The Alberta Referendum: What's at Stake

Financing Defence at Scale: Spending, Procurement, and Industrial Capacity

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Roundtable Luncheon with Mike Bonner, The Honourable Peter MacKay and Ravi Singh.

C.D. Howe Institute events and webinars are open to members and their guests.

Please follow this link or contact events@cdhowe.org to register.

Mike Bonner, Head, Personal & Business Banking Canada, BMO Financial Group

Mike Bonner is the Head of Canadian Personal & Business Banking with BMO Financial Group. Appointed to this role in 2024, Mike is responsible for BMO’s Personal and Business Banking businesses, leading over 10,000 banking professionals nationally.  

Mr. Bonner is widely recognized as an accomplished business and relationship builder, having lived in, built and lead businesses in Halifax, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver while cultivating a vast national network across industries, regions and organizations of all sizes.

He is an active advocate and community building ally for many national causes centred around inclusion and education and is known to have a specific passion for those who have served and continue to serve our country with dedication and courage.

Mr. Bonner currently sits on the board for the Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation where he has worked to establish BMO Scholarships to help fund opportunities for the next generation of leaders in aviation. For more than 20 years he has been involved with the defense community from coast to coast; as an executive supporter of BMOs Canadian Defense Banking Program (CDCB) as well as part of the recommissioning of HMCS Calgary with the Pacific Fleet in Esquimalt in BC, the 100th Anniversary of the Navy with the Atlantic fleet at Stadacona in Halifax, and most recently with the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force with their book launch and scholarships across Canada. He has close ties to all branches of the military.

An authentic advocate supporting veteran transition and employment programs, Mr. Bonner is also an outspoken supporter of military families and their spouses. His leadership has earned him accolades and national recognition, including:

  • The Vision Award from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
  • The GroYourBiz Ally Award for his support of women entrepreneurs
  • 2025 and 2026 nominations for the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Award for Excellence in Indigenous Relations
  • A 2025 WXN Leadership nomination for leadership in shaping a more inclusive culture and society

Mr. Bonner is a recognized leader and advocate for Canada’s military and veteran community, serving on the Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation Board, chairing BMO’s Veterans Advisory Council, and advising the C.D. Howe Defence Policy Working Group. He is a steadfast supporter of the Royal Regiment of Canada, The Queen’s York Rangers, the Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans House Canada, and Reservists throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Most recently, Mr. Bonner was awarded the Canadian Army Command Commendation for his contributions towards supporting the Army and bringing credit to the institution through exceptional service and leadership

Mr. Bonner has also served on the boards of Mental Health Nova Scotia, the BC Premier’s Disability Advisory Group, BMO Mortgage Corporation, and Northstar Trade Finance. Additionally, he currently serves as Chair of Moneris’ Audit & Risk Committee.

With a family legacy rooted in military service, Mr. Bonner’s commitment to those in uniform is underpinned by a deep respect for duty, sacrifice, teamwork and the shared belief that the protection of our sovereignty, domestic values and commitment to peace stands second to none.

 

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Executive Advisor, Deloitte

The Honourable Peter MacKay, PC, QC, is a distinguished Canadian public servant, lawyer, and strategic advisor. With over 18 years in Parliament, Peter has held senior Cabinet positions including Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of National Defence, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. He brings unparalleled experience in defense modernization, justice reform, economic development, and Canadian politics.

At Deloitte, Peter serves as an Executive Advisor in the Growth Office, Clients & Industries, offering national and international perspectives in sectors such as aerospace, defence, procurement, and infrastructure. He is also Counsel with Atlantic Canadian law firm McInnes Cooper and serves on several National & International boards supporting veterans, children, and public policy. Peter is dedicated to public service, community engagement, and advancing Canada’s interests at home and abroad.

 

Ravi Singh, Director General, Defence Industrial Strategy, Department of National Defence

Ravi S. K. Singh is a senior public servant with over two decades of experience leading policy, governance, and transformation initiatives across the Government of Canada. He has worked provincially, and federally across central agencies including TBS and PCO, and large and small departments, advising prime ministers, ministers, deputy ministers, and senior industry leaders on complex issues including national security, economic development, corporate accountability, and international affairs.

Known for his thoughtful, collaborative leadership, Ravi brings a steady, values-driven approach to public service. He combines strategic foresight with a commitment to inclusion, integrity, and practical results. His leadership philosophy centers on clarity, care, and accountability—anchored in the belief that good governance is not only about systems and outcomes, but also about how people are led through change.

Ravi holds a Master’s in Urban and Rural Planning from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Geography from the University of Winnipeg. He is currently completing his PhD (ABD) in Ethics and Public Affairs at Carleton University, where his research explores justice, legitimacy, and ethical public leadership.

Born in Trinidad and raised in Winnipeg, he brings a global perspective rooted in service and community. He is the proud father of three children, and with his wife, an advocate for the classical arts—believing that culture deepens our sense of connection, tradition, and public purpose.

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