AGENDA
HRXchange 2025: Where Canada’s Boldest HR Leaders Set the Agenda
Why It Matters Now
Canada’s business environment is under pressure—from persistent inflation and labour shortages to falling productivity and a rapidly evolving workforce. In this climate, HR leaders are no longer supporting players—they’re at the center of transformation. The strategic choices you make today will shape whether your organization thrives or falls behind.
What to Expect
Over two days in Toronto November 3rd and 4th, HRXchange2025 will deliver high-impact insights through executive-level panels, future-focused keynotes, immersive workshops, and closed-door roundtables. You’ll gain access to proven practices, emerging strategies, and candid conversations with leaders navigating the same complexity you are.
The Takeaway
Walk away with more than just inspiration. You'll leave equipped with the foresight, connections, and confidence to drive organizational resilience, build high-performance cultures, and lead through ambiguity with clarity and impact.
Your seat at the table awaits. Be part of the movement shaping the next era of HR leadership.
Event Details:
- Audience: 250 C-level HR Executives (Canada-wide)
- Organizers: CPHR Canada & HRPA (dual-brand, national HR voice)
- Format: In-person executive summit, 1 full day of content, welcome gala dinner night prior
Event Objectives for CPHR CANADA and HRPA:
- Create a national HR leadership network and foster meaningful connectivity - that we together create unique value for
- Demonstrate aligned brand and national collaboration
- Enable peer to peer collaboration that is meaningful
Monday, November 3, 2025
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Welcome Dinner
Speakers:
Anthony Ariganello, CM, FCPHR, Chief Executive Officer, CPHR Canada
Jodi L. Kovitz, HBA, LLB, LLD (Hon.), Chief Executive Officer, Human Resources Professionals Association
The Personal (Welcome Dinner Co-host)
Spencer West, International Motivational Speaker, Disabled Content Creator️, Author, Social Media Influencer
In his keynote, “Redefining Resilience, Purpose, and Leadership in the Face of Adversity,” Spencer West will inspire HR leaders to centre humanity as they guide their teams through change. Drawing on lived experience and powerful storytelling, he will show how fostering empathy, psychological safety, and a shared sense of purpose can strengthen resilience within organizations. As he has done for decades around the world, Spencer will leave our audience feeling empowered to lead with their hearts, helping their teams thrive even in the face of adversity.
8 a.m. – 9 a.m. | Connections Breakfast
Start your day with chat, food, and fun during our casual Connections Breakfast.
Emcee: Sangita Patel, Award-Winning Television Personality
9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks
CPHR Canada and the HRPA welcome you to the 2025 HRXchange alongside our Title Sponsor, EY, and with an Indigenous Welcome Performance.
Speakers:
Anthony Ariganello, CM, FCPHR, Chief Executive Officer, CPHR Canada
Jodi L. Kovitz, HBA, LLB, LLD (Hon.), Chief Executive Officer, Human Resources Professionals Association
Christopher Gordon, National Leader, People Advisory Services - Tax, EY Canada
9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Opening Keynote: AI Fluency – Unlocking Human Potential in an AI-First World
In a world where AI is reshaping every aspect of how we work, learn, and lead, HR is uniquely positioned to guide this transformation. In this provocative and practical keynote, Candice Faktor shares how forward-thinking organizations are building AI upskilling programs and integrating AI fluency into their cultures, starting with People teams. Drawing on real-world examples from companies like Shopify, Box, Zapier, and Google, she’ll explore how HR leaders can move beyond hype to build AI-fluent, adaptable, and human-centred organizations. Candice will share her 6 Ps of Transformation framework to make sure learning actually leads to behaviour change. Attendees will walk away with fresh strategies, actionable frameworks, and a renewed sense of what’s possible when HR leads the way.
Speaker: Candice Faktor, Co-Founder and CEO of Disco
10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. | Panel: Canadian Economic Outlook – Impacts of US Politics, Tariffs, and Economic Foundations
Canada's economic outlook is increasingly influenced by global forces – especially shifts in U.S. politics, evolving trade policies, and ongoing tariff challenges. This session, designed for HR leaders and business decision-makers, will provide actionable insights into how economic trends are shaping the employment landscape and how organizations can build resilience amid uncertainty. It will explore how these external pressures impact Canada's economic fundamentals and what it means for organizations navigating workforce planning, compensation strategies, and long-term talent development.
Speakers:
Douglas Porter, CFA, Chief Economist and Managing Director, BMO Financial Group
Nadim Kara, Executive Vice President, Head of People & Culture GreenShield
Moderated by Vanmala Subramaniam, Future of Work Reporter, The Globe and Mail (HRXchange Media Partner)
10:20 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Panel: Building Canada’s AI Workforce – Global Lessons
Gain valuable perspectives from top executives as they lead groundbreaking change, build agile and effective leadership teams, and tackle the complex interplay between internal culture and external disruption in a fast-paced global economy.
To thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world and enable our country’s competitiveness, we must invest in AI education, innovation, and talent development to build the capabilities our companies need to lead.
Speakers:
Alida Meghji, Partner, AI & Data, EY Canada
Gianluca Cairo, Vice President, Operations and Strategy, Dayforce
Moderated by Chris Dodge, Partner, People Advisory Services, EY Canada
11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Power Sessions
Join us for interactive Power Sessions – dynamic working sessions designed to spark innovation and drive meaningful outcomes. Each Power Session begins with insightful thought leadership from industry experts on a key topic, setting the stage for engaging, collaborative discussions.
Participants will then work in facilitated table groups to brainstorm, debate, and co-create actionable ideas. These contributions will form the foundation of a comprehensive white paper to be published after the event, highlighting the collective intelligence and innovative thinking of our professional community.
Be part of shaping the future of work, one idea at a time.
Power Session 1
The Future of Wellbeing at Work: A Leadership Design Challenge
Hosted by: Indeed
This interactive session challenges senior HR leaders like you to create a company celebrated for workplace wellbeing. Through a dynamic design challenge, you'll brainstorm bold leadership steps and cultural shifts needed to build a thriving, high-performing organization. This isn't just a discussion! It's a hands-on, strategic workshop designed to spark tangible ideas and connect you with your peers.
Speakers:
Alexandra Tillo, Senior Talent Marketing Consultant, Indeed
Signy Plaxton, Global Client Strategist, Indeed
Power Session 2
Turning uncertainty into opportunity: Rethinking pay and performance in a changing world
Hosted by: Normandin Beaudry
Knowledge, thought leadership, and practical guidance on how companies are preparing for the potential impact of different economic uncertainties.
This interactive session will empower HR executives with the tools to design the future of work in Canada by focusing on three key areas:
- Total rewards (compensation): understanding evolving practices to attract and retain talent.
- Talent management (performance management): adapting approaches to foster agility, accountability, and growth.
- Engagement (employee communication): building trust, improving transparency, and strengthening relationships in a changing work environment.
Speakers:
Mélanie Presseault, MBA, CHRP, Senior Principal, Compensation, Normandin Beaudry
Matthew D. Pavelich, B.A., GRDIP, Partner, Communication, Normandin Beaudry
Power Session 3
Cybersecurity and HR: Protecting People, Data, and Trust
Hosted by: Peninsula Canada
HR sits at the intersection of people, data, and technology, making it both a driver of innovation and a prime target for cyber threats. This session will unpack how digital advancements have reshaped data security in HR, why cybersecurity must be part of every people strategy, and how HR leaders can build trust, ensure compliance, and prepare their organizations for the future of work in Canada.
Speakers:
Raj Singh, CEO of Peninsula Canada & BrightHR
Power Session 4
AI in Action: HR Tech Innovations Shaping the Future of Human Capital Management
Hosted by: EY
In today's rapidly evolving workplace, organizations must leverage cutting-edge technology to stay competitive. Join EY for an insightful session on "AI In Action" where we will explore the transformative power of Agentic AI in Human Capital Management. Discover how this innovative technology can enhance decision-making, streamline recruitment processes, and personalize employee experiences.
Speakers:
Simon Goupil, Partner, People Consulting, EY Canada
Alida Meghji, EY Canada Partner, Digital & Emerging Technologies
Andrea Wolfson, Partner, People Advisory Services, EY Canada
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch
Join us for the Networking Lunch – an opportunity to meet fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and engage with our speakers and sponsors in a relaxed setting.
It's the perfect midday pause to refuel and make meaningful connections.
1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Keynote: Tenacity’s Fundamental Role in Company Culture
What can ultramarathons and human rights work teach us about leadership and resilience in our workplaces? In this inspiring session, humanitarian, human rights lawyer, and elite ultramarathon runner Stephanie Case will share how extreme endurance and frontline experience in conflict zones have shaped her understanding of tenacity.
Drawing from her work in some of the world’s most complex conflict zones and her experiences running 200+ mile ultramarathons in extreme conditions, Stephanie relates powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and mental strength to how HR leaders can build stronger, more adaptive workplace cultures. You’ll leave feeling inspired, with practical insights on fostering resilience, purpose, and grit across your teams – especially in times of challenge and change.
Speaker: Stephanie Case, International Human Rights Lawyer, Elite Ultramarathon Runner, Founder of Free to Run
2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Keynote: Building A Progressive Culture Strategy – An Inside Look
Anuj Chandarana, Head of HR at Google Canada, will offer an inside look at how one of the world’s most influential companies is building a progressive culture strategy. Learn how Google is rethinking leadership, inclusion, and innovation to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world of work.
Speaker: Anuj Chandarana, Head of HR, Google Canada
2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. | Break
2:50 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Keynote: Lead from Within – The Courage to Centre People in Every Decision
In today’s fast-paced, metrics-driven world, leadership is often measured by productivity and performance. But what if the real measure of success is how people feel under your leadership? In this powerful and energizing talk, award-winning technology executive Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson invites leaders to return to what matters most: the human at the centre. Drawing from her Inner Power Paradigm and L.E.A.D. framework, Nkechi offers a bold, actionable path to leading with empathy, alignment, and courageous authenticity. Through compelling storytelling and executive insight, she challenges leaders to shift from headcount to heartcount, from systems-first thinking to soul-aligned leadership. Whether you’re navigating AI transformation, workplace well-being, or inclusive culture, this talk is a call to lead from within, where the most meaningful and lasting change begins.
Speaker: Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, CEO & Founder, Empowered In My Skin Inc.
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Closing Session: From Crew Member to CEO – Lessons in Leadership, Culture, and Prosperity
Join Michèle Boudria, recently retired CEO of McDonald's Canada, as she shares her extraordinary journey from her first shift on the restaurant floor to leading one of the country’s most iconic brands. In this closing fireside chat, Canada’s HR leaders will be challenged to dream bigger for our country by learning how Michèle’s entrepreneurial, winning mindset drove her teams’ success and national impact. Attendees will walk away with bold, actionable culture principles to fuel human-centred leadership, unlock Canadian potential, and help position Canada at the top of the world stage.
Speaker: Michèle Boudria, Former CEO (Retired), McDonald’s Canada
Moderated by Sangita Patel (HRXchange Emcee)