Get to Know Our Speakers

Marwa Abdou
Senior Research Director, Business Data Lab, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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Marwa Abdou is the Senior Research Director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab, bringing over 12 years of multidisciplinary experience. Previously, she was Advisor to Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation for Private Sector Engagement. She also worked directly with and within some of the world’s most renowned multilateral organizations, private sector organizations and country governments, including the World Bank Group, Commonwealth Secretariat, APEC, OECD, Ernst and Young, Nathan Associates and the Asian Development Bank. Her work spans the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, focusing on trade facilitation, gender equity, and private sector empowerment.

Perrin Beatty
President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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Perrin Beatty has been President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce since 2007. A former Member of Parliament, he held various ministerial positions over 21 years. He also served as President and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and was President of the CBC. Perrin was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his lifetime of public service and for his devotion to the development of our nation as a community leader and corporate visionary.

Frances Donald
Global Chief Economist & Strategist, Manulife Investment Management

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Frances Donald is the Global Chief Economist and Strategist at Manulife Investment Management where she forecasts global macroeconomic trends, analyzes the economy and capital markets, and serves as a thought leader. As a senior member of the asset allocation team, she coordinates global macro research, assists with return forecasts and contributes to portfolio positioning views. Previously, Frances worked as a financial economist for Scotiabank and as a global macro analyst for Pavilion Global Markets. She has also held positions at Deloitte, Roubini Global Economics and the Bank of Canada. She frequently appears in international media, including Bloomberg and CNBC.

Stephen Tapp
Chief Economist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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Stephen Tapp is the Chief Chief Economist at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and a key member of its executive leadership team. He oversees the Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab and all economic analysis and research, focusing on enhancing data and analytics capabilities for Canadian businesses. With 20 years of experience at top economic organizations, including Export Development Canada, the Bank of Canada and Finance Canada, Stephen is a recognized thought leader and frequent commentator on economic issues. His research, published in academic journals, has earned the Purvis prize for Canadian economic policy.

Samuel Cummings
Vice President & Market Lead, GTA West District, Canadian Western Bank

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Samuel Cummings, CFP, PFP is the Vice President & Market Lead for the GTA West District at Canadian Western Bank. He joined CWB in January 2021, bringing 20 of experience in the banking industry. His diverse background includes wealth management, commercial banking and financial planning. Samuel is also a part-time professor at Seneca College’s School of Accounting and Financial Services. Additionally, Samuel serves on the boards for both the Professional Financial Planning Advisory Council with the Canadian Securities Institute and PARA Marine Search and Rescue, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to saving lives on the local waters of Lake Ontario. 

Nik Nanos
Chief Data Scientist & Founder, Nanos Research

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Nik Nanos is the Chief Data Scientist and Founder of Nanos Research, a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C., and a research adjunct professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He is also the Past Board Chair of Carleton University in Ottawa. Nik leads the team behind the weekly Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index which is streamed to Bloomberg terminals globally every Monday Morning. He is featured in a weekly segment on CTV’s News Channel, Nanos on the Numbers, which focuses on the latest political, business, and social trends. He is the pollster of record for CTV News, the Globe & Mail, Bloomberg News in Canada and a member of the Order of Canada.

Kevin Carmichael
Economics Columnist & Editor-at-Large, The Logic

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Kevin Carmichael is The Logic’s economics columnist and Editor-at-Large. He has spent more than two decades covering economics, business and finance for outlets including Bloomberg News, The Globe and Mail and the Financial Post, where he also served as Editor-in-Chief.

Rachel Samson
Vice President, Research, Institute for Research on Public Policy

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Rachel Samson, Vice President, Research at the IRPP, has 25 years of experience in evidence-based policy advice. She has directed policy research and analysis on Employment Insurance, long-term care, child care, digital-technology adoption and industrial policy. She also led the IRPP’s role in the Affordability Action Council. Previously, Rachel was Research Director for Clean Growth at the Canadian Climate Institute. She has also consulted for the OECD, Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission and the Smart Prosperity Institute. Rachel spent 15 years as an economist and executive with the federal government.

Matthew Holmes
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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Matt Holmes is Senior Vice President, Policy and Government Relations for the Canadian Chamber of
Commerce, where he also oversees international policy and programs. With over 20 years of experience
in public advocacy and strategy development, Matt has led national trade associations, served on
international boards and worked within higher education, research and innovation, agri-food and
international trade, as well as the culture and media sectors. Matt currently sits on the boards of Clean
Prosperity and New Canadian Media.

Todd Winterhalt
Senior Vice President, International Markets & Head, Communications & Public Affairs, Export Development Canada

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Todd Winterhalt joined Export Development Canada in 2002 and has over 25 years of experience in business development, risk assessment and trade policy. Appointed Senior Vice President, International Markets & Head of Communications and Public Affairs in April 2024, he previously served as Senior Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Corporate Strategy. His roles included Vice President and Managing Director, Global Trade and Vice President, International Business Development, Human Resources and Chief International Research Advisor. Before EDC, he served in the Canadian diplomatic corps. He is the inaugural recipient of EDC’s Excellence in People Leadership award and a past President of the Canadian Association of Professional Intelligence Analysts.

Richard Florida
Professor of Economic Analysis & Policy, Rotman School of Management & Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence, School of Cities, University of Toronto

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Richard Florida is an urban studies theorist and a leading scholar on the topics of urbanization, innovation and demographic trends. He is best known for his concept of the “creative class,” a term he coined to describe a segment of the workforce that drives economic development through creativity and innovation. Richard’s work emphasizes the role of cities and regions in fostering economic growth and cultural development. He is a professor of economic analysis and policy at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and a Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities. He has authored several influential books, including “The Rise of the Creative Class,” “The New Urban Crisis,” and “Who’s Your City?” His research and ideas have had a significant impact on urban planning and economic development policies worldwide.

Photo credit: Jaime Hogge

Laura Miller
Director, Public Policy & Communications, Uber

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Laura Miller leads public policy and communications for Uber in Canada. Alongside her team, Laura’s work focuses on sustainability and the road to zero-emissions, labour and the future of work, and social impact partnerships. Prior to joining Uber, Laura directed marketing and communications at Elevate, an organization focused on uniting Canada’s innovators to solve society’s greatest challenges, and at a property technology firm based in British Columbia. She started her career in politics and government where she had the honour of supporting two premiers and a prime minister.

Francis Bradley
President & CEO, Electricity Canada

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Francis Bradley is the President and CEO of Electricity Canada. In this role, he serves as the chief representative and spokesperson for the organization and its membership, focusing on solutions to the most critical issues of national concern to the electric utility industry.

Jon Mitchell
Chief Sustainability Officer, Suncor

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Jon Mitchell is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Suncor, where he leads a team accountabel for the development, stewardship and integration of sustainability into the company’s strategy. He drives Suncor’s sustainability performance, manages strategic issues, advances collaboration and develops ESG practices. Jon lectures on sustainability and climate issues, speaks on the energy transition and serves on advisory boards, including the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Net-Zero Council. With over 25 years in the environment, climate and sustainability fields, he advises on climate leadership, resource stewardship, ESG disclosure and clean innovation.

Johanne Senécal
Vice President, Sustainability, External Relations & Indigenous Affairs, CAPP

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Johanne joined CAPP in October 2022 as Vice President of Sustainability, External Relations and Indigenous Affairs, based in Ottawa. With over 30 years of experience, she is a seasoned expert in government and regulatory affairs, public policy, Indigenous affairs and strategic communications. Johanne has worked in natural resources and telecommunications and has extensive political experience, including roles for the Prime Minister of Canada and as Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Official Opposition. She has served on various boards, the Canada Digital Technology Supercluster, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council and the Canadian Aboriginal Business Council. Johanne is also a member of the Quebec Bar.

Bryan Detchou
Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment & Sustainability, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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Bryan Detchou is the Senior Director of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Canadian Chamber, he was a Government Relations Consultant at Crestview Strategy, advising on parliamentary affairs, public policy and government relations. Bryan has extensive experience on Parliament Hill, including roles in the House of Commons, the Senate and the Office of the Usher of the Black Rod. He also worked as a Legal Intern at the International Criminal Court in Europe. Recognized as a ‘Global Shaper’ by the World Economic Forum, Bryan was named to The Peak’s Emerging Leaders list for 2023.

Neil Pakey
President & CEO, Nieuport Aviation

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Neil Pakey is the President and CEO of Nieuport Aviation. He has been CEO of Shannon Airport Group in Ireland, Peel Airports Group in the U.K. and Managing Director of Liverpool John Lennon Airport. He also served as Senior Vice President, Network Marketing at Vantage Airports Group. Neil was a National Expert to the European Commission on air transport policy and currently chairs the U.K.’s Regional and Business Airports Group. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Central Lancashire for services to Tourism.

Nicole Foster
Director, Global Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning & Canada Public Policy, AWS

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Nicole Foster is Director of AWS Global AI/ML and Canada Public Policy at Amazon, leading AI/ML public policy worldwide for Amazon Web Services and Canadian public policy for AWS. She focuses on technology, digital modernization, cloud computing, cyber security, data protection, government procurement, economic development, skilled immigration, workforce development and renewable energy policy. Nicole previously led the Toronto office for Global Public Affairs, providing public affairs counsel to diverse clients. With a background in political roles in Ottawa, including as Legislative Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, she has been involved in various political campaigns. Nicole is active in several organizations, including the Wilson Center Canada Institute Advisory Board and the American Chamber of Commerce GTA Chapter.

Bhushan Ivaturi
Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Enbridge

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Bhushan Ivaturi is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Enbridge, bringing over two decades of international technology leadership. He leads functions including information technology, cybersecurity, business process simplification and digital. Bhushan shaped Enbridge’s digital strategy, launching Technology + Innovation labs and transforming technology services into a strategic enabler for Enbridge. Previously, he was Vice President and Global CIO at AP Moller Maersk, leading global information and data transformation. Bhushan also served as an executive at General Electric. He is passionate about community service and sponsors initiatives like Women in Technology. Bhushan serves on the board of directors of the Calgary Spark Science Center and the Technology Business Management Council.

Sam Ramadori
CEO, BrainBox AI

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Sam Ramadori is CEO of BrainBox AI. He is a recognized private equity expert and senior executive with significant experience in identifying investment opportunities and supporting management teams in developing and executing growth-oriented business plans. Sam joined the BrainBox AI team in the spring of 2019 and has since developed and executed its strategic plan to apply world first autonomous AI technology to the built environment. In addition to managing the day-to-day execution of the company’s strategic plan, Sam is responsible for fundraising and investor relations.

Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia
Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology & Innovation, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia is the Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology and Innovation at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. With over 20 years of global experience, she leads federal policy on digital infrastructure, transformation, cybersecurity, AI, intellectual property and privacy. Ulrike established the Canadian Chamber’s health innovation portfolio and heads the Cyber. Right. Now. Council and Future of AI Council, engaging 150 organizations to propel Canada as a digital leader. She advocates for EDI and STEAM careers, serving on the Government of Canada’s AI Public Awareness Working Group and advisory boards for Women in Tech and HER Digital Academy. Ulrike has held executive roles at prominent technology companies and led provincial technology associations. She has received numerous awards, including being inducted into the WXN Top 100 Most Powerful in Canada Hall of Fame.

Ehren Cory
CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

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As CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Ehren Cory leads the organization in accelerating new infrastructure development to enhance Canada’s competitiveness and prosperity in a decarbonizing world. Under his leadership, the CIB has significantly expanded its project portfolio, focusing on climate action, community connectivity and Indigenous infrastructure. Ehren is a respected figure in sustainable finance and infrastructure investing in Canada. Previously, he served as President and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario, overseeing the province’s infrastructure and real estate assets. With 15 years in the private sector advising on corporate strategies and capital investments in infrastructure and energy, Ehren brings a wealth of experience to his role.

Eric Harvey
Assistant General Counsel, Policy & Legislative Affairs, CN

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Eric Harvey is Assistant General Counsel, Policy and Legislative Affairs at CN. Earlier in his career, he worked in Ottawa for federal agencies regulating transportation. Eric has extensive experience in the sector and a proven track record in representing CN in all regulatory matters. He has a strong interest in market economics and the principles underlying policy interventions in the transportation sector. He is passionate about the railway industry and its contribution to the Canadian economy.

Shri Madiwal
Interim Vice President, Operations & Supply Chain, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

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Captain Shri Madiwal was appointed Interim Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in 2023. Responsible for land and marine operations, health, safety, security and supply chain optimization, he focuses on digital transformation for efficiency. With a career at sea starting at 18 in Mumbai, Shri rose to captain, handling various cargoes worldwide. Transitioning to shore roles in Canada in 2008, he managed shipping projects, ferry operations and shipbuilding. Joining the Port Authority in 2019 as Harbour Master, Shri leverages his maritime expertise to enhance marine operations, including the Active Vessel Management Program. He holds the highest seafarer qualification, Certified Master Mariner.

Karen Mazurkewich
Vice President, Stakeholder Relations & Communications, Greater Toronto Airport Authority

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Karen Mazurkewich, Vice President of Stakeholder Relations and Communications at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, leads a team covering media, corporate communications, public affairs, stakeholder relations, marketing, design, sustainability and social impact. Previously, as Vice President of Strategic Communications at MaRS, she built an in-house agency and content studio supporting entrepreneurs and founded a think tank producing data-driven insights about the Canadian ecosystem. With a decade as a senior journalist at the Wall Street Journal and Financial Post, Karen has covered business innovation and international art markets. She co-founded a tech start-up, managed a consulting practice and authored reports on innovation. Karen began her career at the National Film Board of Canada and authored books on Canadian animation and Chinese antique furniture.

Pascal Chan
Senior Director, Transportation, Infrastructure & Construction, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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Pascal Chan is Senior Director, Transportation, Infrastructure and Construction at the Canadian Chamber, where he leads the Canadian Chamber’s work on supply chains and housing. He can often be seen advocating for resolutions to supply chain issues in national media; notably during the strikes at the ports in British Columbia and the St. Lawrence Seaway, discussing concerns about impacts on the economy, businesses, and Canadian families. Fluent in both official languages, he worked in government before the private sector. Pascal’s experience in government relations spans various national associations and multinational corporations, with extensive experience in the areas of housing, energy, and life sciences. He has also helped organizations in need through his volunteer work with the Canadian Advocacy Network.