Canada’s Career Development Conference
Why Present:
More than 2,000 career development professionals from across Canada and around the world joined together for the first hybrid Cannexus conference from Jan. 23-25, 2023. Whether attending in-person in Ottawa or virtually, delegates expanded their knowledge, built strong networks and felt proud of the meaningful work they do. They learned about emerging trends and issues from transitioning to a net zero economy to trauma-informed counselling and left curious, hopeful and empowered.
We are planning your 18th annual Cannexus conference as a hybrid. Delegates can choose to attend in-person in Ottawa or participate virtually, with intersection points throughout bringing everyone together.
With the inclusion of a virtual option, Cannexus encourages involvement from presenters and attendees across the country as well as internationally to broaden perspectives and enrich programming.
Bringing career development communities together to convene, share and learn, Cannexus will explore the impact of career development on education, the economy and social justice.
To allow the broadest access, including the opportunity for whole teams to attend virtually, Cannexus will again offer affordable pricing with special discounts for groups, students and members of supporting organizations.
Dr. James Makokis,
Canada’s Two Spirit, Diversity, Indigenous Health and First Nation Expert
Canada’s Two Spirit, Diversity, Indigenous Health and First Nation Expert
Dr. James Makokis is a Nehiyô (Neh-hee-yo) two-spirit physician from the Onihcikiskapowinihk (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) in Treaty Number Six Territory. He practices Family Medicine in Kinokamasihk (Kih-no-kum-a-sick) Cree Nation in northeastern Alberta and has a transgender health-focused practice in South Edmonton. He was the inaugural Medical Director at Shkaabe Makwa (Shkaa-bay Muh-kwa) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto - the first Indigenous health centre designed to lead systems' transformation in Indigenous mental health across the country. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta.
In 2019, Dr. Makokis competed alongside his husband Anthony Johnson as "Team Ahkameyimok" (Ah-ka-may-mook) (Never Give Up in the Cree Language) on the Amazing Race Canada and won, becoming the first two-spirit, Indigenous, married couple in the world to do so. In 2020, Dr. Makokis was named one of the 30 most powerful physicians in the country by The Medical Post but believes power is a concept that should be shared amongst others. Dr. Makokis is a regular guest on the Marilyn Denis Show and a commentator in the media. Dr. Makokis is passionate about revitalizing the Nehiyô medical system, educating people about Treaty, and working toward the vision of Turtle Island, which is to live together in peace and friendship.
Economist and Author
Linda Nazareth is an economist, futurist and expert on the future of work. The author of four books, the most recent of which is Work Is Not a Place: Our Lives and Our Organizations in the Post-Jobs Economy (2018) she is also a regular columnist for The Globe and Mail and CBC Metro Morning and the host of podcast "Work and the Future." As a sought-after keynote speaker, Linda’s audiences have spanned a range of audiences and have included clients such as The Economist Magazine, American Express, E & Y and the Bank of Montreal, all of whom have benefitted from the way that she can take huge ideas and distill them into information that organizations can use for their own strategic planning purposes.
Founder and CEO, Peace by Chocolate
Tareq Hadhad is telling his story. He was a Syrian refugee and now living his new life in Nova Scotia. He is the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, the recipient of the EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2021 for Atlantic, named one of the Top 25 Immigrants in The Maritimes and awarded RBC’s top Immigrant Award and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020. All of this has happened since Tareq’s arrival to Canada in December 2015 as a newcomer.
In 2012 the Hadhad’s factory that housed the family chocolate-making business were destroyed which forced them to seek safety. Passionate about peace and entrepreneurship, his family relaunched their business to recreate the chocolates they once exported across the Middle East.
In January 2020, Tareq received his official Canadian Citizenship which garnered international attention and has become one of the greatest accomplishments of his life.
Tareq has spoken at several events for corporate, government and not for profit organizations both in person and online. He has done over 500 interviews with different news teams across the globe. Tareq speaks on the compelling story of his family, the positive impact of Syrian newcomers and the spirit of entrepreneurship and giving back.
At Cannexus23, Future Skills will showcase a varied program that highlights a vision for career guidance in Canada and delves deep into future trends and initiatives. Future Skills @Cannexus will take place the morning of Wednesday, January 25 in Ottawa.
It is included in all in-person Cannexus registrations. If you register for Cannexus, no separate Future Skills registration is required. Check out what to expect from this Future Skills stream in the in-person Cannexus conference program.
Gain knowledge from 100+ live and on-demand sessions in both English and French
Meet like-minded delegates and build connections through networking activities
Be informed and inspired by diverse, world-class keynotes and presenters
Engage with organizations that offer programs, products and services to help your work
Have access to session recordings for three months to keep learning
Watch out for the following dates
Cannexus will take place Jan. 29 – 31, 2024, both virtually and in Ottawa, Canada. The virtual and in-person portions are essentially separate events with different sessions taking place within the greater whole of the hybrid umbrella. But there will be multiple touchpoints throughout the conference where virtual and in-person delegates can interact. Regardless of which format you choose (it is Cannexus your way) you will still be part of a unique gathering where you will explore innovative approaches in career and workforce development, and connect with peers from across Canada and around the world.
Curious, hopeful, empowered: Recapping Cannexus23, Canada’s Career Development Conference
January 29 - 31, 2024
