Closing Canada’s Financial Guidance Gap

Exploring how AI, trust and regulation can shape the future of financial inclusion for Canadians.

Roundtable Luncheon with Joanne De Laurentiis, Gary Edwards and Glenn Williams

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.

Joanne De Laurentiis, Chair, Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario

Joanne De Laurentiis is an experienced, senior executive and Board member. She has excelled in creating fit-for-purpose management structures; led marketing, research, and strategic planning initiatives; and contributed to the development of sound regulatory and legislative frameworks for the financial services sector. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Board member of BeWhere Holdings Inc. and a member of Canada Life Investment Management's IRC and NCM Investments IRC.

Joanne’s past leadership roles include President & CEO of the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC, now SIMA), CEO of Credit Union Central of Canada, CEO & President of Interac, Vice-President, Public Affairs for the Canadian Bankers Association. Past Board service includes The International Funds Association, Toronto Board of Trade, Western University, Cumis Insurance, TTC, OLGC, and the Canadian Payments Association. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science from Western University. 

Gary Edwards, Co-Founder and Principal, Golfdale Consulting

Gary Edwards, PhD, is a seasoned research executive and management consultant with decades of experience advising growth-focused business leaders in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. As co-founder of Golfdale Consulting, Gary is recognized for developing evidence-based strategies that use data insights to strengthen market position and customer loyalty. Earlier in his career, Gary was co-owner and Chief Customer Officer at Empathica (now InMoment), where he pioneered customer experience management. Prior to that, he served as Country Manager of Gallup Canada, providing strategic market insights to global leaders.

Gary writes extensively on public policy and market trends in regulated sectors that affect both businesses and consumers. Recently, he published a paper at the C.D. Howe Institute on financial services regulation and its impact on financial inclusion, titled Regulatory Reset: A Policy Roadmap for Expanding Financial Advice to Middle- and Lower-Income Canadians.

Glenn Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Primerica

Glenn Williams has served as Chief Executive Officer since April 2015. He served as President from 2005 through March 2015. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President of Field and Product Marketing for international operations from 2000 to 2005, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Primerica Canada from 1996 to 2000, and in roles of increasing responsibility as part of Primerica’s international expansion team in Canada from 1985 to 2000.

He began his career with Primerica in 1981 as a member of the Company’s independent sales force and joined the home office team in 1983. Mr. Williams earned his B.S. degree in Education from Baptist University of America. He served on the board of trustees for the Georgia Baptist Foundation from 2019 to 2023 and again since October 2024