Sessions

Session 1
Northwestern Economic State of Mind: Trade, Tariffs and Rewriting Canada’s Value Proposition on the World Stage

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce will share insights on the state of the Northwest Ontario economy and analyze how trade and tariffs have both created new opportunities and posed challenges for Canadian businesses and the resource sector. While the era of crisis is not entirely over, Northwestern Ontario is significantly better positioned than a year ago to weather impending storms and even capitalize on emerging opportunities south of the border and beyond.

Session 2
Opportunities Ahead: Strengthening Innovation in Northwestern Ontario

OCI, Boreal Springboard, CEMI, and Confederation College come together to share success stories and highlight emerging opportunities that are shaping the region’s future. The discussion will focus on collaboration and the role organizations can play in strengthening the innovation network. Attendees will gain insight into programs, partnerships, and pathways for engagement.

Session 3 – Keynote  Luncheon
Beyond Platitudes: Equitable Pathways to Prosperity in Project Development

National Indigenous business leader JP Gladu will address the new realities of the Indigenous economy and the criticality of real partnership and the cross-section of project development in Canada. It is critical that we move beyond platitudes and activate pathways to prosperity through equitable partnerships to shape Canada’s future. As Ontario’s sole Indigenous representative of Prime Minister Carney’s Major Projects Office on the Indigenous Advisory Council, JP will share his thoughts on Canada’s competitive edge as it relates to Indigenous nations.

Project Update
Frontier Lithium: Building Canada’s Integrated Lithium Future

Frontier will take us through their plans for the Thunder Bay Lithium Refinery.

Session 4
Accessing Federal Government  Procurement Opportunities – Defence and Beyond

Position your Business to Win: Learn what it takes to access federal procurement opportunities and benefit from unprecedented defence sector commitments

Matchmaking

Prescheduled  – One on One 10 minute meetings