Each year, Ontario’s most influential leaders gather at the Ontario Economic Summit, hosted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The two-day event presents an unparalleled opportunity to share insight, explore opportunities, and most importantly, to shape public policy.

Above: From left, Andrew Pickersgill (co-chair of the summit and managing partner of McKinsey & Co.), Roberta Jamieson (president of Indspire), York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton, and Kevin Lynch, vice-chair of BMO Financial

 

This year, York University’s president participated in the summit as part of her drive to engage in high priority conversations that will shape the future of higher education in Ontario. President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton attended the summit on Nov. 9 and 10 and participated in a highly anticipated panel discussion, “Defining Inclusive Economic Growth.” Lenton engaged in the important discussion with Roberta Jamieson, president of Indspire, and Kevin Lynch, vice-chair of BMO Financial. The moderator of the panel was Andrew Pickersgill, co-chair of the summit and managing partner of McKinsey & Co.

As Lenton outlined in her remarks, Ontario’s universities play a vital role in preparing students for a global knowledge economy and York University is well positioned to lead in this area. Lenton’s unique perspective shaped the discussion by pressing for greater focus on the importance of social innovation and the contribution of the humanities and social sciences in the economy. “We cannot afford to leave behind any motivated and qualified individual who wishes to pursue post-secondary education,” she said.

Lenton’s term as York University’s eighth president and vice-chancellor began in July, and since then she has been working to ensure the University is positioned at the forefront when it comes to her four areas of focus: access, connectedness, excellence and impact.