Program for 2025 Financial Services Sector Forum

Forum Opening

Welcome and Forum Opening
Saskia Tolsma, Vice President, Strategic Policy, BCFSA

Opening Remarks
Tolga Yalkin, CEO, BCFSA

9 — 9:15 a.m.

Message from the Minister of Finance

The Minister will open the Forum with remarks that set the stage for a day of insight and dialogue.

Honourable Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance, British Columbia

9:15 — 9:30 a.m.

Keynote

Financial System Regulation in The Next Age of Uncertainty

Drawing on his best-selling book, “The Next Age of Uncertainty,” Mr. Poloz will consider the implications of such major tectonic shifts as technological progress, aging demographics and growing geopolitical stress for the financial services industry.

Stephen Poloz, Special Advisor, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

9:30 — 10:30 a.m.

Panel Discussion

Shocks, Shifts and B.C.’s Evolving Economic Landscape

This session will examine current geopolitical and economic forces from a provincial lens, bringing together economists and community leaders to discuss the unique aspects of the BC economy. BCFSA’s Senior Vice President of Financial Institutions, Nez Aquino, will lead the panelists in an exploration of how the financial services sector can meet the challenges of the future while continuing to serve people living in British Columbia.

Jock Finlayson, Chief Economist, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association 
Dillon Johnson, Vice Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board 
Full panel lineup to be confirmed.

Moderator: Nez Aquino, Senior Vice President, Financial Institutions, BCFSA

10:45 — 
11:45 a.m.

Panel Discussion

Housing Policy in Practice

The economic impacts of B.C.’s ever-shifting real estate market cannot be understated. In recent years, sweeping federal and provincial housing reforms have reshaped the housing landscape to address housing demand. BCFSA’s Senior Vice President of Financial Professionals, Jon Vandall, will lead panelists from federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government in an exploration of how housing policy initiatives are playing out on the ground.

Matthew Baldwin, Director of Development Services, City Planning, City of Langford
Brenda Knights, CEO, BC Indigenous Housing Society
Tejindar (TJ) Parhar, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing and Land Use Policy, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Bert Pereboom, Senior Manager, Housing Market Policy, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Moderator: Jon Vandall, Senior Vice President, Financial Professionals, BCFSA

1 — 2:15 p.m.

Panel Discussion

The Regulators Panel

As global forces, emerging technologies, and shifting public expectations reshape the financial landscape, regulators have a unique opportunity to lead with purpose. This session brings together key regulatory voices to explore how oversight can evolve to strengthen public trust, support innovation, and protect consumers in a world of constant disruption.

Dexter John, CEO, Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
Yves Ouellet, President and CEO, Autorité des marchés financiers

Moderator: Tolga Yalkin, CEO, BCFSA

2:30 — 3:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks: Charting the Course

BCFSA’s CEO closes the day by sharing BCFSA’s strategic vision for a resilient, consumer-focused financial services sector highlighting opportunities for collaboration to protect consumers and collective leadership.

Tolga Yalkin, CEO, BCFSA

3:30 — 4 p.m.