Transportation Forum 2025 Presented by Deloitte

Resilient Transportation for the Future

Vancouver and British Columbia are navigating a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. As the region faces significant population increases, recurring climate events, and geopolitical uncertainty, ensuring the efficient and seamless movement of people and goods has never been more critical. Transportation is not only a cornerstone of quality of life but also a driver of economic growth, trade, and prosperity.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade invites you to the Transportation Forum 2025, presented by Deloitte, which will explore the most pressing transportation challenges of our time, including rising costs, workforce shortages, and the urgent need to deliver transportation and supply chain infrastructure projects on time and on budget. Discussions will also focus on supply chain resiliency, electrification, and the interconnectedness of transportation modes—air, land, sea, and rail. The forum will emphasize Vancouver's role as a vital gateway to provincial and national economic success.

From managing geopolitical disruptions and accelerating climate adaptation to adopting emerging technologies, this event is your opportunity to gain practical insights into building a transportation system that's resilient, sustainable, and ready for the future.

KEYNOTES:

The Honourable Mike Farnworth
Minister of Transporation and Transit
Government of British Columbia

Mike Farnworth was first elected as the MLA for Port Coquitlam in 1991, and served until 2001 and then again from 2005 to the present. Mike was appointed the Minister of Transportation and Transit in November 2024. He also serves as Government House Leader. He most recently served as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Mike was raised in Port Coquitlam and has lived there for more than 50 years. He earned a bachelor's degree in geography at Simon Fraser University and was elected to Port Coquitlam city council for three terms in 1983, 1985 and 1990.
From 1997 to 2001 Mike held many integral roles in government including Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Employment and Investment and Minister Responsible for Housing, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Seniors, and Minister of Social Development and Economic Security.
From 2001 to 2004, Mike worked in Bulgaria, the Balkans and Iraq on democratic governance programs to help build multiparty democracies in former one-party states. After returning to the Legislature, he served as the Official Opposition spokesperson for Justice (Public Safety and Solicitor General), and as the Official Opposition Caucus House Leader.

Robert Dick
Head, National Supply Chain Officer
Transport Canada

Robert Dick is the head of Canada's National Supply Chain Office.
The office's mandate is to collaborate with industry, labour, Indigenous groups and other levels of government to:

make Canada's transportation and logistics infrastructure and operations more resilient and efficient
make Canada's supply chains more reliable
contribute to productivity and affordability

Previously, Robert served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Transport Canada's Pacific Region. His team was responsible for:

overseeing the safety and security of federally regulated air, marine and rail transportation, and the transportation of dangerous goods
operating airports owned by Transport Canada
delivering environmental programs

Robert brings over 25 years of federal government experience to his new role, with an extensive background working in air sector policy, national cyber security, and on a range of economic, social and national security files at Transport Canada, Public Safety Canada, the Privy Council Office, and Western Economic Diversification in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Vancouver.

Panel 1

Supply Chain Resiliency & Growth

This panel will examine the resilience of supply chains in the face of labour challenges, climate risks, geopolitical disruptions, and other critical factors impacting the growing need for enhanced trade infrastructure. Discussions will highlight the need for data and partnerships, given the interconnectivity of transportation modes and the significant role of Vancouver's gateway economy in supporting provincial and national growth.

Dave Earle

President & CEO, BC Trucking Association

Shri Madiwal

Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Douglas Smith

Chief Executive Officer, DP World Canada

Additional panellists to be added

Panel 2

Top Trends in Transportation

This discussion will explore current trends shaping the future of transportation, including electrification, urban mobility patterns, and technological innovation. Panellists will provide insights into how the industry is adapting to evolving economic and environmental demands, with a focus on leveraging technology and innovation to address these challenges. The conversation will also examine the critical shift from technological advancements to real-world applications, highlighting success stories and strategies for driving tangible change in transportation systems.