Luncheon-conference

the honorable

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta

Minister of Francophone Affairs

Minister of Long-Term Care

DATE

Wednesday 16 September 2026

LOCATION

The National Club, Bay Street

Voir les photos

Biography

Thank you to our sponsoring partner

An exclusive discussion on the future of Ontario's Francophonie

The Canadian Club of Toronto is proud to launch its 2026-2027 annual programming by welcoming the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, newly sworn in as Ontario's Minister of Francophone Affairs.

Before more than 150 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, the Minister will participate in a fireside chat. She will share her vision for Ontario's Francophone community, her ministry's key priorities, and the essential role of the business community in our economic development.

Join us for this prestigious event which will strengthen the dialogue between the government and the Francophone business community!

Our moderator: Karim Djinko

Karim Djinko has built his career at the intersection of leadership, communication, and talent development. A journalist at Radio-Canada, he went on to lead the United Nations radio station in Mali, heading a multicultural team. This international trajectory naturally led him to executive coaching—certified by the ICF—and leadership training. Founder of Djinko Consulting , he supports executives and management teams through coaching, training, and facilitation in North America, Europe, and Africa. Deeply rooted in Ontario's Francophone community—diverse, dynamic, and open to the world—he collaborates with several provincial organizations.

Thanks to our

sponsoring partner

Biography

The Honorable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta was sworn in as Minister of Francophone Affairs on June 5, 2026. This appointment marks a return to a field she knows well. Before being given the Long-Term Care portfolio in 2024, she served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Francophone Affairs for four years.

In 2020, she drafted and tabled Bill 182, the adoption of which made the Franco-Ontarian flag one of the province's official emblems. A Francophone by choice and passion, she has been learning the language for eight years through courses she attends diligently.

Elected as the provincial representative for Mississauga-Centre in 2018, she was re-elected in 2022 and 2025 by her constituents.

Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Human Physiology from the University of Toronto, she also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Nipissing University. She further completed a minor in French Studies at the University of Toronto. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing Research program at Toronto Metropolitan University, demonstrating her commitment to the health field and academia.

On a professional level, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta is a registered nurse. When COVID-19 hit, she did not hesitate to step forward to the front lines, working 12-hour shifts in the emergency department at Etobicoke General Hospital.

Deeply committed to the well-being of Ontarians, she works to improve the quality of life for her fellow citizens and is a staunch advocate for the most vulnerable. She is proud to represent the residents of Mississauga Centre at Queen's Park.