Senator Colin Deacon

For the eighth episode of the Open Banking Initiative Canada, Senator Deacon and Michelle Beyo (CEO at Finavator INC) sit down with Payments Canada and the Open Banking Implementation Entity (OBIE) of the UK to discuss the benefits of open banking for SMEs and government. Joined by Anne Butler, Chief External Relations & Legal Officers at Payments Canada, and Simon Lyons, Head of Ecosystem Engagement at OBIE, this episode explores the advantages of an open banking framework for governments and SMEs.

Co-sponsored by Senators Colin Deacon, Rosemary Moodie and Daniel Christmas, this webinar featured expert panelists Shahrzard Rafati (Founder & CEO of BroadBand TV [BBTV]), Chief Terry Paul (Chief & CEO of Membertou in Unama'ki) and Wes Hall (Founder, Black North Initiative & Kingsdale Advisors), who discussed how Canada can systematically address racism and embrace all forms of diversity in order to achieve prosperity and economic recovery. Click on the link to watch this event.

In a response to the Government of Canada's acknowledgement that "for too many Canadians, systemic racism is a lived reality" and its commitment to addressing systemic racism in Canada, Senator Deacon highlights a path forward for the Senate to demonstrate leadership in this regard. Focusing on the three central points that: systemic racism is an undeniable historical and current reality in Canada that can only be addressed through direct and explicit action; that, as our institutions become systemically diverse and inclusive, powerful social and economic opportunities will be unlocked for all Canadians, and; that the Senate of Canada has a constitutional responsibility to fight racism and demonstrate leadership on this front. Click here to hear his full speech.