IN-PERSON EVENT

Trade Winds or Trade Storms? Navigating Canada’s export future

Thursday, September 11, 2025
10:00 – 11:00 am MT (Networking to follow)
USask Calgary Hub
301 3 Ave SW #109
Calgary, AB

In partnership with:

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Canada’s trade with the U.S. is close to record lows, yet it still accounted for 68 per cent of the country’s total exports in May.  While the U.S. will remain a key partner, strengthening ties elsewhere will take strategic focus, sustained investment and time.

Join the Canada West Foundation and Export Development Canada for an exclusive discussion with two leading trade experts: Alison Nankivell, President and CEO at EDC and Gary Mar, President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation.

Set against the backdrop of shifting global dynamics, ongoing tension with our largest trade partner and burgeoning opportunities in Canada as well as across the Indo-Pacific and Europe, this timely conversation will deliver practical insights to help navigate Canada’s evolving trade landscape.

Up for discussion:

  • Is the Canada–U.S. trade relationship still reliable—and what does that mean for Canadian exporters?
  • How can Canadian businesses turn global uncertainty into opportunity by expanding international partnerships?
  • And crucially, what role does infrastructure, finance and strategic collaboration play in unlocking a more resilient and competitive trade ecosystem?

Gain expert perspectives, actionable insights and seize the opportunity to network with senior business leaders, policymakers and industry peers.

Spots are limited—reserve your seat today to stay ahead in the turbulent world of trade!

REGISTER HERE

DISCUSSANTS 

Alison Nankivell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Export Development Canada

Alison began her appointment as EDC’s president and CEO in February 2025, returning to lead the organization where she spent 14 years on various teams early in her career.

Alison’s work life has spanned businesses and continents, from leading EDC’s Asian private equity investment strategy while based in Beijing, to holding several vice presidencies and a senior leadership role at BDC Capital in Ottawa and Toronto.

During her time in Asia, she gained an understanding of the challenges Canadian exporters can face when working to scale their business in markets overseas.

Throughout her career in finance, Alison has had the privilege of working with Canadian companies of all sizes and across all sectors. She knows the potential of these businesses is limitless, and that growing their presence in the international marketplace will help ensure prosperity in the Canadian and global economies.

Hon. Gary Mar
President and CEO
Canada West Foundation

Gary Mar is an accomplished and respected leader with deep experience in many of the issues shaping Western Canada’s prosperity.

He was a member of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly where he held several cabinet portfolios and was Alberta’s Official Representative at the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C and in Asia.

Gary also has business experience in trade and investment and the oil and gas sector. In 2022, he was appointed a member and chair of the Council of the Alberta Order of Excellence and was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for public service.