In this year-end episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik take a look back at 2024’s groundbreaking tech stories and gaze ahead to what 2025 might bring. Joined by Sean Silcoff, technology reporter for The Globe and Mail for 12 years, they explore the rise of AI, the space economy, Canada’s evolving tech ecosystem, and the influence of political shifts on innovation.

Sean sheds light on the evolving tech ecosystem, from Canadian companies like Wealthsimple and D2L bouncing back with renewed valuations, to the challenges posed by brain drain, capital gains taxes, and global competition.

The trio also discusses the political landscape’s influence on tech, including the re-election of Donald Trump and his administration’s implications for big tech, crypto innovation, and international tariffs. They delve into trends like trust in AI and dual-use technologies, the growing prominence of armed drones, and the surge of defense investments in hardware and innovation.

Whether you’re curious about Canada’s tech resurgence, fascinated by AI’s evolution, or keen to explore the intersection of politics and technology, this episode is packed with insights and foresight.

In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik dive into the rapidly advancing world of electric vehicles (EVs) and the ecosystem needed to support their success.

Kristian Aquilina, President and Managing Director of GM Canada, shares insights on the BrightDrop electric delivery vans produced at GM’s CAMI plant—the country’s first full-scale EV manufacturing facility—and how local supply chains and infrastructure can accelerate Canada’s EV adoption. Paul Soubry, CEO of New Flyer Industries, discusses the evolution of zero-emission buses and the logistical and manufacturing innovations required to meet sustainability goals.

From electric transit to supply chain resilience, this episode unpacks the opportunities and challenges that come with redefining mobility in a more sustainable and competitive economy. Whether you’re passionate about green technology, supply chains, or urban innovation, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of transportation in Canada and beyond.

Part two of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era continues with a focus on how space technology is transitioning from exploration to commercial viability.

John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik are joined by aerospace leaders Christine Tovee, former CTO of Airbus Group North America, and Mina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications. The episode examines the pioneering role of Canadian companies in transforming space technologies into practical industries, such as satellite communications and Earth observation.