The Pillar Society upcoming events

Upcoming National Security Events & Book Launch Series: Phil Gurski’s "9/11: The Unfinished Battle (September 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

UPCOMING NATIONAL SECURITY EVENTS & BOOK LAUNCH SERIES: PHIL GURSKI'S "9/11: THE UNFINISHED BATTLE"

The Pillar Society is pleased to share details regarding a series of upcoming national security events and book launches featuring former Canadian intelligence analyst and author Phil Gurski, commemorating 25 years since 9/11 and analyzing contemporary security challenges.

ABOUT THE BOOK In "9/11: The Unfinished Battle — Why Jihadi Terrorism Is Stronger, Wider, and Far from Over" (Optimum Publishing International), Phil Gurski draws on over three decades of service within Canada’s intelligence apparatus (CSIS and CSE) to evaluate how the threat landscape, foreign interference, and counter-terrorism policies have evolved since 2001.

Book details and ordering: https://www.amazon.ca/11-Unfinished-Battle-Terrorism-Stronger/dp/0888903863/

SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Official Book Launch & Reception

· Date & Time: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 17:30 (5:30 PM)

· Location: Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa, ON

· Details: Official book launch gathering and reception.

2. Conference: 25 Years After 9/11: Terrorism, Security and the Changing
Canadian Landscape

· Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026

· Location: Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, ON

· Details & Registration: https://metropolisconference.ca/en/event/25-years-after-9-11/?view=Preliminary%2520program

3. Book Launch & Chatham House National Security Discussion

· Date & Time: Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 17:30 to 20:00 (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)

· Location: RCMP Mess, 1 Sandridge Rd, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa, ON

· Details: Invitation-only discussion under the Chatham House Rule featuring Phil Gurski and Garry Clement (former Director, RCMP Integrated Proceeds of Crime Division), hosted by Dean Baxendale and Matt Millar. Space is strictly limited.

· Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1995790546249?aff=oddtdtcreator

4. Author Presentation & Book Signing (Tentative)

· Date & Time: To be confirmed

· Location: Chapters / Indigo (across from CSE / CSIS Headquarters, Innes Rd, Ottawa)

· Details: Author presentation and signing session. Further information will be shared once finalized.

25 Years After 9/11: Terrorism, Security and the Changing Canadian Landscape (September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

September 11, 2001 transformed Canada's approach to national security, intelligence, policing and counterterrorism but also the way that Canadians think about diversity and pluralism. Twenty-five years later, terrorism remains a security concern, but the nature of the threat has changed considerably. The security environment has evolved from the dominant post-9/11 focus on
organized international terrorist networks to a more diffuse landscape that includes lone actors, far-right movements, online radicalization, conspiracy-driven extremism and continuing threats inspired by violent ideologies. In addition, important debates have emerged over the place of diversity and secularism in public institutions.

What has Canada learned over the past twenty-five years? How have intelligence and law-enforcement agencies adapted? How has radicalization changed in the age of social media? How should Canada understand the relationship between global conflicts, online networks and domestic extremism? And how can Canada respond effectively to terrorism while protecting democratic freedoms and maintaining public confidence?

Bringing together perspectives from national security, intelligence, extremism research and frontline counterterrorism experience, the forum will assess the lessons of the post-9/11 era; consider the threats Canada is likely to face in the years ahead; and consider what an inclusive model of citizenship, pluralism and belonging should look like in future.

Pillar Society Speakers' Series - featuring Andrew Coyne (October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Pillar Society Speakers' Series - featuring Globe & Mail columnist and author Andrew Coyne

Andrew Coyne is a columnist for The Globe and Mail. Born in Ottawa and raised in Winnipeg, Mr. Coyne is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics‎ where he received a Master’s degree in economics.

Mr. Coyne has worked previously for The National Post, Maclean’s and Southam News, contributing as well to a wide range of other publications in Canada and abroad, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and The Walrus. He is also a member of the At Issue panel on CBC’s The National.

Mr. Coyne is the author of The Crisis of Canadian Democracy, which challenges Canadians to abandon their complacency regarding the state of their political system. He argues that beneath its traditional democratic rituals, Canada's parliamentary structure has entered a state of advanced disrepair and offers prescriptive solutions to rebuild public trust and restore genuine self-government.

Mr. Coyne specializes in Canadian politics, economics, and public policy. He argues that Canada faces an unprecedented national security and productivity crisis, driven by psychological unpreparedness, a weak and underequipped military, insufficient independent foreign intelligence collection capability and rising geopolitical coercion from a shifting U.S. foreign policy.

Please join us for an informative and lively discussion.

Tickets for the next Pillar Society Speakers' Series talk are now on sale! https://shenkmanarts.ca/en/pillar-society-speakers-series

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