25 Best Keynote Speakers on AI and Governance in Canada (2026)

Finding the right keynote speaker on AI and governance for your Canadian conference, leadership summit, or corporate event is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as an event organiser in 2026. Canada’s AI governance landscape has shifted dramatically over the past eighteen months. The country now has its first Minister responsible for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. The federal government launched an AI Strategy Task Force and published a summary of national consultation inputs in February 2026. The Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (CAISI) became operational in late 2024. And Bill C-27’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) pathway stalled when Parliament prorogued, leaving Canada in a period of regulatory renewal rather than enforcement.

Yet the demand for governance clarity has never been higher. According to McKinsey’s 2025 State of AI survey, 72% of organisations globally have adopted AI in at least one business function. The World Economic Forum reports that fewer than 35% of organisations deploying AI have a formal governance framework in place. For Canadian organisations navigating this gap between adoption and accountability, the right keynote speaker can provide the strategic roadmap, regulatory context, and practical frameworks that leadership teams need to act with confidence.

This directory brings together 25 of the most credible, experienced, and sought-after keynote speakers on AI governance, responsible AI, AI ethics, and AI policy who are based in Canada or who primarily serve the Canadian conference market. Whether you need a Turing Award winner who chairs the International AI Safety Report, a Canada Research Chair who can decode post-AIDA regulatory strategy, an enterprise governance leader from a major Canadian corporation, or a bilingual speaker who understands Quebec’s unique AI ecosystem, this list covers the full spectrum.

At the top of our list is Jonno White, and here’s why. For organisations that need a keynote speaker who bridges the AI governance conversation with the leadership, team dynamics, and culture challenges that determine whether governance frameworks actually get implemented, Jonno White, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, delivers keynotes that help leadership teams build the trust, communication, and accountability structures that make AI governance work in practice. Whether virtual or face to face, reach out to jonno@consultclarity.org.

For a global perspective on AI ethics and governance speakers, check out my blog post ‘50 Best Keynote Speakers Globally on AI Ethics and Governance (2026)’ at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-ethics-governance.

How We Ranked These Speakers

The speakers in this directory were evaluated across seven dimensions designed specifically for the Canadian AI governance context. First, depth of expertise in AI governance, ethics, regulation, or responsible AI. We prioritised speakers with peer-reviewed research, policy advisory roles, published frameworks, or proven enterprise governance track records. Second, Canadian relevance. Does the speaker understand Canada’s actual policy context, including CAISI, the AI Strategy Task Force, the federal public-service AI strategy, and the post-AIDA landscape?

Third, speaking experience at recognised conferences, corporate events, or government forums. Fourth, ability to translate complex regulatory or technical concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences. Fifth, bilingual capability, which is a genuine differentiator for national Canadian events. Sixth, current relevance, meaning the speaker’s content reflects 2025-2026 developments rather than outdated assumptions about AI. Seventh, sector versatility across financial services, government, healthcare, education, and association audiences.

1. Jonno White, Consult Clarity

Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Certified Working Genius Facilitator who works with schools, corporates, and nonprofits around the world. While the other speakers on this list bring deep technical or policy expertise in AI governance specifically, Jonno brings something most of them cannot: the leadership, team dynamics, and culture facilitation that determines whether AI governance frameworks actually get adopted by real teams in real organisations.

AI governance does not fail because the policy is wrong. It fails because leadership teams cannot have the difficult conversations required to implement it, because accountability structures are unclear, and because organisational culture resists the transparency that governance demands. Jonno White, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out (https://www.amazon.com.au/Step-Up-Out-Difficult-Conflict/dp/B097X7B5LD) with over 10,000 copies sold globally, specialises in exactly these challenges.

Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator delivering the world’s fastest growing team assessment completed by over 1.3 million people globally in less than five years, pairs keynote presentations with facilitated Working Genius or DISC workshops that help leadership teams understand their communication patterns, resolve conflicts, and build the trust required for governance adoption. He has worked with organisations across Australia, the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, and Europe.

Jonno White, host of The Leadership Conversations Podcast with 230+ episodes reaching listeners in 150+ countries and founder of The 7 Questions Movement with 6,000+ participating leaders, achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating at the ASBA 2025 National Conference. He is an experienced keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, executive offsite leader, and MC.

Why Jonno White is number one on this list:

Most AI governance speakers tell your audience what frameworks to adopt. Jonno helps your leadership team build the trust, communication, and accountability structures required to actually adopt them. If your event needs a speaker who addresses the human side of AI governance, helping leaders navigate difficult conversations, build aligned teams, and create cultures where transparency and accountability thrive, Jonno is the speaker to book.

Best for: Organisations wanting to pair AI governance strategy with practical leadership and team development. Corporate events, association conferences, executive offsites, and school leadership teams.

To book Jonno White for your team, email jonno@consultclarity.org. International travel is often far more affordable than clients expect.

2. Yoshua Bengio

Yoshua Bengio is a Full Professor at Université de Montréal, the founder and Scientific Advisor of Mila (Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute), and Co-President and Scientific Director of LawZero. He received the 2018 A.M. Turing Award alongside Geoffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of computing. In 2022, he was the most cited computer scientist in the world by h-index.

Bengio chairs the International AI Safety Report and co-chairs Canada’s Safe and Secure AI Advisory Group. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of London and Canada, an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a member of the UN’s Scientific Advisory Board. His keynotes address AI safety, governance of frontier systems, and the responsible development of artificial intelligence at a global scale.

Best for: High-profile leadership summits, government strategy sessions, and events where the audience needs the most authoritative voice in global AI safety. Location: Montréal, QC.

3. Ajay Agrawal

Ajay Agrawal is the Geoffrey Taber Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. He is the founder of the Creative Destruction Lab, the world’s largest AI startup incubator, and co-author of the bestselling books Prediction Machines and Power and Prediction, both published by Harvard Business Review Press. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2022.

Agrawal serves as an advisor to the U.S., Canadian, and Japanese governments on AI policy and economics. His keynotes translate complex AI strategy and governance into clear decision-making frameworks that business leaders can apply immediately. He is one of the most credible voices globally on the economics of AI and its governance implications for enterprises.

Best for: Executive strategy events, board-level AI governance discussions, and C-suite audiences. Bureau: The Lavin Agency, Champions Speakers. Location: Toronto, ON.

4. Gillian Hadfield

Gillian Hadfield is the Chair of the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society at the University of Toronto and a Canada CIFAR AI Chair. She is one of the most important law-and-governance thinkers linked to Canadian AI policy circles. Her research addresses the fundamental question of how legal systems and governance institutions must evolve to keep pace with AI development.

Hadfield’s keynotes are particularly valuable for audiences grappling with regulatory design, institutional accountability, and the governance infrastructure that societies need to manage advanced AI responsibly. She brings genuine policy depth alongside intellectual rigour that commands respect from both technical and legal audiences.

Best for: Policy conferences, government forums, law and technology events, and senior executive audiences wanting regulatory design insight. Location: Toronto, ON.

5. Catherine Régis

Catherine Régis is a Professor of Law at Université de Montréal and Director of Social Innovation and International Policy at IVADO. She is one of Canada’s clearest voices on AI governance for the public sector and a co-chair of the Global Partnership on AI’s (GPAI) Responsible AI working group. She is active on LinkedIn, posting within the last two weeks on AI-in-government governance actions.

Régis brings bilingual capability and genuine Quebec market credibility, making her one of the strongest choices for national Canadian events where French-language content or Quebec regulatory context is required. Her keynotes address responsible innovation, public-sector AI governance, and multi-stakeholder governance frameworks.

Best for: Government conferences, bilingual national events, public-sector AI governance, and GPAI-related policy discussions. Location: Montréal, QC.

6. Teresa Scassa

Teresa Scassa is the Canada Research Chair in Information Law and Policy at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. She is a member of the Canadian Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence and a senior fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). She is the author and editor of seven books and over 90 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

Scassa is one of the best-known Canadian legal scholars on AI regulation, automated decision-making, and data governance. She posted on LinkedIn within the last month on Canada’s AI strategy summary and task force reports. Her keynotes address the evolving legal infrastructure of AI governance, data ownership, and the intersection of privacy law and AI regulation.

Best for: Legal and compliance audiences, government policy events, and conferences focused on data governance and AI regulation. Location: Ottawa, ON.

7. Taylor Owen

Taylor Owen is the Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications and Founding Director of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy at McGill University. He is represented by Speakers Spotlight, making him one of the most bookable Canadian speakers in the AI governance space. He is a member of the federal AI Strategy Task Force.

Owen’s keynotes address AI governance through the lens of democratic risk, public trust, media integrity, and institutional accountability. He posted on LinkedIn within the last month on the federal AI Strategy Task Force and the public trust gap. He is particularly effective for audiences concerned about the intersection of AI, democracy, and public trust.

Best for: Media conferences, democratic governance events, government forums, and audiences wanting AI governance framed through public trust. Bureau: Speakers Spotlight. Location: Montréal, QC.

8. Diane Gutiw

Diane Gutiw is Vice-President and AI Research Centre Lead at CGI and Co-chair of the federal Advisory Council on AI. She is one of the clearest corporate responsible-AI voices in Canada. Her unique position bridging enterprise AI deployment with federal advisory work gives her keynotes a practical, governance-heavy credibility that few speakers can match.

Gutiw is particularly effective for audiences in regulated industries, including financial services, government, and healthcare, where AI governance must translate directly into operational processes, risk frameworks, and accountability structures. She brings genuine enterprise experience alongside policy credibility.

Best for: Enterprise governance events, regulated industry conferences, and corporate audiences wanting practical AI governance frameworks. Location: Western Canada / national.

9. Joelle Pineau

Joelle Pineau is the Chief AI Officer at Cohere and a member of the federal AI Strategy Task Force. Previously, she was VP of AI Research at Meta (Facebook) and co-Managing Director of Facebook AI Research (FAIR). She is an Associate Professor at McGill University (on leave) and a core faculty member at Mila.

Pineau brings the perspective of a senior industry operator who has navigated frontier-model governance at the highest levels. Her keynotes address the practical challenges of deploying large-scale AI systems responsibly, building governance into the product development lifecycle, and the balance between innovation and safety.

Best for: Technology conferences, enterprise AI strategy events, and C-suite audiences wanting frontier-model governance from a senior industry leader. Location: Montréal, QC / Toronto.

10. Florian Martin-Bariteau

Florian Martin-Bariteau is an Associate Professor of Law and Director of the AI + Society Initiative at the University of Ottawa. He is a strong choice for events focused on law, governance, accountability, and public-sector AI implementation. His research and public engagement directly inform how Canadian institutions approach AI governance.

Martin-Bariteau is particularly effective for government and public-sector audiences who need a speaker capable of translating regulatory complexity into clear implementation guidance. He regularly collaborates with policymakers and government departments on AI governance frameworks.

Best for: Government conferences, public-sector events, and legal audiences wanting accountability and implementation guidance. Location: Ottawa, ON.

For organisations also looking for speakers on broader change leadership in Canada, check out my blog post ‘35 Best Change Leadership Keynote Speakers in Canada (2026)’ at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/change-leadership-keynote-speakers-canada.

11. Jason Millar

Jason Millar is the Canada Research Chair in Ethical Engineering of AI and Robotics at the University of Ottawa. He posted on LinkedIn within the last month and last three months on Canada’s AI strategy and AI safety/regulation. His work bridges engineering, ethics, and public policy in a way that few speakers can replicate.

Millar’s keynotes address responsible design, safety-by-design principles, and the engineering governance practices that organisations need as AI systems become more autonomous. He is a serious governance-and-engineering bridge speaker who is particularly effective for technical audiences that also need policy context.

Best for: Engineering conferences, safety-focused events, and technical audiences wanting governance integrated with design practice. Location: Ottawa, ON.

12. Elissa Strome

Elissa Strome is the Executive Director of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR. She is a member of the federal AI Advisory Council and the OECD’s Network of Experts on AI. She is a champion of equity, diversity and inclusion in science, and an ambassador for Canada’s position in AI research, innovation, and policy internationally.

Strome’s keynotes address Canada’s national AI strategy, international cooperation on AI governance, and the talent and ecosystem development required for responsible AI leadership. She is one of the most authoritative voices on how Canada is positioning itself in the global AI governance landscape.

Best for: National strategy events, policy conferences, and audiences wanting insight into Canada’s AI governance positioning. Location: Toronto, ON.

13. Sínead Bovell

Sínead Bovell is the founder of WAYE (Weekly Advice for Young Entrepreneurs) and is represented by Speakers Spotlight. She is one of the most bookable Canadian speakers on AI ethics, responsible technology, and the future of work. While not a pure AI governance policy specialist, she brings exceptional stage presence and the ability to connect governance themes with younger and broader audiences.

Bovell’s keynotes address the ethical implications of emerging technologies, youth and AI, and how organisations can adopt AI responsibly while keeping the human experience central. She is particularly effective as a mainstage keynote who can open or close a conference with energy and accessibility.

Best for: Mainstage conference keynotes, youth-focused events, and corporate audiences wanting an accessible, high-energy AI ethics speaker. Bureau: Speakers Spotlight. Location: Toronto, ON.

14. Olivier Blais

Olivier Blais is the Co-founder and VP of AI at Moov AI and Co-chair of the federal Advisory Council on AI. He is a strong bilingual option for Quebec and standards-heavy audiences. His position co-chairing Canada’s AI advisory body gives his keynotes genuine policy authority alongside his enterprise AI experience.

Blais brings particular strength for events that require French-language delivery, Quebec market credibility, or a practitioner’s perspective on how Canadian AI standards and governance frameworks translate into real business operations.

Best for: Bilingual national events, Quebec-focused conferences, standards-heavy audiences, and enterprise AI governance. Location: Québec City / Montréal.

15. Nicole Janssen

Nicole Janssen is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of AltaML, one of Canada’s most prominent applied AI companies. She is a member of the federal Advisory Council on AI. AltaML works across regulated and public-sector contexts, giving Janssen practical, hands-on experience with responsible AI deployment in environments where governance is not optional.

Janssen’s keynotes address responsible AI adoption, the practical realities of implementing governance in enterprise settings, and how organisations can scale AI while maintaining accountability. She brings particular credibility for audiences in Alberta’s energy, resources, and technology sectors.

Best for: Enterprise AI events, regulated industry conferences, and Western Canadian audiences wanting practical governance from a builder’s perspective. Location: Edmonton, AB.

16. Karen Eltis

Karen Eltis is a Professor of Law at the University of Ottawa and co-authored the Canadian Judicial Council’s AI guidelines for courts. She is particularly strong for audiences interested in AI in justice, courts, legal ethics, and public institutions. Her work directly shapes how Canada’s judicial system approaches AI governance.

Eltis’s keynotes address the governance of AI in high-stakes public settings, algorithmic decision-making in courts and tribunals, and the ethical guardrails that democratic institutions must build as AI becomes embedded in governance processes.

Best for: Legal conferences, justice sector events, and government audiences focused on democratic governance and AI in public institutions. Location: Ottawa, ON.

17. Shingai Manjengwa

Shingai Manjengwa is the Senior Director of Education and Development at Mila and founder of Fireside Analytics. She posted on LinkedIn within the last month about public investment, governance questions, and AI literacy. She is one of the best practical-stage speakers for AI governance, policy, and literacy in the Canadian market.

Manjengwa’s keynotes address AI literacy as a governance prerequisite, equitable AI adoption, and how organisations and public institutions can build the human capacity required for responsible AI deployment. She is particularly effective for audiences that need governance connected to education, inclusion, and public engagement.

Best for: Education sector events, public-sector conferences, AI literacy and governance, and audiences wanting equity-centred governance perspectives. Location: Montréal, QC.

18. AJung Moon

AJung Moon is an Assistant Professor at McGill University and Director of the RAISE Lab (Responsible Autonomy and Intelligent Systems Ethics). She is the CEO of Generation R Consulting and has served as Senior Advisor for the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation. She brings genuine international policy experience alongside deep technical credentials in robotics and human-AI interaction.

Moon’s keynotes address responsible autonomy, robotics ethics, and the practical design of intelligent systems that respect human values. She is particularly effective for audiences at the intersection of AI governance and physical systems, including healthcare, manufacturing, and autonomous systems.

Best for: Robotics conferences, healthcare AI events, and audiences wanting governance of autonomous and physical AI systems. Location: Montréal, QC.

Jonno White, experienced keynote speaker and facilitator trusted across Australia, the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, and Europe, delivers keynotes that help organisations navigate the human side of AI-driven change. Many organisations find that flying Jonno in costs less than engaging high-profile local providers. Email jonno@consultclarity.org.

19. Céline Castets-Renard

Céline Castets-Renard is the Canada Research Chair in International and Comparative Law of AI at the University of Ottawa. She is especially strong on comparative AI law, accountability, and the translation between EU and Canadian regulatory frameworks. Her expertise positions her as one of the few speakers who can credibly address how Canada should learn from international regulatory models.

Castets-Renard’s keynotes address the global regulatory landscape, cross-border AI governance challenges, and how Canadian organisations operating internationally must navigate multiple governance regimes simultaneously. She brings bilingual capability and genuine academic authority.

Best for: International policy events, legal conferences, bilingual audiences, and organisations operating across Canadian and European regulatory environments. Location: Ottawa, ON.

20. Ramy Nassar

Ramy Nassar is a futurist, author, and former Head of Innovation at Mattel. He is represented by both Speakers Spotlight and National Speakers Bureau. While more commercial and futurist than a pure policy scholar, Nassar explicitly speaks on responsible AI use, risk, and governance implications. His energy and stage presence make him a strong option for large corporate audiences.

Nassar’s keynotes address how organisations can navigate AI disruption responsibly, the governance challenges of emerging technologies, and how leadership teams can make better decisions about AI adoption. He is particularly effective for audiences that need governance framed through innovation and business strategy rather than regulation alone.

Best for: Large corporate events, innovation conferences, and business audiences wanting governance through an innovation and strategy lens. Bureau: Speakers Spotlight, National Speakers Bureau. Location: Toronto, ON.

21. Valérie Pisano

Valérie Pisano is the President and CEO of Mila, Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute. Under her leadership, Mila has become one of the world’s most important centres for responsible AI research and policy development. She brings strategic ecosystem perspective alongside genuine leadership credibility in the Canadian AI landscape.

Pisano’s keynotes address Canada’s AI ecosystem strategy, talent development for responsible AI, and how institutions can build the governance infrastructure needed for trustworthy AI deployment at scale. She is better for strategic ecosystem and talent stages than deep regulatory detail, but her credibility and institutional authority are significant.

Best for: Leadership summits, national strategy events, and audiences wanting insight into Canada’s AI ecosystem leadership. Location: Montréal, QC.

22. Katrina Ingram

Katrina Ingram is one of Canada’s leading experts in responsible AI governance and data ethics with over two decades of experience in the technology and media sectors. She was named one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics, served as the City of Edmonton’s Data Ethics Advisor, and is a member of the Calgary Police Services Technology Ethics Committee. She developed Canada’s first micro-credential in AI ethics with Athabasca University.

Ingram’s keynotes address practical AI governance implementation, data ethics frameworks, and how organisations can build responsible AI programmes from the ground up. She brings particular strength for audiences in Western Canada and for organisations in the early stages of their AI governance journey.

Best for: Enterprise governance workshops, data ethics events, and organisations wanting practical governance implementation guidance. Location: Edmonton, AB.

23. Jim Harris

Jim Harris is one of North America’s top keynote speakers on AI, GenAI, disruptive innovation, and strategic leadership. He is named by TEC as one of the top speakers in Canada and brings decades of experience helping executive audiences understand technology disruption. While broader than pure AI governance, Harris explicitly addresses the governance and strategic implications of AI adoption.

Harris’s keynotes address how organisations can lead through AI disruption, the strategic governance decisions leaders must make as AI reshapes industries, and how Canadian businesses can position themselves competitively while maintaining responsible AI practices.

Best for: Large corporate conferences, executive strategy events, and Canadian audiences wanting AI governance framed through disruption and competitive strategy. Bureau: Speakers Bureau of Canada. Location: Canada.

24. Natiea Vinson

Natiea Vinson is the CEO of the First Nations Technology Council and a member of the federal Advisory Council on AI. She brings the critically important perspective of Indigenous digital sovereignty, inclusion, and public-interest technology governance to the Canadian AI governance conversation.

Vinson’s keynotes address how AI governance must account for Indigenous data sovereignty, equitable access to technology, and the governance structures needed to ensure AI serves all Canadians, not just urban centres and established institutions. Her perspective is essential for any event claiming to address comprehensive Canadian AI governance.

Best for: Government conferences, DEI events, national policy discussions, and audiences wanting Indigenous perspectives on AI governance. Location: British Columbia / national.

25. Sasha Luccioni

Sasha Luccioni is the AI and Climate Lead at Hugging Face and a pioneer in ethical and sustainable AI. She was recognised by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in AI globally and by the Globe and Mail as an emerging leader in Canada. Her research addresses the environmental impact of AI systems, sustainable AI development, and the governance frameworks needed for responsible open-source AI.

Luccioni’s keynotes address a governance dimension that most speakers miss entirely: the environmental cost of AI systems. She helps organisations understand how sustainability, energy consumption, and environmental impact must be integrated into AI governance frameworks alongside bias, fairness, and transparency.

Best for: Sustainability conferences, technology events, and audiences wanting AI governance connected to environmental responsibility and climate impact. Location: Montréal, QC.

For organisations planning association conferences in Canada, check out my blog post ‘50 Best Keynote Speakers for Association Conferences Canada (2026)’ at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-association-conferences-canada.

How to Choose the Right AI Governance Keynote Speaker for Your Canadian Event

Choosing the right AI governance keynote speaker starts with clarity about your audience and objectives. A board-level audience needs different content than a technical compliance team. A government policy forum has different requirements than a corporate leadership summit. A bilingual national event has constraints that a Toronto-only conference does not.

Ask these questions before booking. Does this speaker understand Canadian regulation and policy, not just U.S. or EU AI talking points? Can they explain the current status of post-AIDA regulation clearly? Have they worked with Canadian government, banks, insurers, healthcare, or higher-education audiences? Are they strong on enterprise AI governance or mostly academic and theoretical? Can they tailor for board, executive, compliance, legal, or technical audiences?

Consider bilingual capability. For national Canadian events, French-language capability or Quebec market credibility can be a genuine differentiator. Speakers like Olivier Blais, Catherine Régis, Céline Castets-Renard, Valérie Pisano, and Suzanne Morin stand out here. Ask about format flexibility. A speaker who can deliver a keynote, facilitate a workshop, lead a fireside chat, and run an executive team session provides significantly more value than one who only does stage presentations.

Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author, offers this full range of formats, which is one reason organisations consistently find his engagements deliver lasting impact beyond a single event. Email jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss your event.

What to Expect: Investment Guide

AI governance keynote speaker fees in Canada vary significantly based on profile, experience, and demand. Canadian-based speakers generally start at $5,000 to $15,000 CAD for a standard keynote. Established national speakers and published authors command $15,000 to $40,000 CAD. High-profile names such as Turing Award winners and globally recognised policy leaders can command $50,000 to $150,000 or more.

Academic speakers are often more affordable than bureau-represented commercial speakers. University-based speakers may charge $5,000 to $20,000, while bureau-represented speakers typically start at $10,000 to $25,000. For events requiring travel from outside the speaker’s home city, factor in flights, accommodation, and ground transport. Virtual keynotes are typically priced 20-40% lower than in-person engagements.

The strongest ROI comes from pairing a keynote with a workshop or facilitation session. A 45-minute keynote sets the strategic context, and a half-day or full-day workshop translates that context into practical governance actions, risk assessments, or compliance planning specific to your organisation. For a custom quote from Jonno White, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AI governance and why does my organisation need a keynote speaker on it?

AI governance refers to the policies, frameworks, processes, and accountability structures that organisations use to ensure AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly. With Canadian regulation evolving rapidly and public trust in AI remaining fragile, a keynote speaker helps leadership teams understand the landscape, assess risks, and build practical governance programmes.

What is the current regulatory status of AI in Canada in 2026?

Bill C-27’s AIDA pathway stalled when Parliament prorogued in January 2025. Canada is now moving toward a renewed regulatory approach. The government launched an AI Strategy Task Force and published consultation results in February 2026. The Canadian AI Safety Institute (CAISI) became operational in late 2024. Canada’s Voluntary Code of Conduct on Advanced Generative AI Systems remains an interim governance signal.

How much does an AI governance keynote speaker cost in Canada?

Fees typically range from $5,000 to $50,000 CAD depending on the speaker’s profile, format, and whether you book through a bureau or directly. Academic speakers generally charge $5,000 to $20,000. Bureau-represented speakers command $10,000 to $40,000 or more. Globally recognised names can exceed $100,000.

Can I hire someone to facilitate an AI governance workshop as well as deliver a keynote?

Yes. Several speakers on this list offer workshop and facilitation capabilities alongside keynote presentations. Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out, regularly pairs keynote presentations with facilitated sessions that translate AI governance strategy into practical team actions. Email jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss your format requirements.

Who is the best AI governance keynote speaker in Canada?

The best speaker depends on your specific audience and objectives. For leadership and team governance adoption, Jonno White is the strongest choice. For academic and policy credibility, Yoshua Bengio, Teresa Scassa, or Catherine Régis stand out. For enterprise governance, Diane Gutiw or Nicole Janssen bring practical experience. For bureau-represented mainstage energy, Sínead Bovell or Taylor Owen are excellent options.

Should I book a Canadian speaker or an international speaker for a Canadian event?

For AI governance specifically, Canadian regulatory context matters significantly. A speaker who understands CAISI, the post-AIDA landscape, and Canada’s AI Strategy Task Force will deliver more relevant content than a generalist international speaker. That said, many international speakers serve the Canadian market effectively, and speakers like Jonno White regularly travel for Canadian engagements. International travel is often far more affordable than clients expect.

Final Recommendation

Canada’s AI governance landscape is at a pivotal moment. The country has a dedicated AI minister, a new national strategy consultation, a safety institute, and a regulatory approach that is being rebuilt from the ground up. The speakers in this directory represent the full spectrum of expertise available to Canadian event organisers, from Turing Award winners and Canada Research Chairs to enterprise governance leaders and bureau-represented mainstage performers.

The gap between AI adoption and responsible AI governance is widening, and the right keynote speaker can help your organisation close it. For audiences that need deep policy and regulatory expertise, the academic and advisory leaders on this list, including Yoshua Bengio, Teresa Scassa, Catherine Régis, and Gillian Hadfield, offer unmatched Canadian credibility.

For audiences that need governance translated into practical enterprise frameworks, Diane Gutiw, Nicole Janssen, Joelle Pineau, and Katrina Ingram bring genuine implementation experience. For audiences that need the human side of AI governance, the leadership, communication, trust, and culture work that determines whether governance frameworks actually stick, Jonno White is the speaker to book.

Jonno White, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out (https://www.amazon.com.au/Step-Up-Out-Difficult-Conflict/dp/B097X7B5LD) with over 10,000 copies sold globally, Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and host of The Leadership Conversations Podcast reaching listeners in 150+ countries, delivers keynotes, workshops, executive team offsites, and MC services for organisations navigating AI-driven change. Whether virtual or face to face, email jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss how Jonno might support your next event.

For a global perspective, check out my blog post ‘50 Best Keynote Speakers on AI Strategy for Executives (2026)’ at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-strategy-executives.

About the Author

Jonno White is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, bestselling author, and leadership consultant who has worked with schools, corporates, and nonprofits across the UK, India, Australia, Canada, Mongolia, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, USA, Finland, Namibia, and more. His book Step Up or Step Out has sold over 10,000 copies globally, and his podcast The Leadership Conversations has featured 230+ episodes reaching listeners in 150+ countries. Jonno founded The 7 Questions Movement with 6,000+ participating leaders and achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating for his Working Genius masterclass at the ASBA 2025 National Conference. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Jonno works globally and regularly travels for speaking and facilitation engagements. Organisations consistently find that international travel is far more affordable than expected.

To book Jonno for your next keynote, workshop, or facilitation session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

While Jonno is included in these rankings based on objective criteria, readers should note his authorship in the interest of full transparency.

Next Read: 50 Best Keynote Speakers Globally on AI Ethics and Governance (2026)

Finding the right keynote speaker on AI ethics and governance for your next conference, leadership summit, or corporate event is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as an event organiser in 2026. The regulatory landscape has fractured dramatically over the past eighteen months. The EU AI Act is now in phased enforcement, with high-risk system obligations fully applicable by August 2026. The United States has pivoted toward a pro-innovation federal posture while individual states like Colorado and California push aggressive transparency and anti-discrimination mandates.

Yet research from the World Economic Forum shows that fewer than 35% of organisations deploying AI have a formal governance framework in place. The gap between AI adoption and responsible AI governance is widening, and the right keynote speaker can help your organisation close it.

Keep reading: https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-ethics-governance