Speak Easy with Scott Brison & Michael McCain

Speak Easy with Scott Brison, and special guest Michael McCain, is an opportunity for young alumni to engage with business leaders. Our hope is that through inquiry and deep conversation our alumni will develop meaningful connections and access a global network of cross–sectoral leaders. Together, you can create positive change, inspire social and economic innovation, and discover new possibilities.

This is a wonderful opportunity for mentorship and to build your network. We are privileged to have Scott Brison and Michael McCain offer their time and knowledge to our alumni.

DATE: Wednesday, December 7th

TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 PM AT (5:00 – 6:00 PM ET)

LOCATION: ONLINE

NOTE: The Link for the online event will be sent to Dalhousie University Faculty of Management Alumni registrants as we get closer to the Speak Easy session.

Hon. Scott Brison, P.C.

Dalhousie University, BComm’89

Chancellor, Dalhousie University

Vice-Chair, BMO Capital Markets

The Honourable Scott Brison joined BMO as Vice-Chair, Investment & Corporate Banking in 2019. As an elected Member of Parliament, Scott served the constituency of Kings-Hants (Nova Scotia) who elected him to Canada’s House of Commons seven consecutive times over 21 years. During that time, he served in government for seven years holding key roles, most recently as President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government from 2015 to 2019, Minister of Public Works and Government Services from 2004 to 2006, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister with special emphasis on Canada-U.S. relations from 2003 to 2004.

In June 2020, Mr. Brison became Dalhousie University’s eighth chancellor.

Mr. Brison is a member of the Trilateral Commission and was named by the World Economic Forum of Davos, Switzerland, as one of its "Young Global Leaders." In August 2010, he was awarded the Order of San Carlos by Colombian President Álvaro Uribe in recognition of his contributions to the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Mr. Brison serves on the board of Universal Rail Systems, Bond Resources Inc., the Canada-China Business Council, the Dalhousie University Board of Governors, the Macdonald Stewart Foundation, CJPAC, the advisory board of the Canadian American Business Council, Power Sustainable, High Liner Foods Inc.

and previously served as Chairman of SeaFort Capital Inc.

Mr. Brison earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University. He has completed the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century Executive Education Program at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

Michael H. McCain

Chair of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Foods

Michael H. McCain is Executive Chair of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s flagship food companies, with sales of $4.5 billion and employs approximately 13,500 people in Canada and the United States.

Mr. McCain started his career at McCain Foods in the late 1970s, where he held a variety of roles, including President and Chief Executive Officer of McCain Foods USA. Michael joined Maple Leaf Foods in 1995. Since then, he has been instrumental in establishing Maple Leaf as a strong and sustainable, values-based company.

Mr. McCain is a director of McCain Capital and Maple Leaf Foods. He is a member of the Richard Ivey School of Business Advisory Board, the Business Council of Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. He is also the honorary chairman of the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security.

Born in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Mr. McCain attended Mount Allison University and received an Honours Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario. He also holds honorary degrees from St Mary’s University, Brock University, Carleton University and Guelph University. He is devoted to his five children and family, and lives in Toronto.