Date & Time
- DATES: APR 10 | APR 24 | MAY 8 | MAY 22 | JUN 5 | JUN 19 | JUL 3
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
- Location: VIRTUAL (ZOOM WEBINAR)
Register
Participants attending a minimum of 50% of sessions will receive a certificate of attendance from CIFAL York
BACKGROUND
This bi-weekly, 1-hour co-creation speakers series explores the sector-by-sector impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian business supply chains. Industry experts will discuss key challenges and strategies for building resilience, localization, and supply chain diversification amid shifting trade dynamics
Based on the recent implementation of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, several key industry sectors in Canada are significantly impacted. Each session will highlight a sector, and also provide updates with the ones previously discussed.
Key sectors can include:
- Automotive and manufacturing
- Agriculture and fisheries
- Energy sector
- Aerospace
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Forestry and wood products
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The key goals and objectives of the speaker series are to:
- Understand the Landscape – Provide an overview of key Canadian sectors affected by U.S. tariffs, including manufacturing, agriculture, steel and aluminum, and energy.
- Analyze Tariff Impact – Examine how tariffs disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and affect competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
- Discuss Policy and Trade Responses – Explore how Canada has responded to U.S. tariffs through trade negotiations, retaliatory measures, and diversification efforts.
- Hear Industry Insights – Gain firsthand perspectives from sector experts on challenges, adaptation strategies, and future outlooks.
TARGET AUDIENCES
- Private businesses
- Government sector
- Business retention professionals
- Private business and government clients
- Economic developers
- Sustainable development professionals
- Business expansion professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Investors
Final Takeaway - Practical Guide to Combat Tariff Threats:
CIFAL York Supply Chain Resiliency Strategy Guide
This speaker series culminated in the CIFAL York Supply Chain Resiliency Strategy Guide. This publication is designed to equip businesses, suppliers, and economic development professionals with practical, actionable insights to navigate shifting trade dynamics and strengthen supply chain resilience. Based on a bi-weekly co-creation speaker series, it explores the sector-specific impacts of U.S. tariffs on Canadian industries. Insights from industry leaders are distilled into strategies that support business adaptation, policy response, and sustainable economic development.
SESSION 1 THURSDAY APRIL 10 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
Eye of the Storm - US Tariffs on Automotive and
manufacturing sector
Panelist: Janna Streef
Owner, Integrated Customs Services Inc.
Panelist: Brendan Sweeney
Managing Director, Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
Moderator: Janet Song
Community Engagement & Economic Development Specialist
SESSION 2 THURSDAY APRIL 24 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
Harvesting Resilience: Navigating U.S. Tariff in Agriculture & Beyond
Panelist: Alida Burke
CFO and co-founder, Growcer
Panelist: Dr. Al Mussell
Founder & Research Lead, Agri-Food Economic Systems, Inc; Senior Research Fellow, The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI)
Panelist: Sarah Lewis
Senior Manager, Deloitte Economic Advisory
Panelist: Xiao Xiao
Senior Associate, Deloitte Economic Advisory
Panelist: Stephen Duff
Chief Economist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-business
Moderator: Janet Song
Community Engagement & Economic Development Specialist
SESSION 3 THURSDAY MAY 8 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
Power Shift: U.S. Tariffs and the Future of Canada's Energy Supply Chain
Panelist: Stewart Muir
President & CEO, Resource Works
Panelist: Jay Wilson
Director of Energy Security, Electricity Canada
Panelist: Barry Penner
Senior Counsel, Energy, Environment, Public Policy & Strategic Communications
Moderator: Janet Song
Community Engagement & Economic Development Specialist
SESSION 4 THURSDAY MAY 22 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
From Mine to Market: How tariffs and trade tensions are reshaping Canada's critical minerals strategy
Panelist: Audrey Hlembizky
CEO, TeamsynerG Global Consulting | Chief Innovation Officer, RJC Global Impact
Moderator: Jason Rasevych
President of Anishnawbe Business Professional Association | National Leader, Waawoono Consultancy
Moderator: Janet Song
Community Engagement & Economic Development Specialist
SESSION 5 THURSDAY JUNE 5 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
From Farm to Fork: Navigating U.S. Tariffs and Localizing Canada's Food & Beverage Supply Chain
Panelist: Chris Conway
President, Food & Beverage Ontario
Panelist: Howard Tam
Foodie-in-Chief, Eat More Scarborough
Moderator: Martin Hillcoat
COO, PiVAL International
Moderator: Janet Song
Community Engagement & Economic Development Specialist
SESSION 6 THURSDAY JUNE 19 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
From Forest to Foundation: Strengthening Canada's Wood Supply Chain Amid U.S. Tariffs
Panelist: Kelly Cooper
Founder & President, Centre for Social Intelligence Inc.
Panelist: Hailey Quiquero
Technical Manager WoodWorks Ontario
Panelist: Marc Hollin
National Representative, Research Department, UNIFOR
Moderator: Janet Song
Community Engagement & Economic Development Specialist
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Organizer
CIFAL York is part of UNITAR's global network of training centres for knowledge-sharing, training, and capacity-building for public and private leaders, local authorities, and civil society. CIFAL Centres are local and regional hubs for innovative, participatory and co-creative knowledge exchange opportunities to support decision-making processes, build capacity, and accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. Established in 2020, CIFAL York started its operation in June 2021 as the first CIFAL Centre in Canada. Health and Development training and knowledge sharing is among the key focusing areas of CIFAL York.
For more information or questions please contact: cifaldirector@yorku.ca