The annual Canadian Business Innovation Awards return on April 23 at the Toronto Board of Trade, celebrating Canada’s boldest business leaders. For this fifth edition, the awards spotlight the country’s top innovators who are redefining industries and shaping its future.

Hosted by Canadian Business Magazine in partnership with Maclean’s, and presented by BMO with VIP sponsor Tricon, the event brings together more than 100 senior executives and entrepreneurs from some of Canada’s most dynamic organizations. This year’s awards honours businesses across five sectors: social impact, financial services, sustainability, technology, and arts and media.

The evening kicks off at 6:00 P.M. with a VIP reception, followed by a thought leadership panel featuring executives from leading companies discussing how AI is disrupting verticals throughout the innovation economy. The celebration continues with keynote remarks, an awards gala dinner, and an afterparty where guests can connect. Grab your ticket here.

Keynote

Robin Stewart, Head of Canadian Business Banking, Product Management & Business Strategy, BMO Financial Group

Robin Stewart has over 20 years of experience driving customer solutions in the Financial Services industry and is currently Head of Canadian Business Banking Product Management and Business Strategy at BMO. He joined BMO in 2001 and has held leadership roles in Decision Support and Analytics, Branch Operations, Investment Sales, Payments Operations, Credit Risk Management and Business Banking. In his current role, Robin oversees Business Banking Products, Programs, and Growth and Risk Management Strategies. He’s passionate about supporting Canada’s Small Businesses and helping them drive economic growth through innovation.

Robin holds an honours degree in Mathematics/Operations Research from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Queen’s University. Additionally, he is a CFA charter holder and holds the CPA accounting designation

Thought Leadership Panel

Julie Sutherland, Vice President & General Manager, Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

Julie Sutherland is a senior commercial leader at The Estée Lauder Companies, leading cross-functional teams across Sales, Key Accounts, Strategy, Finance, and Operations. She brings over a decade of experience from Procter & Gamble, with a strong foundation in brand building and data-driven growth. Julie has led significant transformation in Canada, including navigating major retail disruption and accelerating new channels. She is passionate about building resilient organizations and leveraging AI to enhance decision-making and drive business performance.

Jennifer Bernard, President and CEO, SickKids

Jennifer has more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, leadership, and trailblazing impact and transformation across many iconic institutions, including the Ontario Science Centre, Royal Conservatory of Music, Trillium Health Partners, and McMaster Children’s Hospital.  In 2023 Jennifer became President & CEO of SickKids Foundation, one of largest and most successful and influential charitable organizations in North America overseeing a community of over 1.3 million donors and assets of $1.6 Billion. Prior to joining SickKids Foundation, Jennifer served as President & CEO of Women’s College Foundation from 2018 to 2023. During her tenure, she doubled revenue and the monthly donor base, diversified fundraising efforts, and co-founded the Women’s Health Collective Canada to support women’s health research. 

Elizabeth Kantor, Director of Development at Cineflix

Elizabeth Kantor is Director of Development at Cineflix, where she oversees the origination of unscripted programming.  With over a decade in the TV industry, Elizabeth has devised and produced shows across genres for both the UK and North American markets. She previously served as Associate Director of Strategy and Producer for VICE and worked within The Economist’s documentary films unit and TIME’s TV development team. In addition to working with broadcasters and streamers, she has developed content for some of the world’s biggest brands. She is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, the National Theatre School of Canada, and the UK’s National Film & Television School, and she holds a Fellowship from Advance HE.

Jason Maghanoy, Publisher, Canadian Business

Jason Maghanoy is the Group Publisher at SJC Media where he leads Wonder (its experiential business), as well as Canadian Business, Maclean’s, and Toronto Life. Prior to that he was the Director of Revenue at NOW Magazine. Jason is a Mentor at Toronto Metropolitan’s Social Ventures Zone, as well as a past member of the TELUS Community Board GTA. Jason is also a playwright. He has been the playwright-in-residence at Theatre Passe Muraille and Young People’s Theatre, and a playwriting fellowship finalist at Juilliard. Most recently, he was a member of the Playwrights Retreat at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and a playwright-in-residence at Alberta Theatre Projects. He is a graduate of McGill University.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
• Time: 6.00-9:30 P.M.
• What: VIP Reception; Keynote Address; Awards Presentation; Dinner; Thought Leadership Panel; Awards Ceremony; Networking Reception
• Where: Toronto Region Board of Trade, 100 Queens Quay East, 3rd floor
• Cost: Individual general admission is $500 + HST Per person; patron table sponsor for eight guests $3,500 + HST

Event Sponsors