Celebrating Connection, Collaboration, and 100 Years of Impact

Our 2025 AGM and Convention brought together chamber leaders from across the country for two packed days of insights, collaboration and celebration. The Canadian Chamber Network also set the policy agenda for the upcoming year by voting on key priorities at our policy resolution debates that will shape our advocacy work. Check out our top takeaways!

Minister Mélanie Joly’s Keynote Address

The Honourable Mélanie Joly addressed our members on the most pressing issues facing Canadians today—from tariffs and supply chains to workforce development and innovation. Her remarks set the tone for a forward-looking discussion on how Canada can compete and lead in a rapidly changing world.

She also took time at the end of her presentation to meet with our Chamber Network members one-on-one to hear directly from Canadians on the topics they need her to take back to Ottawa.

David Coletto on the Precarity Mindset

David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, explored how to offer reassurance to Canadian consumers and businesses amid growing uncertainty. He urged attendees to connect the dots between what is good for Canada and what Canadians believe will be good for them—reminding us that to counter perception, we must first change it.

He was then joined on stage by a panel of public affairs leaders offering practical strategies to build trust, shape perception, and strengthen advocacy. Thank you to:  

• Naomi Horsford, Manager, Municipal & Stakeholder Relations, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority 

• Melissa Cotton, Head of Federal Government Affairs, CN 
• Joseph Lavoie, Partner, Crestview Strategy 

“Canada’s Economy Explained” Live!

Hosted by Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director of our Business Data Lab (BDL), this live podcast session explored how data and collaboration can drive innovation across sectors. Karla Congson, CEO & CTO of agentiiv, reminded us that innovation needs to be at the core of all of our businesses—and it happens when there is a collision between different domains. Marwa’s leadership in guiding evidence-based insights continues to help chambers and policymakers turn data into action.

Policy Resolutions: Setting Our Priorities for 2026

Delegates from across the Chamber Network engaged in thoughtful debate and voted on key policy resolutions that will shape our advocacy priorities for the year ahead. These discussions continue to ensure that the collective voice of business helps drive meaningful policy change for a more competitive Canada.

Partnering Broadly: How to Tackle the Biggest Social Challenges of Our Time

Strong communities start with meaningful partnerships. This panel shared practical strategies for addressing socio-economic challenges—from housing insecurity to mental health and addiction—through innovative collaboration. We were proud to be joined by Karen Cumberland, VP, Strategic Initiatives & Community Outreach, Canadian Centre on Substance Use & Addiction, Amber Mack, COO, Red Deer District Chamber of Commerce, and Robyn M. Saccon, Vice Chair, Mississauga Board of Trade & VP, Public Affairs, BD.

Celebrating Leadership and Impact

We recognized outstanding contributions across the network through the Inclusive Growth Awards and the Perrin Beatty Chamber Network Champion Awards, honouring chambers and organizations driving meaningful change in communities across Canada. Congratulations to this year’s honourees!

A Century of Championing Canadian Business

We capped off the event with our 100th Anniversary Celebration, marking a century of leadership, impact and advocacy for Canadian business. Sporting their “Roaring Twenties” best, the Canadian Chamber Network welcomed some of our founding members to the ballroom for an evening of celebration.

Thank you to Our Event Sponsors and Excellence Members!