OWIT-Toronto started off the new year with the January Annual General Meeting and an insightful fireside chat on interprovincial trade in Canada, hosted by Bennett Jones LLP.
AGM Updates
We are pleased to welcome two new Board members for 2026: Susana Vaz, VP Communications, and Abigail Noronha, VP Sponsorship. Susana is the Strategic Planning and Initiatives Senior Manager for Economic Development at the City of Toronto, while Abigail is the Technology & Media Relationship Manager at Export Development Canada. We would like to sincerely thank our previous Board members for their valued contributions to OWIT-Toronto.
Fireside Chat
Jessica Horwitz, Partner at Bennett Jones, led a conversation with Geneviève Gabanna-Leblanc, Economic Development Manager for the City of Vaughan and previously Director of Economic Affairs at the Québec Office in Toronto within Investissement Québec.
New Opportunities
In an era of uncertainty with the United States, the Canadian federal government has taken new steps to promote diversification and interprovincial trade, but policy, legal, and geographic barriers remain. While navigating this landscape can be challenging, now is the time for businesses to leverage these opportunities. Public procurement and retail are seeing a shift toward Buying Canadian, while manufacturing is regaining strategic priority. Other high-potential sectors include energy, mining, transportation, health sciences, and creative industries.
Expansion Plans
When expanding interprovincially, Gabanna-Leblanc suggests that businesses assess their readiness with three considerations:
- Know your market: Understand your value proposition and who your clients/buyers are.
- Be ready to deliver: Establish a proven customer base at home, create a business plan, selectively attend trade shows, and secure multiple contracts.
- Understand the competition—even in smaller or niche industries.
With the right preparation, entering new provinces can unlock timely pathways to growth for Canadian businesses.
