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Regina to welcome Western Canada Economic Forum 2025
Discussion themes to include Western Canada economic outlook, financing business growth in the West, economic reconciliation, exports and energy (clean, net-zero and nuclear)
December 11, 2024 – Regina, Saskatchewan will host the next Western Canada Economic Forum (WCEF), from January 29 to 31, 2025, at The Hotel Saskatchewan.
WCEF provides a national stage to showcase the strength of the Western Canadian economy in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It brings together a cohort of speakers from varied industries and organizations throughout Western Canada. Their combined expertise brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from sectors such as agriculture, government, trade and natural resources.
The lineup of speakers for the 2025 forum includes established leaders and economic experts, including (but not limited to):
· Candace Laing (President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
· Chris Lane (Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Regina)
· Cadmus Delorme (Founder and CEO, OneHoop & Former Chief, Cowessess First Nation)
· Chris Dekker (Chief Executive Officer, Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership)
· David Williams (Vice President of Policy, Business Council of British Columbia),
· Emily Fleckner (U.S. Consul General, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories)
· Jeff Lawson (Senior Vice President & Acting Chief Sustainability Officer, Cenovus Energy)
This year, the forum will conclude with The Helium Roundtable. This conversation will bring together experts in Canadian helium production and the vital role of helium in the Canadian economy, underscoring the importance of this rare and non-renewable resource. Debating supply, demand, price, policy, education and Indigenous Economic Reconciliation in the helium industry will be at the heart of this vital discussion.
“We are thrilled to facilitate a space where leaders from diverse industries can come together to strengthen our region’s economy through the second edition of the WCEF,” said Alex Fallon, Chair, WCEF. “This forum is essential for exploring innovative solutions and fostering meaningful collaborations that will ensure long-term success for Western Canada on a global stage.”
The second annual forum promises to spark dynamic conversations and actionable insights to address the region’s most pressing opportunities and challenges, enabling leaders to approach them with confidence.
“I am looking forward to speaking at WCEF,” said Candace Laing, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Having been raised on my family’s long-standing farming operation in Saskatchewan, I know the economic importance of the province and the West as a whole. I’m excited for there to be a spotlight on this vital region during the forum. Bringing together industry leaders and policymakers is a crucial step in ensuring Western Canada continues to play a pivotal role in shaping our country’s economic growth. On behalf of the Canadian Chamber, I’m pleased to engage with likeminded individuals and organizations on solutions for supporting businesses across Canada.”
Through a commitment to advancing forward-thinking solutions, connections and sustained collaboration, WCEF is continuing to shape the strategies needed to strengthen Western Canada’s economic future.
About Western Canada Economic Forum
The Western Canada Economic Forum (WCEF) is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to highlighting the economic strength and potential of Western Canada. By convening leaders from key industries, government and international partners, WCEF fosters collaboration and innovation to address regional opportunities and challenges. With a focus on meaningful dialogue and actionable insights, WCEF aims to drive economic growth that benefits both Western Canada and the nation as a whole. Learn more at wcef.ca.
For additional information, please contact:
Alex Fallon
Chair, WCEF
406-250-8505
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Farr
Account Director, Prairie Region, Kaiser & Partners
416-910-5221
jennifer.farr@kaiserpartners.com
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