Trade Shift: Trade Diversification in a New Era

• Strategic Realignment: How Canada can reshape its trade relationships amid changing ties with the United States. • Closing the Gap: Critical steps needed to expand trade beyond North America and unlock new markets. • Sector Spotlight: Key industries poised to drive Canada’s trade diversification efforts. Canada’s trading relationships are entering a period of profound change. As long-standing assumptions about the reliability and predictability of the United States as Canada’s dominant trading partner are challenged, Canadian businesses and policymakers must consider how the country can build a more diversified and resilient trade strategy. Panelists: H. David Plunkett — Chairman, Canada–EU Trade and Investment Association; Former Canadian Ambassador to the European Union; Cynthia Leach — Assistant Chief Economist, RBC Royal Bank; Dr. Ian Lee — Associate Professor, Sprott School of Business, Carleton University; and Ali Jaffery — Chief Economist, KPMG Canada will examine the forces reshaping Canada’s trade landscape, the opportunities for deeper relationships with Europe and other global markets, and the policy and business choices required to position Canada for success in a more uncertain global economy. PANELISTS H. David Plunkett, Chairman, Canada–EU Trade and Investment Association; Former Canadian Ambassador to the European Union Cynthia Leach, Assistant Chief Economist, RBC Royal Bank Dr. Ian Lee, Associate Professor, Sprott School of Business, Carleton University Ali Jaffery, Chief Economist, KPMG Canada MODERATOR Marcus Cornell, Vice-President & Head of Trade Finance, RBC Royal Bank