Strategic Trade Diversification and Collaboration: Critical Minerals Diplomatic Roundtable Recap

May 13, 2026

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In May 2026, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Critical Minerals Council hosted its second diplomatic roundtable in Ottawa, building on its inaugural Canada–EU-focused session in 2025. The event brought together Canadian industry leaders and embassy representatives to discuss critical minerals policy alignment, innovation, sustainability and related priorities including trade, defence and supply chain resilience.

Discussions highlighted opportunities for collaboration across key regions, including the Indo-Pacific, Latin America, and Nordic partners, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in strengthening supply chain security, supporting sustainable resource development and advancing shared economic and strategic objectives.

Opening Remarks

The session kicked off with remarks from Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief of Public Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted the importance of trade diversification and international collaboration in supporting resilient supply chains, economic growth and Canada’s role in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Presentation and Q&A | Government of Canada

The first session featured a presentation and Q&A with Amanda Wilson, Director General of the Policy and Economics Branch at Natural Resources Canada, who provided an update on the Government of Canada’s work to advance critical minerals development both domestically and in collaboration with international partners. Her remarks highlighted Canada’s engagement with allies through forums such as NATO and the G7, as well as initiatives including the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, to strengthen supply chains, enhance economic security and support the energy transition. The discussion and Q&A were moderated by Bryan N. Detchou, Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Diplomatic Roundtable | Strengthening Canada–Indo-Pacific Critical Minerals Partnerships

The second session, Strengthening Canada–Indo-Pacific Critical Minerals Partnerships, explored opportunities to deepen collaboration with key Indo-Pacific partners on critical minerals development, trade and supply chain resilience. Moderated by Leigh Clarke, Vice-President, Government & Stakeholder Engagement at E3 Lithium, the discussion featured Anne Witheford, Deputy High Commissioner at the Australian High Commission; Younggi Ahn, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea; and Hideaki Ishii, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan. Panelists shared perspectives on their countries’ critical minerals strategies and highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation with Canada to support secure, sustainable and diversified supply chains.

Diplomatic Fireside Chat | Strengthening Canada–Latin America Critical Minerals Partnerships

The event also featured a diplomatic fireside chat on strengthening Canada–Latin America critical minerals partnerships. Moderated by Marcella Munro, Head, Government & Regulatory Affairs at Teck Resources, the discussion with Diego Francisco Cardona Quiñe Arista, Counsellor at the Embassy of Peru, explored opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in the critical minerals sector. The conversation highlighted the strategic role of Canada and Latin American partners in supporting resilient supply chains, attracting investment and advancing sustainable resource development to meet growing global demand for critical minerals.

Diplomatic Roundtables | Deepening Canada–Nordic Allies Collaboration on Critical Minerals

The event also featured a diplomatic roundtable on deepening Canada–Nordic allies collaboration on critical minerals. Moderated by Johnna Muinonen, President of Dumont Nickel and Magneto Investments LP, the discussion brought together Jacob Bay Lindkvist, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Danish Embassy; Sari Susanna Uusi-Rauva, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Finland; and Jonas Volden Weltan, First Secretary at the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Panelists explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals development, innovation and supply chain resilience, highlighting the shared priorities and complementary strengths of Canada and its Nordic partners in advancing secure and sustainable critical minerals value chains.

Closing Remarks

The event concluded with remarks from Bryan N. Detchou who emphasized the importance of continued international collaboration and dialogue with global partners, as well as the Critical Minerals Council’s role in convening stakeholders to advance shared priorities.

The full photo gallery can be found here.