This live virtual event will feature a conversation between The Right Honourable David Johnston, Canada’s 28th governor general, and Mr. Lewis Auerbach, Compassionate Ottawa volunteer. Drawing on Mr. Johnston’s latest book, entitled “Trust,” they will discuss the link between empathy and trust; what it means to be a compassionate community; and what we can do as a community to build trust and to support one another. There will be time for questions and comments following the discussion.

The Right Honourable David Johnston was Canada’s 28th governor general. During his mandate, he established the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), a registered charity that supports and amplifies the Office of the Governor General in its work to connect, honour and inspire Canadians. Today, he is actively involved as Chair of the RHF Board of Directors and has authored or co-authored more than 30 books, including his latest, entitled, “Trust.” He has been married for 57 years to Sharon and they have 5 daughters and 14 grandchildren.

Mr. Lewis Auerbach is a Compassionate Ottawa volunteer and Advisory Council member. He first met David Johnston in 1959 when they were both Harvard freshmen. Lewis has served as chair and/or member of a number of non-profit boards including Options Bytown, Tamir, Oxfam, GCTC, and the Hospice at Maycourt. He has produced programs for CBC Ideas and TV Ontario, directed reports and studies for the Auditor General of Canada, and has been a consultant on accountability and performance issues to government and unions.

The first 500 registrants will be able to join the session via Zoom; others will be redirected to the live-stream on YouTube via the Compassionate Ottawa channel. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the Compassionate Ottawa YouTube channel after the session airs.