Sometimes the biggest things start with the smallest ideas.
What began as a simple thought in my head has grown into something bigger than I could have imagined. The Great Canadian Debate is officially SOLD OUT! And to say I'm excited would be an understatement.
On November 5th, the Isabel Bader Theatre at Victoria University in the University of Toronto will come alive with spirited discussion, differing perspectives and some of Canada's most respected voices. Former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae will go head-to-head with former Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole in an Oxford-style debate moderated by veteran journalist Heather Hiscox.
The motion? “National Interest Should Take Precedence Over Global Responsibility.”
Now, if that doesn't get people talking, I don't know what will!
But this event is about much more than a great debate. It's about creating a lasting legacy through education, and honouring a woman who has spent her life opening doors for others.
Anyone who knows me knows how much I admire and respect the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine. I've been a longtime supporter of her work and the initiatives that carry her name.
My involvement goes back to the establishment of the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at York University, where I had the privilege of assisting with fundraising efforts that raised more than $1 million.
So, when the opportunity arose to support the Dr. Jean Augustine Professorship in Transformative Education at Victoria University, I knew I wanted to do something special.
What makes this initiative even more significant is that the professorship is intended to become the first endowed professorship in the University of Toronto system named after a Black Canadian woman.
Think about that for a moment.
Dr. Augustine has spent decades breaking barriers, creating opportunities and making history. From becoming the first Black woman elected to Canada's House of Commons to championing education and equity, her legacy is extraordinary. And now, another historic milestone is within reach.
This professorship will support research and innovative approaches to education, helping develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills our next generation needs. It will also ensure that Dr. Augustine's name and contributions continue to inspire students, educators and future leaders for generations to come.
For me, this is about more than raising money. It's about honouring a woman who has given so much to this country and helping to build something that will outlast all of us.
And what better way to demonstrate the power of critical thinking than to put two brilliant, accomplished Canadians on a stage and have them debate an issue that affects us all?
That was the spark behind The Great Canadian Debate.
As the founder of FKB Media Book A Speaker Inc., I'm always looking for ways to create opportunities for our speakers to share their knowledge and expertise. So, having Book A Speaker Inc. sponsor The Great Canadian Debate was a natural fit.
I'm especially proud that three talented speakers from our roster will be part of the evening.
Curtis Carmichael, a responsible AI expert and futurist, Hadriana Leo, a financial expert, and Laurence Anthony, an executive leadership coach and founder of Go Further Coaching, will lend their perspectives to an important conversation about the challenges facing the next generation.
Their panel discussion, “A Generation on the Brink: Work, Power, and Freedom in 21st-Century Canada,” will explore the changing realities of work, technology and opportunity.
For me, this is what Book A Speaker is all about. Bringing powerful voices into meaningful conversations that inform, challenge and inspire.
While this event may have started as my brainchild, bringing it to life has been a tremendous team effort.
I have to give a huge shout-out to Aimee Esparaz, Director of Philanthropy at Victoria University, whose dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in helping make this event a reality.
My amazing assistant, Adanna Taylor, has been the creative force behind all of our graphics. From the beginning, she helped give The Great Canadian Debate a bold, professional visual identity that captured exactly what I envisioned.
And Ayo' Orebiyi of Hill Solutions has been working behind the scenes on our social media and website outreach, helping us build awareness and excitement around the event.
Together, we took an idea, built a brand, created a buzz and filled a theatre!
SOLD OUT. More than 400 seats.
That's a pretty incredible feeling.
And just when I thought things couldn't get more exciting, we received another wonderful development.
The Great Canadian Debate will be recorded and broadcast on CPAC at a later date!
As a former television news producer, this is particularly exciting for me. I know the value of taking an important conversation beyond the walls of a venue and sharing it with a much wider audience.
What started as a fundraising idea will now have the opportunity to reach Canadians across the country, encouraging even more people to think critically about the issues shaping our future.
That's the kind of impact I had hoped for when this idea first came to mind.
I've spent much of my career helping other people and organizations tell their stories, promote their initiatives and bring their visions to life. But there's something particularly rewarding about watching an idea of your own grow into something that brings together education, politics, media, philanthropy and community.
The Great Canadian Debate represents so many things I'm passionate about: creating opportunities, amplifying diverse voices, encouraging meaningful dialogue and, most importantly, giving back.
And knowing that the proceeds will support a professorship that could make history at the University of Toronto makes it all the more meaningful.
To everyone who purchased a ticket, supported the initiative, shared our posts, helped spread the word or believed in the vision, thank you!
I can't wait to see what happens when Bob Rae and Erin O'Toole take the stage.
And who knows? Maybe The Great Canadian Debate will become an annual Canadian tradition.
One little idea has turned into a BIG deal. And we're just getting started!
