Dr. Joe Schwarcz to Headline the 2025 Public Trust Summit

“Separating Sense from Nonsense in Science and Food”

We’re excited to give you a first look at what’s in store for the 2025 Public Trust Summit—and we’re kicking things off with a bang.

We’re honoured to welcome Dr. Joe Schwarcz as our keynote speaker on the opening morning of the Summit. If you’re passionate about public trust, science, food, or how we navigate misinformation in today’s world, this session is not to be missed.

Dr. Joe, as he’s widely known, is the Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society and one of Canada’s most engaging and trusted science communicators. A longtime CJAD radio host, columnist for the Montreal Gazette, and author of more than 20 bestselling books—including Quack Quack, The Right Chemistry, and A Grain of Salt—he’s spent decades translating complex science into plain language while debunking fear-based messaging and pseudoscience.

In his keynote address, “Separating Sense from Nonsense in Science,” Dr. Schwarcz will take on some of the biggest challenges we face in building and maintaining public trust in the food system:

• Why misinformation spreads so quickly—and what makes it stick
• How food fear and pseudoscience are influencing consumer behaviour
• The emotional power of storytelling vs. the limitations of raw data
• What scientists, communicators, and food system leaders can do differently
• How to foster curiosity, credibility, and connection in a skeptical world

This won’t be a lecture—it will be a masterclass in public communication, critical thinking, and trust-building across the food system. Delivered with Dr. Schwarcz’s signature humour, compelling stories, and sharp scientific insight, this keynote will resonate with anyone working in food production, education, science, health, marketing, policy, or media.

He’ll share real-world examples, bust persistent myths, and offer practical tools you can take back to your organization or community—helping all of us engage more effectively with the people we serve.

As we work together to elevate trust in Canada’s food system, there’s no better voice to launch the conversation than Dr. Joe.

Keynote Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 (Morning Session)
Location: Westin Toronto Airport
Summit Dates: October 28–29, 2025

Registration is now open!

We’re busy building an exciting program for this year’s Public Trust Summit—but registration is officially open! Secure your spot today and take your place in the conversation shaping trust in Canada’s food system.