Keynote Speaker

Sean Speer, political commentator and public policy analyst

Sean Speer is the editor-at-large at the Hub, a practitioner-in-residence and fellow at the Public Policy Forum, a fellow at Carleton University’s Riddell graduate program in political management and a senior fellow at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs.

In addition to his academic roles, he’s a think-tank scholar and columnist. Previously, he was a senior economic advisor to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Speer’s work has been featured in leading Canadian newspapers and U.S.-based publications including the Globe and Mail, the National Post and the Wall Street Journal. The Hill Times has recognized him as one of the most influential figures in government and Embassy Magazine has named him among the top 80 individuals shaping Canadian foreign policy. Speer was also recognized on Maclean’s annual power list, ranking among the top 50 Canadians who are shaping how we think.

Known for his practical and utilitarian approach, Speer encourages discussions on aligning personal priorities with national concerns. He advocates for strengthening and sustaining the promise of social mobility in Canada. He describes himself as more conservative in his personal outlook and lifestyle, but more libertarian in matters of government and politics. Speer thinks of Canadian conservatism — and North American conservatism — as fundamentally pluralistic: it’s about preserving a large swath of space for as many of us as possible to seek virtue, live out our conception of the good life and pursue individual prosperity and stability as members of a liberal democratic party.

Speer holds a bachelor of arts in history from Lakehead University and an master of arts in history from Carleton University. Additionally, he pursued his studies in economic history as a doctorate candidate at Queen’s University.