Event Program

DAY 1 – Tuesday, April 8

8:30AM – OPENING REMARKS

Start your day with a warm welcome from our event emcees, Valerie Sluth and Sheldon Wuttenee, and Saskatchewan Chamber’s board chair, Greg McIntrye, setting the stage for two days of insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

8:45AM – SASKATCHEWAN: FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY THE WORLD NEEDS (OPENING KEYNOTE)

Saskatchewan has what the world needs… food, fuel, and fertilizer.  Our trade relationship with the United States is integrated like no other economies on earth. As we work to de-escalate trade issues and tariffs, we have an opportunity work with our largest trading partner, the United States, to ensure free and fair trade that works for businesses, employees, and consumers on both sides of the border.

• Speaker: Hon. Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan

9:15 AM – NATURAL RESOURCES SECURITY: A KEY TO TRADE DIVERSIFICATION AND LONG-TERM TRADE INFRASTRUCTURE (EXPERT TALK)

Global demand for food, fuel, and fertilizer is rising, and securing sustainable access to these resources is critical for trade diversification and long-term economic resilience. In this session, we will explore how resource security shapes international trade dynamics, fosters market expansion, and strengthens Canada’s position in the global economy. Gain insights into the strategies needed to build a future-proof trade infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

• Speaker: Murad Al-Katib, President & CEO, AGT Foods

9:45 – 10:15 AM – MORNING NETWORKING BREAK

Take a moment to recharge with refreshments and connect with fellow attendees during this networking break.

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10:15AM – FROM MINES TO FIELDS: OVERCOMING TRADE BARRIERS FOR A SECURE GLOBAL FOOD SUPPLY (PANEL DISCUSSION)

In this session, executive leaders from The Mosaic Company and Richardson International will explore the opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture industry in getting products to global markets. From supply chain roadblocks and regulatory hurdles to bringing new products to growers, we’ll hear how these powerhouse global agriculture companies with deep Saskatchewan roots are advocating for reliable and efficient supply chains that support getting their products to market and strengthening our province’s reputation as the centre of global food security.

• Moderator: Kim McConnell, Founder & Former CEO, AdFarm
• Panelists:
  • Jean-Marc Ruest, SVP, Corporate Affairs and General Counsel, Richardson International
  • Karen Swager, EVP, Operations, The Mosaic Company

11:15AM – FUELING CHANGE: ENERGY, CRITICAL MINERALS & THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY (PANEL DISCUSSION)

The path to a sustainable future is powered by innovation in energy and critical minerals. From oil and gas to mining and emerging resources, this panel will explore how advancements in these industries are driving economic growth, energy security, and environmental responsibility. Join industry leaders as they discuss Canada’s role in securing global supply chains, fostering sustainability, and positioning North America as a leader in responsible resource development.

• Moderator: Richard Wong, Vice President, Regulatory and Operations, CAPP
• Panelists:
  • Carter Zazula, Director, Goverment Relations, Foran Mining
  • Dylan Smart, VP, Regional Development, NexGen Energy
  • Gisela Gips, General Manager Planning Technical & Environment, BHP
  • Ranjith Narayanasamy, President & CEO, PTRC Sustainable Energy
  • Thomas Benjoe, CEO, Flowing River Capital
  • Zach Mauer, Executive Director, Arizona Lithium

12:30PM – BUFFET LUNCH

Enjoy a delicious buffet meal while networking with peers and reflecting on the morning’s sessions.​

1:30PM – POWERING THE ECONOMY IN DYNAMIC TIMES (EXPERT TALK & FIRESIDE CHAT)

Canadian supply chains face both challenges and opportunities in the current trade environment. In this session, Tracy Robinson, President & CEO of CN, will explore how improving our trade flows, investing in nation-building infrastructure projects, and taking advantage of our significant natural resources can drive prosperity across the nation.

Following her expert talk, Tracy will join Murad Al-Katib, President & CEO of AGT Foods, for a fireside chat to further explore these critical topics and what they mean for Canada’s economic future.

• Moderator: Murad Al-Katib, President & CEO, AGT Foods
• Speaker: Tracy Robinson, President & CEO, CN

2:30PM – STRENGTHENING GLOBAL TRADE: THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF SUPPLY CHAIN IN SASKATCHEWAN’S DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY (FIRESIDE CHAT)

The overseas export of potash is a Saskatchewan trade success story, built on a brand of quality, reliability and integrity.  However, recent disruptions have underscored vulnerabilities in Canada’s supply chains and impacted its reputation as a reliable trading partner.  Gord McKenzie, Canpotex’s President and CEO, will reflect on the critical role of supply chain reliability in capturing Canada’s trade diversification opportunities and enhancing global trade relations.

• Moderator: Candace Laing, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Speaker: Gordon McKenzie, President & CEO, Canpotex

3:00 – 3:30PM – AFTERNOON BREAK

A pause to refresh, continue your conversations, and prepare for the final sessions of the day.

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3:30PM – BUILDING CANADA’S FUTURE: TRADE, ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS (PANEL DISCUSSION)

This dynamic panel explores how Canada can enhance its global competitiveness through strategic trade, regional cooperation, and sustainable economic growth. Leaders from provincial chambers will share insights on unlocking the Prairies’ full potential and driving national prosperity.

• Moderator: Candace Laing, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Panelists:
  • Shauna Feth, CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce
  • Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
  • Chuck Davidson, CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

4:30PM CLOSING REMARKS

Conclude the day’s sessions with key takeaways and a look ahead to tomorrow’s agenda.​

4:30PM – 6:30PM – NETWORKING RECEPTION, SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF REGINA (NAVARO BALLROOM; MAIN FLOOR)

Unwind and connect with speakers, sponsors, and fellow attendees in a relaxed setting to foster relationships and discuss collaborative opportunities.​  

Be sure to buy your tickets in advance, only $25!

Day 2 – Wednesday, April 9

8:30AM – OPENING REMARKS

Begin the second day with a recap of highlights from Day 1 and an overview of the sessions to come with returning emcee,Valerie Sluth, joined by our new co-emcee, Shawn Moen.

8:45 AM – NUCLEAR POWER:  THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SASKATCHEWAN AND CANADA IN POWERING A SECURE ENERGY FUTURE (FIRESIDE CHAT)

Nuclear energy is poised to play a pivotal role in building a secure and sustainable energy future for Canada—and Saskatchewan is uniquely positioned to lead. Rachelle Girard, Senior Vice-President and Chief Corporate Officer at Cameco, will explore the opportunities ahead for the province, including the strength of the uranium market, the benefits of investing in Saskatchewan, and the importance of government support in advancing value-added growth and innovation in the nuclear sector.

• Moderator:
• Speaker: Rachelle Girard, SVP and Chief Corporate Officer, Cameco Corporation

9:30AM – MOVING WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS: INFRASTRUCTURE THAT POWERS TRADE (EXPERT TALK)

Strategic infrastructure is a critical enabler of Canada’s global trade success—and the Port of Prince Rupert plays a vital role in connecting Western Canadian exports to international markets. Kurt Slocombe, Vice President of Operations, Infrastructure & Planning at the Prince Rupert Port Authority, will discuss the growing importance of trade corridors, how port development is unlocking new export capacity, and the role of infrastructure investment in ensuring Saskatchewan’s products reach the world efficiently and reliably.

Speaker: Kurt Slocombe, VP, Operations, Infrastructure & Planning, Prince Rupert Port Authority

10:00AM – MORNING BREAK

Take a short break to network and refresh before the final sessions.​

10:30 AM – THE DYNAMIC WORLD OF AGRICULTURE: A FARMER’S PERSPECTIVE (FIRESIDE CHAT)

Canadian agriculture is facing a rapidly changing landscape—marked by shifting trade dynamics, market uncertainty, and growing pressure on farmers to adapt. In a candid conversation, Kristjan Hebert, moderated by Kim McConnell, will explore how producers are navigating these challenges, the impact of unreliable export markets, and what steps the sector must take to build resilience and ensure long-term success.

• Moderator: Kim McConnell, Founder & Former CEO, AdFarm
• Speaker: Kristjan Hebert, President, Hebert Group

11:30 am – TAKING OFF: THE 2025 OUTLOOK FOR AIR CARGO IN GLOBAL TRADE (EXPERT TALK)

As global demand for food, fuel, and fertilizer intensifies, efficient and reliable air cargo is more essential than ever. This session dives into what’s ahead for air freight in 2025 – exploring new products, capabilities, and infrastructure developments that will shape how Saskatchewan’s exports move across the globe. Discover how evolving logistics and market trends are unlocking new opportunities for trade and growth.

• Ben Speed, Manager, Regional Sales – Western Canada, Air Canada

12:00 pm – CLOSING REMARKS; PROGRAM END

Wrap up the summit with reflections on key insights, themes, and conversations that emerged over the past two days—along with a look at the Chamber’s next steps to keep the conversation going beyond the event.