under pressure. Issues like trade resilience, energy security, defence, and public accountability are shaping not just policy, but public sentiment.
For brands, this is a moment to show credibility and purpose. Aligning with trusted journalism and the conversations driving national decisions helps build relevance with audiences who care deeply about where Canada is headed.
Globe Media Group is here to help connect your message to those moments, and to Canadians who are thinking critically about the future.
Let’s move forward in building a stronger Canada – together.
About The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail is Canada’s foremost news media company, leading the national discussion and causing policy change through brave and independent journalism since 1844. With our award-winning coverage of business, politics and national affairs, The Globe and Mail newspaper reaches 6.5 million readers every week in our print or digital formats, and Report on Business magazine reaches 3.1 million readers in print and digital. Our investment in innovative data science means that as the world continues to change, so does The Globe. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family.
Source: Vividata SCC Spring 2026, National, Adults 18+
About Globe Media Group
Globe Media Group is a media and marketing company that empowers advertisers with solutions and content to influence ambitious Canadians. As the advertising arm of The Globe and Mail, Globe Media Group’s offerings are end-to-end across multiple platforms, including digital, video, podcasts, app, newspaper and magazines, as well as custom content and special events. Globe Media Group provides unparalleled access to influential audiences within trusted, premium environments, reaching 19.3 million monthly unique visitors through Globe Alliance – a premium digital network of the world’s best news, business and lifestyle sites. Globe Media Group also connects advertisers to 6.5 million weekly readers of The Globe and Mail, Canada’s most trusted news source. Each day, The Globe engages Canadians with award-winning coverage and analysis of news, politics, business and lifestyle topics.
Source: Comscore Media Metrix Multi-Platform, Jan-Mar (Q1) 2026 Average; Vividata SCC Spring 2026, National, Adults 18+
