Speaker Series Shared Discovery Northwestern Polytechnic and the Side Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence are pleased to launch a new Speaker Series.From September 2026 through April 2027, this new series will bring 4 nationally and internationally recognized leaders to northwestern Alberta for a selection of curated, invitation-only events on campus.Designed to spark meaningful dialogue, each session creates space to engage with new ideas, ask questions, and connect global perspectives to local practice and experience. Complex economic and policy discussions are translated into practical insights that resonate across sectors and industries.Together, the series fosters collaboration, shared understanding, and connection, contributing to a more informed, resilient, and future-ready regional ecosystem equipped to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing economy. Spotlight Speakers The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper, P.C., C.C., A.O.E. Leadership in a Volatile Global Economy: Opportunities for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Coming September 2026 Launching the Side Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence Speaker Series, Stephen J. Harper will share perspectives on leadership, economic resilience, and opportunity in an increasingly complex global environment. Drawing on his experience as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, Harper will explore how global economic and geopolitical shifts are influencing business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He will offer insights into navigating uncertainty, fostering organizational resilience, and identifying opportunities for growth in a rapidly evolving landscape. As the inaugural speaker in the series, Harper will provide valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and decision-makers seeking to lead with confidence and adapt to changing economic conditions. Read Bio Arlene Dickinson Scaling Success: Leadership, Growth, & the Entrepreneurial Mindset Coming November 2026 As part of the Side Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence Speaker Series, Arlene Dickinson will share her perspectives on building, scaling, and leading successful businesses in Canada. Drawing on her experience as a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and business leader, Arlene will explore the leadership, resilience, and adaptability required to navigate growth, seize opportunities, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. This session will offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs, professionals, and emerging leaders interested in advancing their careers, fostering innovation, and creating lasting impact. Read Bio Luis Juarez Building Global Innovation from the Ground Up: Advanced Technology & Regional Advantage Coming February 2027 NWP is proud to welcome Luis Juarez, CEO and Founder of LE Robotics, as part of the 2026-2027 Side Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence Speaker Series. Drawing on his experience developing AI-powered robotic welding solutions in northwestern Alberta, Luis will share how he built a globally competitive company while exploring how emerging technologies are transforming traditional industries and creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. This session will provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs, students, and industry leaders interested in leveraging technology, partnerships, and regional strengths to drive business success and regional impact. Read Bio The Honourable Jason Kenney Economic Competitiveness & Leadership in a Changing Canada Coming March 2027 Concluding the Side Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence Speaker Series, Jason Kenney will explore the leadership, policy, and economic strategies that shape Canada's competitiveness in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on his experience in public leadership, Kenney will discuss the role of governments and businesses in fostering entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and driving sustainable economic growth. He will examine the policy frameworks and strategic decisions needed to position Alberta and Canada for long-term success in an evolving global economy. As the closing speaker in the series, Kenney will offer valuable perspectives on the intersection of politics, economics, and business leadership, and their role in building a resilient and competitive future. Read Bio Speaker Bios The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper, P.C., C.C., A.O.E. For nearly a decade, The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper led Canada through the world’s most complex geopolitical, economic and security challenges as the country’s 22nd Prime Minister. He created the modern Conservative Party of Canada, won three successive national elections, and was the longest-serving Conservative Prime Minister since Canada’s founding Prime Minister in 1891. Since leaving office in 2016, Mr. Harper founded and is Chairman and CEO of Harper & Associates, a global consulting and strategic advisory business, and is Chairman and a founding partner of Vision One, a fundamental value-oriented investment fund based in Miami, Florida. He serves as Board Chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), Director of Colliers International Group Inc. and Alimentation CoucheTard Inc., and is President of the Advisory Committee of Awz Ventures, a technology focused Canadian-Israeli venture capital firm. Mr. Harper is also the author of “Right Here, Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption” and a frequent speaker on geopolitical trends, populism, and business. His latest book “Flags of Canada” was published in February 2025 in association with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society commemorating the 60th anniversary of Canada’s national flag. Mr. Harper serves as Chairman of the International Democracy Union and is a member of the Global Advisory Board of India’s Observer Research Foundation. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Calgary, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Tel Aviv University and received an honorary degree from the Jerusalem College of Technology. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, and is the recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence plus numerous international recognitions including the Order of Liberty, Ukraine’s highest civilian honour. Mr. Harper resides in Alberta, Canada with his wife Laureen; they have two adult children, Benjamin and Rachel. For nearly a decade, The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper led Canada through the world’s most complex geopolitical, economic and security challenges as the country’s 22nd Prime Minister. He created the modern Conservative Party of Canada, won three successive national elections, and was the longest-serving Conservative Prime Minister since Canada’s founding Prime Minister in 1891. Since leaving office in 2016, Mr. Harper founded and is Chairman and CEO of Harper & Associates, a global consulting and strategic advisory business, and is Chairman and a founding partner of Vision One, a fundamental value-oriented investment fund based in Miami, Florida. He serves as Board Chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), Director of Colliers International Group Inc. and Alimentation CoucheTard Inc., and is President of the Advisory Committee of Awz Ventures, a technology focused Canadian-Israeli venture capital firm. Mr. Harper is also the author of “Right Here, Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption” and a frequent speaker on geopolitical trends, populism, and business. His latest book “Flags of Canada” was published in February 2025 in association with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society commemorating the 60th anniversary of Canada’s national flag. Mr. Harper serves as Chairman of the International Democracy Union and is a member of the Global Advisory Board of India’s Observer Research Foundation. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Calgary, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Tel Aviv University and received an honorary degree from the Jerusalem College of Technology. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, and is the recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence plus numerous international recognitions including the Order of Liberty, Ukraine’s highest civilian honour. Mr. Harper resides in Alberta, Canada with his wife Laureen; they have two adult children, Benjamin and Rachel. Show More add Show Less close Arlene Dickinson Dragons’ Den Star | CEO, Venture Communications Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success. She is the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a leading force in the industry, with a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live and eat. Beyond her business ventures, Dickinson is a sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series, Dragons’ Den, where she has starred for over 16 seasons. Dickinson's leadership and entrepreneurial prowess have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Marketing Hall of Legends, recognition as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. Dickinson served as an honorary captain of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 10 years, visiting our troops overseas numerous times. With her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for innovation, and her deep dedication to her community and country, Arlene Dickinson is a true Canadian icon and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and vision. Dragons’ Den Star | CEO, Venture Communications Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success. She is the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a leading force in the industry, with a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live and eat. Beyond her business ventures, Dickinson is a sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series, Dragons’ Den, where she has starred for over 16 seasons. Dickinson's leadership and entrepreneurial prowess have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Marketing Hall of Legends, recognition as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. Dickinson served as an honorary captain of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 10 years, visiting our troops overseas numerous times. With her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for innovation, and her deep dedication to her community and country, Arlene Dickinson is a true Canadian icon and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and vision. Show More add Show Less close Luis Juarez Luis Juarez is the CEO and co-founder of LE Robotics. He has a degree and background in Chemical Engineering and is also a Journeyman Pipefitter. Luis has been working in and around Grande Prairie for several years, providing Construction and Oilfield Services for multiple clients. In 2024, Luis was recognized as one of the “40 under 40 Immigrant Businessmen” in 2024, which can attest to his hard work and forward thinking. Luis is always looking for new ways to improve processes and strives to provide a quality product to all his clients and partners. Luis Juarez is the CEO and co-founder of LE Robotics. He has a degree and background in Chemical Engineering and is also a Journeyman Pipefitter. Luis has been working in and around Grande Prairie for several years, providing Construction and Oilfield Services for multiple clients. In 2024, Luis was recognized as one of the “40 under 40 Immigrant Businessmen” in 2024, which can attest to his hard work and forward thinking. Luis is always looking for new ways to improve processes and strives to provide a quality product to all his clients and partners. Show More add Show Less close The Honourable Jason Kenney 18th Premier of Alberta (2019-2022) | Member of Parliament (1997-2016) The Honourable Jason Kenney recently completed a distinguished twenty-five-year career in public service. In his twenties he built the Canadian Taxpayers Federation into one of Canada’s most influential advocacy groups, serving as its President and CEO. He was elected to Parliament in 1997, and was re-elected six times with an average of 76% of the vote. He served in key opposition roles, including Shadow Finance Minister. As a senior member of the Harper government, he led some of the largest federal departments as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; Minister of Employment and Social Development; and Minister of National Defence, while chairing the influential Cabinet Operations Committee. The National Post called him “perhaps Canada’s best immigration minister, ever.” In 2016 Jason launched a successful campaign to unite Alberta’s free enterprise parties, going on to win a landslide majority to become Alberta’s eighteenth Premier. His government focused on the successful renewal of Alberta’s economy, while working with Indigenous people to create economic opportunity. Jason holds two honorary doctorates and was voted “best overall parliamentarian” by his colleagues. He now serves as a Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP, and BMO, is a Senior Fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute, and is a member of several corporate boards. 18th Premier of Alberta (2019-2022) | Member of Parliament (1997-2016) The Honourable Jason Kenney recently completed a distinguished twenty-five-year career in public service. In his twenties he built the Canadian Taxpayers Federation into one of Canada’s most influential advocacy groups, serving as its President and CEO. He was elected to Parliament in 1997, and was re-elected six times with an average of 76% of the vote. He served in key opposition roles, including Shadow Finance Minister. As a senior member of the Harper government, he led some of the largest federal departments as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; Minister of Employment and Social Development; and Minister of National Defence, while chairing the influential Cabinet Operations Committee. The National Post called him “perhaps Canada’s best immigration minister, ever.” In 2016 Jason launched a successful campaign to unite Alberta’s free enterprise parties, going on to win a landslide majority to become Alberta’s eighteenth Premier. His government focused on the successful renewal of Alberta’s economy, while working with Indigenous people to create economic opportunity. Jason holds two honorary doctorates and was voted “best overall parliamentarian” by his colleagues. He now serves as a Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP, and BMO, is a Senior Fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute, and is a member of several corporate boards. Show More add Show Less close Get in Touch For information about our Speaker Series, please contact us at Engage@NWPolytech.ca