About this Event
Want to know what the future of talent really looks like — and how to prepare your organization, career, and community?
Join us at Mount Royal University on November 3 & 4 for the Productivity & People Conversation Series — a two-day event bringing together Alberta’s top thinkers, leaders, and innovators to explore the forces reshaping the talent marketplace.
Canada is facing a productivity crisis that threatens wages, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity. Productivity lags 28% behind the United States and ranks only 18th among OECD countries. Human capital — the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of people — plays a disproportionate role in reversing this trend. With 63% of Canadians completing post-secondary education (22% higher than the OECD average), the potential is there.
The question is: how do we unlock it?
Why Attend?
- Gain insights from leading voices in government, business, and talent development.
- Explore bold ideas and practical strategies for closing Canada’s productivity gap.
- Connect with peers and decision-makers shaping Alberta’s future of talent.
Event Details
- When: November 3–4, 2025
- Day 1: The Coming Storm
- Day 2: Reimagining Talent
- Where: Mount Royal University, Riddell Library & Learning Centre
- Format: Panels, keynote conversations, and networking opportunities
Symposium Resources
The Productivity & People Series 1
- Report 1: Productivity and People
- Report 2: The Coming Storm
- Report 3: Unlocking Productivity
- Report 4: Untapped Potential
- Report 5: Finding People
- Report 6: Path to Open Learning
The Conversation: To close its productivity gap, Canada needs to rethink its higher education system.
Hosted by
Alberta Centre for Labour Market Research • Canada West Foundation • University of Calgary School of Public Policy • LearningCITY Collective
Day 1: The Coming Storm
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration and Networking
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM
Welcome
Host: Gary Mar, Canada West Foundation
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:05 AM
The Coming Storm. The Forces Reshaping Regional Labour Markets
Host: Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd, University of Alberta
🕑: 09:05 AM - 10:05 AM
Panel 1: Preparing for the Coming Storm (Moderator: Dr. D'Andre Wilson-Ihejiri
Host: Megan Luu, STRAAD
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:35 AM
Insights and Networking
🕑: 10:35 AM - 11:35 AM
Panel 2: The End of Jobs (Moderator: Margo Purcell)
Host: Jason Leslie, Alberta Chambers of Commerce
🕑: 11:35 AM - 11:55 AM
Insights and Networking
🕑: 11:55 AM - 12:00 PM
Where from Here?
Host: Dr. David J. Finch, The Productivity Project
Day 2: Reimagining Talent
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration and Networking
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM
Welcome
Host: Dr. Chad London, Provost, Mount Royal University
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:05 AM
Reimagining Talent: Alberta 2036
Host: Dr. David J. Finch, The Productivity Project
🕑: 09:05 AM - 10:05 AM
Panel 1: Natural Monopolies and Human Capital (Moderator: Stephen Murgatroyd)
Host: Arlene Strom, Mount Royal University
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:35 AM
Insights and Networking
🕑: 10:35 AM - 11:35 AM
Panel 2: Unbundling and Open Recognition
Host: Jeff Griffiths, Canada West Foundation
🕑: 11:35 AM - 11:55 AM
Insights and Networking
🕑: 11:55 AM - 12:00 PM
Where from Here
Host: Dr. David J. Finch, The Productivity Project
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Mount Royal University Library, 74 Mount Royal Circle Southwest, Calgary, Canada
CAD 0.00 to CAD 59.00
