Practical Insights for Employers on Leadership, Workforce Health & Retention – Live Event
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
8:45 AM – 1:30 PM
(Registration 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM)
Wanuskewin – paskwāw Round
Lunch Included
Tickets $349/person
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, it is crucial for leaders and HR professionals to stay ahead of the curve. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies from industry experts on enhancing workplace culture, leadership, and employee wellness.
Join BDC’s Chief Economist, Pierre Cléroux, for a forward-looking economic outlook focused on what Canadian entrepreneurs need to know—and do—in a period of continued uncertainty and structural change. This session will explore how today’s pressures are reshaping the economy and how businesses can move from reacting to conditions to preparing for growth.
The presentation will cover:
- BDC’s 2026 economic outlook and what it means for Canadian businesses
- How ongoing uncertainty and U.S. trade policy are affecting markets, costs and competitiveness
- Key insights from BDC’s latest economic and business studies
- Practical steps entrepreneurs can take to strengthen productivity, diversify markets and build resilience
This session offers actionable insights to help you make confident, long-term decisions and position your business to compete and grow in the next phase of Canada’s economic evolution.
Pierre Cléroux was appointed Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC in 2012.
He leads BDC’s economic research team, tracking the business and sector shifts shaping Canada’s entrepreneurial economy and helping entrepreneurs and decision makers act with confidence in periods of uncertainty by translating economic change into practical guidance on productivity, competitiveness and resilient growth.
A seasoned speaker, Mr. Cléroux advises BDC’s senior management team on economic conditions and strategic priorities to help ensure the Bank remains responsive as markets evolve. With more than 25 years as an economist, he has held senior roles in Canada and internationally, contributing to policies and initiatives that directly impacted entrepreneurs and our country’s small- and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). He also sits on the board of the CIRANO inter-university research centre and is Chair of the Economy and Financial Institutions Committee of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ).
This interactive workshop with Jenn Minor Johannson and Andrea Hansen explores why better benefits matter for attracting and retaining employees. The session features the video debut of a successful local employer, which serves as the case study for the workshop, allowing attendees to collaborate, share ideas, and leave with practical takeaways they can apply right away, while gaining insight into employee loyalty, productivity, and workplace culture.
Jenn Minor Johannson stands out among executive coaches by seamlessly blending coaching and counseling techniques, crafting a unique approach that resonates with ambitious professionals and leaders.
Her extensive background in HR, management, and certifications in coaching and counseling paved the way for innovative methodologies, honed during advisory roles at a professional service firm and as a senior leader in a major manufacturing organization. Jenn excels in fostering meaningful discussions and delving into often-overlooked questions, igniting curiosity and providing authentic guidance to leaders, business owners, and managers. Whether navigating day-to-day operations or spearheading substantial organizational changes, Jenn serves as a steadfast coach, mentor, and confidence-builder.
Andrea Hansen is President of Sutton Benefits & Pension and a recognized educator, writer, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience advising Canadian employers on group benefits and pension strategy.
She leads Sutton’s work in helping organizations strengthen attraction, retention, and engagement by optimizing benefits & pension programs. Andrea is the creator of the Sutton Employee Engagement Wheel™ and Sutton Smartfit Process™, translating complex benefits and workplace challenges into practical, results‑focused guidance for business and HR leaders.
A seasoned industry leader, Andrea has been published in HR Saskatchewan, PotashWorks, and The Business Advisor, and was named to the Benefits and Pensions Monitor Elite Women 2026. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Benefits Alliance, a national network of independent firms, helping ensure Sutton remains at the forefront of industry innovation and advocacy.
This session provides a practical overview of mental health in the workplace, including common warning signs and symptoms, current statistics, and the impact of stigma on individuals seeking support. Participants will explore trends in mental health and the factors contributing to rising challenges, while gaining practical guidance on how to support employees who may be struggling. The presentation will also outline different levels of care, introduce virtual therapy as an accessible treatment option, and highlight how Mental Health Connect can help individuals navigate available resources and access the support they need.
Cris Tello, Director of Partnerships
Cris Tello currently serves as the Director of Partnerships at EHN Canada, responsible for enhancing awareness and creating connections for the Edgewood Health Network and its Addiction & Mental Health Services nationwide. EHN’s goal is to make mental health & addiction treatment accessible & affordable to all Canadians. The network currently has 14 facilities across Canada, along with a virtual treatment option for moderate needs. His experience in the benefits world of over 8 years has empowered him and his colleagues to create a new & innovative way for employee’s to receive the intensive mental health treatment they need, confidentially and without the employee having to go on disability(Mental Health Connect). Cris Tello states” The most important designation we have as humans is to take care of each other, all people”
Crystal Bell, Executive Director of EHN Outpatient Services
Crystal Bell is the Executive Director of EHN Outpatient Services, bringing more than 30 years of progressive leadership across healthcare and mental health systems. She holds a Master of Social Work and advanced certifications in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Seeking Safety, and Trauma‑Informed Leadership. Crystal is deeply committed to expanding access to high‑quality, evidence‑based care and is known for championing cultures grounded in safety, clinical excellence, and continuous improvement, ensuring every client receives compassionate, effective, person centred care.
What happens when success nearly costs you everything?
In this powerful and deeply real keynote, Trevor Muir shares the leadership breaking point that forced him to redesign both his life and the company he scaled from $4M to over $125M in revenue. After facing burnout and a mental health collapse, Trevor rebuilt his organization around people-first systems — not as a soft value, but as a strategic growth advantage that led to employee ownership, stronger performance, and long-term resilience.
Blending raw storytelling with proven business frameworks, Trevor shows leaders how culture can become a competitive edge, how to scale without burnout, and how to stop postponing the life and leadership they truly want.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Recognize the hidden leadership patterns that lead to burnout and bottlenecks
- Turn culture into a measurable performance advantage
- Design systems that scale without constant pressure
- Lead with care while driving stronger results
- Move from “someday” leadership to intentional action today
Trevor Muir is a founder, former CEO, and leadership advisor who scaled a company from $4 million to over $125 million in revenue and transformed it into a thriving employee-owned organization. After a mental health breaking point reshaped his approach to leadership, Trevor now helps leaders build high-performing companies without sacrificing their health, relationships, or purpose.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
This event has been pre-approved for 3.0 CPD Hours.
We have 150 seats available for this incredible event.
Secure your spot now before they’re gone – we can’t wait to see you there!