The Empire Club of Canada presents a talk with Patrick Boissier, Chairman and CE, DCNS, entitled “See the Future of Ships and Shipbuilding in Canada.” Nov. 21, 12 p.m., $80. Royal York Hotel, Imperial Room, 100 Front St., Toronto, Ont. www.empireclub.org

The Canadian Club of Ottawa presents a luncheon talk with General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces. Nov. 19. 12 p.m., $40 members; $75 others. Fairmont Chateau Laurier Ballroom, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, Ont. www.canadianclubottawa.ca

Discussions on the legislative process often focus on the parliamentary stages of law-making, leaving aside the steps accomplished before a bill is introduced in Parliament and after its royal Assent. Law-making does not, however, begin and end with Parliament. Presentations by Government, Senate and House of Commons experts will be followed by a Q&A session. Nov. 15, $400 members; $500 non-members. www.studyparliament.ca

A Midwife for Every Woman is the theme of CAM’s 13th  annual general meeting, conference and exhibit. Speakers include Mary Renfrew, Professor of Mother and Infant Health at the University of Dundee, Michèle Taïna Audette, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, and Dr. Eugene Declercq, Boston University School of Public Health. Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent St., Ottawa, Ont. Nov. 6-8. www.canadianmidwives.org/conference

Conservative MP Gord Brown and Beer Canada host a beer tasting. Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. World Exchange Plaza, Lobby, 100 Queen St., Ottawa, Ont. RSVP to Linda at landrusek@beercanada.com