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The mission of the CIC is to promote an understanding of international affairs and Canada’s role in a changing world by providing Canadians with a non-partisan, nationwide forum for informed discussion, analysis and debate. Accordingly, the cornerstone of the CIC’s work is our events program. The CIC national office and our branches hold more than 150 events per year in cities across the country. In particular, our branch events give members an opportunity to directly engage with global issues that often intersect with local concerns. The CIC also supports events outside of Canada, often in partnership with other global think tanks, that can introduce Canadian perspectives to global audiences. CIC events take on many different forms, from academic lectures and panel discussions to town hall meetings and pub nights. Please consult our events calendar for a listing of CIC-organized and sponsored events.

If you have an idea for a CIC event, please contact us at info@thecic.org.

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CIC NCB Ottawa: Trade Shift: Trade Diversification in a New Era

September 24 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

The Canadian International Council’s Ottawa branch presents…

TRADE SHIFT: TRADE DIVERSIFICATION IN A NEW ERA

Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 5:30 to 8:30 PM EST

KPMG, 150 Elgin Street, Suite 1800, 150 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4

 

REGISTRATION

To register for this event, please do so on Eventbrite (please click here).

 

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on Trade Shift: Trade Diversification in a New Era, where industry leaders will dissect Canada’s evolving trade landscape. As global dynamics shift, this event will explore:

  1. Strategic Realignment: How Canada can reshape its trade relationships amid changing ties with the United States.
  2. Closing the Gap: Critical steps needed to expand trade beyond North America and unlock new markets.
  3. 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

Details

Venue

  • KPMG Headquarters, Suite 1800
  • 150 Elgin Street
    Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1L4 Canada     + Google Map

Organizer

  • Canadian International Council – National Capital (Ottawa) Branch
  • Email ottawa@thecic.org
  • View Organizer Website