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.

Continue reading David A. Wilson, Professor. Spies, Rogues, and Informers: Irish Revolutionaries and the Canadian Secret Police, Sept 30, 2025 →

Chris Fleming has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town in South Africa and has spent much of his 51-year career in research and management. He has authored or co-authored over 90 technical publications, been awarded 14 patents, and contributed to several technical books on various aspects of extractive metallurgy. He has directed research teams and consulted in the industry on many hydrometallurgical projects and operations, particularly in gold leaching and recovery.

He is recognized throughout the industry for his contributions to the commercialization of the carbon-in-pulp and resin-in-pulp processes in gold extraction, as well as for the development of the SART, Augment, and Hannah process for cyanide recovery and the Platsol process for the simultaneous recovery of base metals and platinum group metals by pressure oxidation.

Whiffers enjoyed an evening of real education on a topic that most of us did not know much about.  People particularly enjoyed the historical perspective and putting gold in the current context. Continue reading Chris Fleming PhD, SGS Senior Metallurgical Consultant, “The Gold Market”, April 29, 2025 →

Ron Deibert, (O.C., O.Ont., PhD, University of British Columbia) is Professor of Political Science, and the founder and Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. The Citizen Lab is an interdisciplinary laboratory focusing on research, development, and high-level strategic policy and legal engagement at the intersection of information and communication technologies, human rights, and global security.

In Feb 2025, Ron published Chasing Shadows and the story behind it is the subject of his talk. In this real-life spy thriller, cyber security expert Ron uncovers the unseemly marketplace for high-tech surveillance, professional disinformation, and computerized malfeasance. He reveals how his team of digital sleuths at the Citizen Lab have lifted the lid on dozens of covert operations targeting innocent citizens everywhere. You’ll never look at your smartphone the same way again.
Continue reading Ronald Deibert, Founder and Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto, March 25, 2025 →

Dr. Christine Williams is an immunologist and currently serving as Acting President at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR). She is also the Executive Director at the Canadian Pediatric Cancer Consortium. and ACCESS, the national pediatric cancer research network. Whiffers enjoyed an excellent presentation and discussion with a dedicated and passionate researcher. Her message was inspiring and left us with an optimistic outlook for even better care and treatment for people with cancer. Dr Williams referenced Common Sense Oncology: Outcomes That Matter for a discussion of a recalibrated approach that is more patient centred and prioritizes equitable cancer care. Continue reading Christine Williams, PhD, “Moonshots & Groundshots” at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, February 25, 2025 →

Jonathan Hillel Kay (born 1968) is a Canadian journalist. He is a Quillette editor, writer and podcast host; a TEDX speaker, podcast guest, an op-ed writer at The National Post (Canada); and a member of the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (Canada) board of advisors. His work has appeared in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Atlantic, Foreign Affairs, Le Point, Skeptic, Foreign Policy, Canadian Lawyer, Gotham, Critic, and Canadian Jewish News. He was the editor-in-chief of The Walrus (2014–2017) and a regular contributor to Commentary and the New York Post. Kay describes himself as an avid tennis and board game enthusiast, and sometimes has incorporated his passion for both pursuits into his journalism. Continue reading Jonathan Kay, “The State of the Media in Canada” Quillette editor and podcast host, January 28, 2025 →

Ontario is facing record-breaking food bank usage — what’s driving the surge?

Neil Hetherington joined Daily Bread Food Bank as CEO in January 2018. Neil began his career in project management at Tridel Construction, Canada’s largest condominium developer. In September 2000, he made a career change by joining Habitat for Humanity Toronto, at the time as the youngest CEO of a Habitat affiliate in the world. Continue reading Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank, November 26, 2024 →

An Evening with Marie Henein Ms. Marie Henein is widely recognized as one of the most prominent litigators in Canada, with extensive experience as lead counsel on high-profile criminal, civil, and regulatory cases. In addition to her broad criminal law practice, Ms. Henein’s experience includes acting as lead counsel for plaintiffs and defendants in class actions and in respect of major civil and commercial disputes. Ms. Henein has argued at all levels of court, including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Continue reading Marie Henein LL.M., Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, October 29, 2024 →

John Howard Tory, OOnt KC, (born May 28, 1954) is a Canadian broadcaster, businessman, and former politician who served as the 65^th mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023. John first spoke to the Whiff in March 26, 2014: Who does Toronto need in the Mayor’s office next fall?

Click here to jump to the RSVP below the speaker’s bio.

Continue reading John Tory – The Challenges Facing Toronto, September 24, 2024 →