Leaders from
Canada
Canada's leaders often speak two languages and think in long form, from the CBC Massey Lectures to Ottawa-born tech and Vancouver's spiritual writers. Explore the voices here.
Sorry, is this the mindfulness talk?
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Leadership roles in Canada
Each role opens a list of leaders from this country who are known for it.
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Every leader listed here
Eckhart Tolle
German-born spiritual teacher and author of The Power of Now and A New Earth, known for his teachings on presence and the present moment.
Where leadership shows up in Canada
Ideas on public radio
Since 1961 the CBC Massey Lectures have invited leading thinkers to explore one big theme each year in talks and a book.
Inner life and wellbeing
Canada is home to influential writers on mindfulness and spirituality, including Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now, who is based in Vancouver.
Tech and enterprise
Companies such as Ottawa-based Shopify, launched in 2006, and CBC's Dragons' Den have given Canadian founders a national profile.
Leadership and public life in Canada
Canadian public life is shaped by official bilingualism. The Official Languages Act of 1969 made English and French official languages of the federal government, and many national leaders, broadcasters and speakers work in both.
The country has a strong tradition of public broadcasting and long-form ideas, led by the CBC, alongside a growing technology sector in cities such as Toronto, Waterloo, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. Business leaders often become well known through national media and television formats such as Dragons’ Den, which began on CBC in 2006.
Spiritual teachers, wellness authors, Indigenous leaders and community organisers also play visible roles, and achievement across these fields is recognised through national honours such as the Order of Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Canada page currently features spiritual teacher and author Eckhart Tolle, with more speakers, founders and public figures being added over time.
The Order of Canada, established in 1967, is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. It recognises outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
Created by the CBC in 1961 in honour of former Governor General Vincent Massey, the Massey Lectures are an annual series in which a notable thinker delivers talks on a chosen theme, later published as a book.
English and French have been official languages of Canada’s federal institutions since the Official Languages Act of 1969, so bilingualism is valued in national politics, the public service and national media.