Event Summary

The 2025 North Star Award Gala, held on May 22 at the historic Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, was proudly organized by the Policy Insights Forum (PIF). This year’s Gala honoured Stephen S. Poloz, former Governor of the Bank of Canada, whose remarkable contributions have shaped Canada's economic policy and global financial standing.

The evening began with an elegant VIP Reception in the Drawing Room, generously sponsored by the Samuel Group of Companies.

‍Aliénor Peyrefitte, the PIF Chief of Staff, formally opened the Reception and served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. She then introduced The Honourable Jamie Baillie, Managing Director for Atlantic Canada at the Samuel Group, who delivered a commemorative toast and tribute to Mr. Poloz.  

The main Gala program took place in the Adam Room and featured a procession of the Head Table. Following this, the evening formally began with a land acknowledgment done by Meagan Boucher-Martin, a former PIF Policy Intern, and the playing of the Canadian national anthem by a live music duo.

Gala Co-Chairs, Goran Samuel Pesic, PIF Chairman, and Peter Hall, CEO of Econosphere, gave opening remarks and recognized the generous contributions of the Gala sponsors. These included Title Sponsor CGI, along with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Enbridge, and Export Development Canada (EDC). Sponsor tribute videos were also shared to highlight their commitment to Canadian excellence, which can be viewed below.

During the dinner program, Julie Godin, Executive Chair of the Board of Directors at CGI, offered heartfelt remarks on Mr. Poloz’s legacy and presented him with the 2025 North Star Award, joined on stage by the Gala Co-Chairs. Mr. Poloz followed with an inspiring and deeply personal keynote address, reflecting on his career in public service and his vision for Canada’s future.

A special video surprise from Mr. Poloz’s family was shared during the evening, adding a meaningful and personal touch to the event.

The Gala also marked the launch of the North Star Internship Program, introduced by Meagan Boucher-Martin, PIF 2024 Policy Intern. This new initiative honours Stephen Poloz and supports the development of Canada’s next generation of leaders in public service, especially in the financial and economic sectors. The inaugural recipient of the North Star Internship Program is Malcolm Fisher, a Master’s student in Public Policy at Queen’s University, whose academic excellence and passion for public service embody the spirit and values of the program.

The evening concluded with group photographs of honourees, sponsors, and distinguished guests, as attendees celebrated the enduring legacy of public service and the profound impact of Stephen Poloz’s career. The Gala served not only as a formal recognition of leadership, but also as a heartfelt gathering of friends and colleagues celebrating an extraordinary Canadian.