Podium 79th Annual Couchiching Conference The Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs held its 79th annual summer conference in Orillia, Ont., from August 5th to 8th, 2010. This year’s theme was "Watershed Moment or Wasted Opportunity." Participants examined the global economic meltdown and how it has changed views on the economy, the role of the state, and public policy.  On August 6th, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered a keynote address on the global financial downturn and his government's role in Canada's economic recovery.