Luncheon with a Fascinating Canadian Toronto 2025
by Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21Friday, 23 May 2025 from 11:30 AM (EDT) to 1:30 PM (EDT)Fairmont Royal York 100 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3Ticket Information
Overview
The annual Luncheon with a Fascinating Canadian in support of The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 features a notable Canadian sharing their connection to immigration and their perspectives on why it continues to be vital for us all. Funds raised goes toward the Museum’s programming and exhibitions.
Thank you to our Sponsors.
Co-Lead:
Aecon Group Inc. and the Beck Family
Supporting:
Patron:
Media
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Details
John M. Beck, O.Ont.
Founder and Chairman of Aecon Group Inc.
After graduating with Civil Engineering degree from McGill, John Beck went on to run the company he and his parents founded, Aecon Group Inc. It is now Canada’s largest publicaly traded construction and infrastructure companies, completing projects like the iconic CN Tower, Vancouver Sky Train, and sections of Highway 401.
He is on the board of CPAs of Ontario and a member of the Business Council of Canada. He’s held board roles with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Club Canadien de Toronto, Canadian Opera Company, Ontario Power Authority, and the Ontario Financing Authority.
John was appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2024; was EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing and Construction for Ontario in 2019; received the 2018 Par Excellence in Business Award by the French Canada Chamber of Commerce – Ontario; the LiUNA Builder’s Award at the 2018 Ontario Business Achievement Awards; and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
John arrived in Canada at Pier 21 as a boy with his brother and parents on their way to a new life in Montreal. We look forward to hearing more about his immigration story and his thoughts on the role immigration continues to play on Canada’s economy, culture and way of life.
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EVENT CO-CHAIRS (both past-Fascinating Canadian speakers):
Annette Verschuren, O.C. Chair and CEO, NRStor Inc.
Annette leads NRStor, a company that develops and manages energy storage projects. She is a recognized business leader and past Fascinating Canadian speaker. Her achievements include past president Home Depot Canada and Michaels Canada.
Calin Rovinescu, C.M, Past President & CEO, Air Canada
Calin led a financial and commercial transformation of Air Canada into a global champion. In a time of global financial uncertainty, he established a new direction and vision for the airline resulting in its unprecedented growth and profitability. Under his leadership, sustainability was emphasized, with the establishment of the Air Canada Foundation and numerous environmental and diversity achievements and awards.
Organizing Committee Members: