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Tickets: $150 +GST
Booth: $350 +GST
Tables of 8 and 10 also available for purchase

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 7:30 a.m. –  3:30 p.m.
RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, South Building, York Ballroom, 375 York Ave.

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Keynote speaker coming soon

Opening address from Mayor Scott Gillingham

Session 1: Winnipeg as a Leader in the Future of Work & Innovation

Question to answer: What steps can Winnipeg take to lead the future of work while ensuring that our diverse workforce thrives in this rapidly changing landscape? 

Canada is facing a productivity crisis, raising critical questions about how we can boost economic output and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy. We will explore how our city can address these challenges by leveraging innovation, integrating AI and automation, prioritizing the reskilling workers, and ensuring an inclusive, resilient economy. 

Expert Speaker: Noel Baldwin, Future Skills Center

Strategic Partners: 

• Tech Manitoba
• Manitoba Technology Accelerator (MTA)
• Blueprint Inc.
• Business Council of Manitoba

Session 2: Winnipeg as a Model of Accessibility, Inclusion, and Reconciliation

Question to answer: How can we build an equitable future for all?  

Projections from Statistics Canada indicate a substantial demographic shift towards greater diversity in Canada over the coming years. But how prepared are we to harness the full potential of this diversity? We will explore strategies for economic empowerment, the economic impact of inclusive practices, and the integration of principles that promote equity and inclusive growth.  

Expert Speaker: Jaime Wilson, Red River College Polytechnic

Strategic Partners:

• Immigration Partnership Winnipeg (IPW)
• Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO)
• Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
• Manitoba Possible

Session 3: Winnipeg as a Prime Trade and Investment Destination

Question to answer: What strategic investments and initiatives will best position Winnipeg to attract global investment and ensure long-term economic prosperity? 

The current tensions in U.S. Canada trade relations highlight the need for a resilient and adaptive economy. We will explore how our city can strengthen its economic position by investing in key sectors and enhancing trade diversification. Winnipeg’s central location in North America makes it a key player in trade and investment. We’ll focus on identifying infrastructure improvements that could enhance our city’s role as a trade hub. 

Expert Speaker: Carlo Dade, Director of Trade and Trade Infrastructure Centre, Canada West Foundation

Strategic Partners: 

• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters: CME
• Economic Development Winnipeg
• Little Brown Jug
• CentrePort Canada Inc.
• Province of Manitoba 
• World Trade Centre Winnipeg

Session 4: Winnipeg as a Leader in Sustainable Growth and ESG

Question to answer: How can governments, businesses, and communities work together to overcome the challenges of transitioning to green technologies to create a more sustainable and economically resilient Winnipeg? 

With the global push to combat climate change and the increasing urgency of meeting net-zero emissions targets, the transition to renewable energy has never been more critical. We will look at key factors for ways to collaboratively drive a sustainable future, focusing on the critical challenges, complexities and opportunities when it comes to transitioning to renewable energy and other green technologies.  

Expert Speaker: Tanis Ostermann, Principal & Founder of CanSustain

Strategic Partners: 

• International Institute For Sustainable Development (IISD)
• Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA)
• Efficiency Manitoba

Winnipeg as a Prime Trade and Investment Destination

Carlo Dade is one of the country’s leading voices on defending and advancing Western Canadian trade interests in Canada and abroad. His research and advocacy are playing a critical role in achieving better trade outcomes and drawing attention to the often-neglected importance of the assets and systems critical to moving products to markets. He has a reputation for developing creative solutions to some of the major challenges facing Canadian exporters and defending Western Canadian interests in trade with China and the U.S. His centre initiated and led work on systemic reform of Canada’s trade infrastructure system.

A frequent media commentator and writer, Carlo is a global expert on Indo-Pacific and North American trade, including engagement with China, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and North American integration, including Mexico, as well as on agricultural issues, including Right2Repair. He is a leading Western Canadian voice in several of the working groups and initiatives that shape policy and public perception on North American and global trade.

As Director of Trade and Trade Infrastructure, Carlo has a long history in international public policy, including as a Professional Affiliate at the Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan, an honourary Sr. Fellow at the School of International Development and Global Studies at the Univ of Ottawa, and as a member of the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations (COMEXI). He was formally a non-resident Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

Winnipeg as a Model of Accessibility, Inclusion, and Reconciliation 

Jamie Wilson is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Treaty 5 territory and is passionate about building bridges between First Nations and business communities as a pathway to a strong and prosperous economic future for all.  With a background as a Deputy Minister, educator, a member of the US Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment and as Manitoba’s Treaty Commissioner, Jamie works with innovative organizations looking to tap into Canada’s hidden potential.  Jamie’s greatest leadership strengths are as a facilitator and relationship builder, where his calm and thoughtful demeanour enables him to navigate complex and often highly charged situations to positive and successful outcomes. He is currently the Vice President Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development with Red River College Polytechnic in Treaty 1 territory.

As a teacher and Director of Education for Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Jamie was involved with establishing OCN’s Land Based Education programs with significant community support. OCN’s Land-Based Education program is considered to be one of Canada’s best programs and a model for communities looking to build their relationships with the land.

As Treaty Commissioner for Manitoba, Jamie led a team that gained support for Treaty Education Kindergarten through grade 11 from a diverse network, including The Manitoba Teachers Society, Manitoba Superintendents, Manitoba School Boards, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary’s, Church groups and all political parties.  This work culminated in the province supporting the Treaty Education Initiative and making Treaty Education mandatory in Manitoba.  Manitoba students are now learning about Treaties in Kindergarten through Grade 11 at every school in the province.

Jamie was also employee #1 at the First Nations-owned Arctic Gateway Group, which operates the rail line to Churchill and the Port of Churchill and was a key member of the team that gained access to significant federal and provincial investment totalling over $170 million. AGG’s Indigenous staffing numbers were raised during his tenure from well under 50% to over 70%, with 90% of all new hires during his time there being Indigenous – mainly First Nations from northern Manitoba.

Jamie just finished teaching the first class offered at the Asper School of Business MBA program focused on Indigenous Business Relations. A class that many of the students are now lobbying to be a mandatory part of the MBA program.

Winnipeg as a Leader in the Future of Work

Noel Baldwin is appointed Interim executive director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC) effective June 3, 2024. With nearly two decades of experience in leading strategic initiatives and policy development, Noel brings extensive expertise to his new role.

Since joining FSC in 2019 as director of government and public affairs, Noel has been integral to the organization’s impact, demonstrating exceptional leadership in navigating the skills ecosystem and working with diverse stakeholders to foster innovation in skills development that addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and promotes inclusive economic growth.

Throughout his tenure, Noel has forged strong relationships with federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, and international organizations like the OECD. His efforts drove FSC’s early strategic initiatives, including targeted investments addressing critical gaps across regions and sectors. Under his leadership, impactful regional partnerships were formed, with plans for more. Additionally, Noel enhanced FSC’s policy capacity, briefing officials and testifying before parliamentary committees on skills and workforce development.

Prior to joining FSC, he was the coordinator of postsecondary education and adult learning at the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), where he spearheaded pan-Canadian initiatives addressing future skills. He has also served with the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation and Transport Canada.

As a devoted father and team leader, he brings a passion for fostering positive change to his personal and professional life. Noel lives in Ottawa with his wife and two kids.

Sustainable Growth

Tanis Ostermann is Principal & Founder of CanSustain, a Manitoba firm specializing in sustainability strategy.  She has worked in the fields of environmental and sustainability management for over twenty-five years, having led the design, facilitation and development of sustainability-focused systems and projects.

Ms. Ostermann has experience in utility, aerospace, clean-tech, water management, academic, airport management, retail, agri-food, telecom and municipal sectors.  She has provided advice on the most pressing environmental and sustainability issues in the world today, including climate change, municipal planning, ESG, clean tech advancement, corporate sustainability governance and circular economies. 

She is certified as an Environmental Professional (EP) and also as a Director (ICD.D).  Ms. Ostermann has undergraduate and graduate degrees in environmental and sustainability management. 

Most recently she has served on the Expert Advisory Committee under the Manitoba Climate and Green Plan;  as the Manitoba Representative to the Sustainable Development Advisory Council under the Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and on the Canadian Standardization Advisory Committee on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability of Standards Council of Canada.

As we gear up for the inaugural ECONx conference, strategic partnerships have never been more crucial. For the first time, we’re bringing together key economic development partners from across sectors to foster meaningful collaborations to drive tangible action. These partnerships are the backbone of economic growth, combining the strengths of diverse organizations to unlock new opportunities, enhance innovation, and respond swiftly to the challenges of today.

We want to thank our ECONx committee consisting of:

• Business Council of Manitoba
• City of Winnipeg
• CentrePort Canada
• Dreamcatcher Promotions,
• Economic Development Winnipeg
• Immigration Partnership Winnipeg
• MORR Transportation and Consulting,
• PrairiesCan
• Province of Manitoba, Department of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources
• World Trade Centre Winnipeg
• Little Brown Jug

We are opening a limited amount of spaces for booths at ECONx. 

Accessibility: We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you require accommodation please let us know when purchasing tickets.

Refund Policy: Refunds will only be issued with a minimum of 72 hours of notice before the event. Should you require a change of your ticket after that time, we kindly ask that you find a replacement for your ticket. If you have further questions, please direct them to [email protected]