Conversations with Leading Montrealers

October 14 to December 2, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Join David Birnbaum as he profiles and interviews leading Montrealers about their lives, their contributions, their passions and their concerns. His featured guests will include current and former politicians, journalists, religious leaders, performers and athletes. Each session will lead off with a brief biography, followed by a conversation between David and his guest, and of course, your own questions and comments. David Birnbaum is a former MNA, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier of Québec, journalist and Executive Director of Canadian Jewish Congress, Québec Region, Alliance Québec and the Québec English School Boards Association.

Featured Speakers and Topics:

• 50 Years in Photojournalism – John Mahoney, The Gazette photographer, reflects on five decades of capturing the people, places, and events that have shaped Montreal and beyond.
• Politics and Leadership – John Parisella, former Chief of Staff to two Quebec Premiers, shares insights into Quebec politics, public service, and leadership.
• Canada’s Jewish Community: History and Challenges – Ellin Bessner, former editor of the Canadian Jewish News, explores the history, evolution, and contemporary challenges of Canada’s Jewish community.
• A Conversation with Anthony Wilson-Smith – The former editor and Moscow Bureau Chief of Maclean’s magazine and current CEO of Historica Canada discusses his career in journalism, Canadian identity, and the stories that shape our national narrative.
• A Life of Activism and Innovation (topic to be confirmed) – Meet a couple who helped pioneer the biological farming movement in Quebec and whose lives include a history of political activism in Poland.

Come curious and leave inspired by the experiences, perspectives, and stories of the remarkable people who have helped shape our world.