Tod Maffin has emerged as one of Canada’s most distinctive voices on the Canadian identity. A former national CBC Radio host, Tod has built a loyal following through sharp weekly essays and viral videos that unpack what it means to be Canadian—warts, pride, contradictions and all.

Known for cutting through the noise with clarity, wit, and honesty, Tod doesn’t just inform audiences—he challenges them to think critically, laugh thoughtfully, and reconsider the stories we tell ourselves about who we are as a country.

Each keynote is tailored to the audience—whether that’s senior leadership seeking clarity in a divided world, frontline teams looking for connection and purpose, or civic and academic groups working to build a more inclusive future. Tod ties cultural insight to real-world relevance, offering not just perspective but tangible takeaways: deeper cohesion, stronger storytelling, and a renewed sense of shared identity.

The result? Audiences walk away not just inspired, but more aligned with each other, and with the values that drive their work. At a time when so many nations are retreating into cynicism or division, Tod offers something rare: a clear-eyed, hopeful view of what Canada can be when we remember who we are. His talks don’t just reflect our national story—they help shape it.

Because when teams understand where they come from—and what they stand for—they work better, lead better, and build better. For anyone seeking to better understand this country, or to believe in it a little more deeply, Tod’s voice resonates long after the applause ends.

Daniel Legris is a lawyer with a strong background in dispute resolution and appellate advocacy, especially with respect to public law, Aboriginals law, human rights, tort law, and professional regulation. He holds a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School and has contributed to significant litigation before various administrative tribunals and courts. A published writer and award-winning student, Daniel’s experience includes legal research, policy development, and advocacy, particularly in disability rights, access to justice, and Aboriginal law. He has also been actively involved in mooting, editorial boards, and volunteer initiatives supporting underrepresented communities.

Emily is a journalist and photographer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty 1 territory. Her work documents working class social and political movements across Canada, specializing in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. For the last four years, she worked as Senior Labour Reporter and Prairies Reporter for the online progressive news outlet PressProgress, covering national and provincial politics, the Canadian labour movement, 2SLGBTQIA+ movements, and the far-right. She has guest lectured on contemporary labour issues at the University of Manitoba and McMaster University, and has also spoken at the Canadian Association for Work and Labour Studies conference and the Broadbent Institute’s Progress Summit.

Brian McDougall is a former university teacher and federal public servant, now Adjunct Professor of Canadian Studies at Carleton University in Ottawa. A lifelong socialist, trade union activist, and opponent of all forms of oppression, Brian’s popular education work currently focuses on Peoples’ History Walking Tours. It assists local activists to think critically about the successes and failures of their predecessors in struggles against exploitation, oppression, exclusion, and dispossession. When not leading tours or speaking for various organizations, Brian can often be found learning from experience on local picket lines or demonstrations. Although retired, he remains active in several caucuses and committees of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees – a union in which he previously held various local executive positions.

https://reservations.travelclick.com/12200?groupID=4862141
Phone: 613-235-3333 | Toll-Free: 1-800-267-4298
Email: groups@lordelgin.ca
Booking Code: 5210419
Booking Name: CCU Convention 2025

Reservations changed or modified within 48 hours of the arrival date will be charged the full cost of the original booking. Please confirm your reservation before the cut-off date of September 16, 2025. After Sept. 16, the booking system will automatically release all rooms from the block.

If anyone has issues with the booking link or would like to book outside of the block dates, please email the in-house reservations team at groups@lordelgin.ca or by calling the hotel directly at 613-235-3333 extension 0.

N.B. Unless alternate arrangements have been made PRIOR TO THE MEETING, ALL delegates and guests are responsible for their own room rental fees and/or ancillary charges. Please avoid using third-party internet booking sites as the booking and contact information will not appear on our CCU-CSC reservation lists, which are necessary for preparing meeting kits and catering.

Once your reservation has been confirmed, please notify Dawn Burns (secretary@ccu-csc.ca) and Scarlett Farquhar (treasurer@ccu-csc.ca). Anyone with food intolerances and/or allergies is advised to contact Scarlett ASAP.

As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance, additional information, and/or clarification. Looking forward to seeing everyone in our Nation’s capital.

In solidarity,

Dawn Burns
CCU Secretary