The Canadian economy is entering 2026 amid a backdrop of persistent complexity and uncertainty. While inflationary pressures have eased, the aftereffects of elevated interest rates continue to ripple through consumer spending and business investment decisions. Global growth remains fragile, and Canada faces its own structural challenges, including a long-standing productivity decline that threatens competitiveness. Layered onto this are external uncertainties—geopolitical tensions, volatile commodity markets, and the unpredictable policy environment south of the border. 

For HR leaders, this environment calls for strategic recalibration.  

Priorities for 2026 include strengthening workforce resilience through targeted upskilling and reskilling initiatives, embedding flexibility into talent strategies to manage fluctuating demand, reinforcing employee engagement during periods of cautious growth, and sustaining EDI without polarization. Compensation planning will require balancing cost containment with competitive offerings, while total rewards strategies that emphasize well-being and career development will be necessary to retain critical talent. Additionally, HR must play a central role in fostering productivity through technology adoption, agile work models, and leadership development, to ensure that their organizations remain adaptable and future-ready in an unpredictable economic climate.  Crucially, HR Leaders need to address cultural atrophy to prioritize clear communication, a positive work environment, and linking company values and purpose to strategy and daily practice.

As the role of HR in the workplace – and the workplace itself – is reshaped, it’s clear that there are no more ‘right’ answers.  Gathering at the picturesque JW Marriott Resort in Muskoka’s beautiful cottage country, Canadian HR leaders will partake in dynamic panels, engaging Sessions, interactive Roundtables, informative Think Tanks, and unique networking events, with the intent to explore strategies, consider tactics, share stories and lessons learned in the collaborative mission to create a sustainable, agile, and future ready workforce. 

Buttressed by the shared experiences of their HR Executive peers, it is our hope that attendees will return home, with a sense of renewed purpose and a stronger network to enable their organizations to not only achieve operational excellence but also foster a high-performance culture that drives both business success and employee satisfaction.  

Download the agenda to learn more; we look forward to seeing you in the Spring in Muskoka!