Three Major Panels Take Center Stage at This Year’s Ontario Economic Summit

Minister David Piccini to join the much-anticipated event on November 1-2, 2023

(TORONTO – October 30, 2023) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is pleased to announce three major panels that will be featured at the 2023 Ontario Economic Summit:

Building Big: Indigenous Partnerships for Major Infrastructure Projects in Ontario
Wednesday, November 1 at 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.

As Ontario’s economy grows, the province will need big investments in electricity, energy, broadband, transportation, and other critical infrastructure. Those projects will only be successful and sustainable over the long-term if they are developed through meaningful partnerships between industry and Indigenous nations. This panel will explore best practices and models for collaboration to drive big infrastructure projects in Ontario, reflective of Indigenous values around corporate governance, environmental stewardship, and equity ownership.

Speakers:
Tabatha Bull, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Niilo Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Major Projects Coalition
Penny Favel, Vice President, Indigenous Relations and Sustainability, Hydro One, and President and CEO, Hydro One Remote Communities Inc.
Andre Leite, Vice President Ontario Operations, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

Moderator: 
Claudia Dessanti, Senior Manager of Policy, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Charging Ahead: Ontario’s Critical Minerals Advantage and the Future of Transportation
Thursday, November 2 at 9:35 – 10:25 a.m.

As the province embarks on its ambitious goal to build an end-to-end EV industry – of which critical minerals are a key component – there are three key areas of opportunity that the panel will explore in keeping with our ‘partnerships for growth’ theme of the summit. These include ensuring all-round growth, building a supportive ecosystem and emphasizing collaboration.

Speakers:
Trent Mell, Chief Executive Officer, Electra Battery Materials
Abbas Ali Khan, Partner, Bennett Jones
Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Ontario Centre of Innovation
Jaimie Lickers, Senior Vice President, Indigenous Markets, CIBC

Moderator:
Jayson Myers, Chief Executive Officer, NGen Manufacturing Canada

The Vital Triad of Government, Builders, and Labour in Sustaining Ontario’s Workforce
Thursday, November 2 at, 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.

In an era when the Ontario government is embarking on ambitious infrastructure projects, the demand for skilled labour and construction capacity is paramount. This challenge becomes even more pressing in the face of an aging workforce. To tackle these issues head-on and ensure the successful completion of critical projects, innovative and strong partnerships are imperative.

Speakers:

Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Government of Ontario
Victoria Mancinelli, Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, LiUNA
Karen Renkema, Vice President Ontario, Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
Marketa Evans, President and CEO, Colleges Ontario

Moderator:
Adrienne Batra, Editor-In-Chief, Toronto Sun

This year’s summit, themed ‘Partnerships for Prosperity,’ promises to be a groundbreaking occasion, bringing together visionary leaders and decision-makers to foster economic growth and open new opportunities for all Ontarians.

The Ontario Economic Summit will showcase an array of engaging panel discussions, thought-provoking keynote speeches, and interactive sessions, along with the highly anticipated return of the OCC’s Policy Debate Series. Covering diverse topics, including trade and investment, innovation and technology, talent development, and sustainable growth, the summit will offer invaluable insights, foster knowledge sharing, and facilitate profound connections with key stakeholders.

For more information, please visit www.occ.ca/oes

Thank you to our 2023 Ontario Economic Summit partners, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), Agnico Eagle Mines, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Bruce Power, Chambers Plan, Diversity Institute, Google Canada, Hydro One, University of Toronto, Meridian Credit Union, Turkish Airlines, 407 ETR, AtkinsRéalis, ApprenticeSearch.com, Bombardier, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), Colleges Ontario, GlaxoSmithKline Canada, Global Public Affairs, Humber College, Ontario Real Estate Association, Royal Bank of Canada, TC Energy and Waste Connections of Canada.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) stands as the indispensable partner of businesses and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. Operating as an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization, the OCC represents a diverse network of 60,000 members. Its mission is to convene, align, and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services, and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Manager of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca  | Mobile: (647) 234-0255

For media accreditation, please contact:

Taylor Jantzi
Senior Consultant, Strategic Communications
Global Public Affairs
tjantzi@globalpublic.com | Mobile: 416-575-5366