Program

AMO’s Municipal Trade and Tariff Forum

*The program information below is subject to change.

 

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • Robin Jones, AMO President, Mayor of the Village of Westport
  • The Honourable Victor Fideli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade
  • Tabatha Bull, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

The future of international trade and what it means for municipalities 

Municipalities are grappling with the uncertainty of rapidly changing trade disruption and tariffs. Is the worst behind us or still to come? Are there silver linings to this time of uncertainty? This session will help provide a clear understanding of the current landscape and projections about what might be still to come. 

  • Moderator: Lindsay Jones, Executive Director, AMO
  • Jean-François Perrault, Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist, Scotiabank Economics
  • Alysson Storey, Councillor, Chatham-Kent
  • Deanna Horton, Munk School Distinguished Fellow
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Coffee Break
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. TBC

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Building Ontario in Uncertain Times 

Municipal infrastructure construction is critical for economic growth across Ontario, but the construction and infrastructure sector are facing cost escalation and supply chain disruption. Hear from experts on the vital role municipalities play in finding solutions and driving continued infrastructure development across Ontario despite current uncertainties.  

  • Moderator: Kelly Scherr, Board Chair, Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario
  • Stephanie Bellotto, Manager of Government Relations and Communications, Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association 
  • Andrew Sampogna, Vice President, Ontario General Contractors Association
  • Paul Smetanin, President and CEO, Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

How Municipalities can Advance Provincial and Federal Approaches to Economic Development 

With uncertainty outside our borders, it is increasingly important that all three orders of government are aligned and working together. Hear from senior provincial and federal leaders on how municipalities can support Ontario and pan-Canadian approaches to economic development and procurement. 

  • Moderator: Riley Brockington, Councillor, City of Ottawa
  • Sunita Chander, Chief Strategy, Programs and Partnerships Officer, Supply Chain Ontario
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Coffee Break

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Municipal Tools to Drive Local Economic Development 

This session will discuss opportunities and generate ideas to strengthen our communities beyond the crisis. Speakers will feature best practices for communities to promote tourism and support local businesses in their communities.

  • Moderator: Simon Gill, Director Invest, Durham & Durham Tourism
  • Andrew Seigwart, President and CEO, Tourism Association of Ontario
  • Angela Drennan, VP, Legislative Affairs, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Popcorn Session

Open discussion opportunity for attendees to share local experiences and best practices and provide advice on how AMO can best advocate on behalf of municipalities through the continued international uncertainty.