Shaping the Future of Canada-U.S. Trade: Optimizing Canada’s Advantage
Canada and the United States are the world's largest and most integrated trading partners and despite the current political uncertainty, there are still plenty of opportunities for business on both sides of the border.
The year 2017 marks the first full year of operation of Rio Tinto's newly modernized $6 billion smelter in Kitimat, British Columbia, making Rio Tinto the single largest non-government investor in the province. Join us for a special luncheon featuring the Managing Director for all of Rio Tinto's Atlantic aluminum assets, Gervais Jacques, as he discusses the successful completion of this major investment and the supply chain benefits for BC businesses. He will also offer a unique perspective on Canada-U.S. trade from the world's largest metal and mining company.
Mr. Jacques will then be joined on stage by CEO of the Canadian-American Business Council and Washington insider, political media personality, Scotty Greenwood for a discussion around what to expect with the launch of NAFTA negotiations.
Keynote
Gervais Jacques
Managing Director, Atlantic Operations, Aluminium
Rio Tinto
Gervais Jacques, as the Managing Director of Rio Tinto's Atlantic Operations, manages a network of hydroelectric plants and port facilities, a large-scale alumina refinery and some of the world's lowest carbon and most technologically advanced aluminium smelters across British Columbia and Quebec. This includes the Kitimat smelter where a recently completed $6 billion modernization project has increased production by 48% and cut emissions in half.
In the last two years in the role, Gervais has led a significant transformation in Rio Tinto's aluminium business in Canada. This focus on continued innovation and improvement is helping to secure Rio Tinto's position as a global leader in the aluminium industry.
Having first joined the company as a chemical engineer in 1991, Gervais is an expert in all things aluminium and the crucial role it plays in Canada-US trade. Around half of the aluminium produced at Kitimat is exported to the United States, with exports to that market expected to grow over the coming years.
Featuring
Scotty Greenwood
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian-American Business Council
Principal, Dentons
Maryscott (Scotty) Greenwood is a Washington-based specialist in Canada-U.S. relations and currently holds the position of CEO of the Canadian American Business Council (CABC). As a former political appointee in the Clinton administration, Ms. Greenwood served as chief of staff at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. Scotty is a principal in Dentons' Public Policy and Regulation group and co-leader of the practice's Advocacy and Government Affairs team.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and metals group that represents 10% of the manufacturing GDP in the province and that focuses on finding, mining, processing and marketing the earth's mineral resources.
About Canadian American Business Council (CABC)
The Canadian American Business Council is the voice of business in the world's most prosperous relationship. Established in 1987, the Council is a non-profit, non-partisan, issues-oriented organization dedicated to elevating the private sector perspective on issues that affect our two nations, Canada and the United States.
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Do you want to gain direct access to the senior-level audience at this event? As a sponsor, you will benefit from enhanced visibility, which can lead to new business and increased brand recognition. We offer a wide range of opportunities. To discuss how we can help boost your business, call Lisa at 604-640-5484 or email sponsorship@boardoftrade.com.