Professor Patrice Dutil, MA, PhD, is one of Canada’s most energetic champions of political history—a political science professor, author, commentator, and all‑around ideas enthusiast who brings the past to life with curiosity and flair. He has written, co-authored, or edited fourteen books so far. He frequently comments on public affairs on the radio, TV and national media.
Continue reading Dr. Patrice Dutil, Reconciling with John A. Macdonald, April 28, 2026
All posts by Whiff Admin
Myke Healy, M. Ed. OCT, Can Schools Survive Artificial Intelligence? March 31, 2026
Myke Healy is Assistant Head – Teaching & Learning at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario, where he leads academic strategy, faculty development, and curricular innovation. Myke attended UCC and has BAH & B.Ed degrees from Queen’s University. He also holds a Professional Master of Education in assessment and evaluation from Queen’s and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Calgary, researching generative AI and academic integrity in K-12 education through interviews with independent school leaders across Canada.
Myke’s talk was riveting, insightful and thought provoking. Accompanied by an excellent presentation with informative graphics and videos, Myke covered the issues from the educators’, the students’, the parents’ and the institutions’ perspectives. His message was that there is no simple answer to the topic’s question but that some best practices are emerging to continue delivery of relevant and equitable education opportunities in the evolving new AI-dominated world. Continue reading Myke Healy, M. Ed. OCT, Can Schools Survive Artificial Intelligence? March 31, 2026
Gideon Arthurs – Executive Director, Soulpepper Theatre – February 24, 2026
Theatre as an Antidote to Social Division
Gideon Arthurs is the Executive Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company and the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, a role he assumed in 2022. A seasoned arts leader with a strong track record in institutional transformation, Arthurs previously served as the CEO of the National Theatre School of Canada (2014–2022), where he spearheaded major initiatives to modernize the curriculum and enhance diversity, including the rescue and revitalization of the Sears Drama Festival.
Whiffers heard a most impassioned presentation on Soulpepper’s strategy to be as relevant as possible in an increasingly disconnected society. Gideon elaborated about the real societal need for the theatre’s Public Domain initiative and its success in creating a free, open-access cultural hub that is strengthening social connection and civic life in Toronto through participation in the arts. Continue reading Gideon Arthurs – Executive Director, Soulpepper Theatre – February 24, 2026
Ted Barris – Canadian Air Men in the Battle of Britain, January 27, 2026
Ted Barris, C.M., is an acclaimed Canadian journalist, broadcaster, author, and professor who has made significant contributions to Canadian literature and historical writing. Ted provided a fascinating talk on the Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory to the Whiff in November 2022. We welcome him back in January to recount stories from his latest book, Battle of Britain: Canadian Airmen in Their Finest Hour.
Continue reading Ted Barris – Canadian Air Men in the Battle of Britain, January 27, 2026
Matti Siemiatycki – Toronto Congestion and Planning – November 25, 2025
Matti Siemiatycki is on a mission to improve our cities. As Director of the Infrastructure Institute and a Professor at the University of Toronto, he’s a leading expert on how to build and pay for the large-scale projects that shape our urban lives. From subways to bridges, Matti’s work focuses on making sure these massive investments are smart, effective, and truly benefit the communities they’re meant to serve. He’s a go-to voice in the media on all things infrastructure and city planning, and he’s ready to share his insights on how we can tackle Toronto’s traffic woes. Continue reading Matti Siemiatycki – Toronto Congestion and Planning – November 25, 2025
Andrew Coyne, “Media in Decline, Democracy in Crisis: How Each Can Be Turned Around”, October 28, 2025
Andrew Coyne is one of Canada’s most respected and influential political journalists. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has provided sharp, insightful commentary on national affairs for the country’s leading publications. Andrew last spoke to the Whiff in 2017 and a lot has transpired in Canadian and US politics since then for him to discuss with us this time.
Continue reading Andrew Coyne, “Media in Decline, Democracy in Crisis: How Each Can Be Turned Around”, October 28, 2025
David A. Wilson, Professor. Spies, Rogues, and Informers: Irish Revolutionaries and the Canadian Secret Police, Sept 30, 2025
David Wilson is Professor of Celtic Studies and History at the University of Toronto and General Editor of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. He is the author or editor of twelve books, including a prize-winning two-volume biography of Thomas D’Arcy McGee. His most recent work, Canadian Spy Story: Irish Revolutionaries and the Secret Police, has won multiple awards. He was interviewed for his previous book The History of the Future here.