Bell Lecture 2025: Navigating Canada’s Uncertain Future

The Honourable Lisa Raitt described 2025 as “a hinge moment in history” as she spoke of Canada’s future in an oft-times personal speech at the Dick, Ruth and Judy Bell Lecture on May 6, 2025 at the Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre.

Raitt drew on her extensive experience as a Conservative cabinet minister, as well as her work in investment banking to address the evening’s topic: “Canada at a Crossroads: Navigating an Uncertain Future.”

With the economic threat posed by U.S. tariffs, and the unexpected resurgence of the Liberal Party in the recent federal election, Lisa Raitt outlined the challenges Canada is facing.

“From urban to rural ridings, Canadians are asking where we are going. There’s a sense of urgency, but also possibility,” she said. “We are facing geopolitical volatility as well as rising home prices, an outdated tax system, and a growing feeling that we are drifting.”

Even as a leader in global investment banking at CIBC, Raitt remains passionate about public policy. She has joined with former Liberal cabinet minister Anne McLelland to create the Coalition for a Better Future to strengthen the economic foundations of Canadian society.

“Do we have the courage to reform our systems for the future? What about a new tax code? Investment in AI? Making hard choices about regulatory efficiency? A bold housing plan? I hope for deeper discussion on the economy.”

Raitt also shared personal reflections with the audience, largely comprised of students, faculty, community members and alumni. She reassured students that “after failure comes success”, describing her challenges as she started out in the job market and after her loss in Parliament in 2019.

“There’s nothing more centering than knowing you don’t get your salary anymore,” she quipped. “But I tell young people to look for risks and take a chance: that’s what will propel us. Take a chance and make us better. We need those people.”

Lisa Raitt was introduced by Brenda O’Neill, Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs. Carleton President Wisdom Tettey also gave remarks. Josh Greenberg, FPGA Associate Dean (Research & Graduate), was the emcee. Political Science Professor Jonathan Malloy, the Bell Chair for Parliamentary Democracy, led the Q and A.

The annual Dick, Ruth and Judy Bell Lecture was established by Ruth Bell, a Carleton political science alumna. It honours the contributions of individuals to the political and public life of Canada, across all parties and levels of government.