OWIT-Toronto Newsletter - WINTER 2025

Presidents' Message

This year has been a full one at OWIT-Toronto — from hosting many insightful events, celebrating OWIT-Toronto’s 25th anniversary, collaborating with our amazing sponsors and community partners, to navigating the ever-changing trade landscape here in Canada and internationally.

We were thrilled to have members and non-members join us early this month at McCarthy Tétrault’s beautiful event space to mark our 25th anniversary. Over the past 25 years, OWIT-Toronto has supported countless women through guidance, resources, mentorship, and international networking opportunities.  We look forward to continuing this great work with all of you!

The trade landscape will continue to be monitored as it remains both dynamic and complex.   Geopolitical tensions and shifting trade alliances are reshaping market access and investment decisions, creating a domino effect for those in the trade space who must constantly adapt while seeking new opportunities. A pivotal moment next year will be the CUSMA review; our chapter hosted an event about it this fall and we also collaborated with OWIT Ottawa on a joint submission to the government.

As we move into 2026, we are excited to share that we have two Board roles available - VP Sponsorship and VP Communications. If you are interested in being involved in the important work we do at OWIT-Toronto, and joining our fantastic Board, please reach out to us for more information.

We would like to take a moment to thank our dedicated OWIT-Toronto Board Members and our hard-working volunteers whose commitment and contributions have truly made this year very special. And special thanks as well to our sponsors and partners, whose support allows us to augment what we can offer members.

We look forward to continuing to share new information with you through our website and the exciting events we have in the works. Stay tuned for more details!

Cathy Williamson & Susan Baka

Past Events

OWIT-Toronto's 25th Anniversary Celebration a Milestone Event

            

Martha Harrison, McCarthy Tétrault                 Amanda de Vogel, Scotiabank

      

Susan Baka, OWIT-Toronto, & Stephen de Boer

            

Jennifer Cooke, EDC                                                                                                   Cathy Williamson, OWIT-Toronto  

              

Anita Agrawal, Jewels4Ever, and Sue Rauth,                     Audrey Ross, OWIT-Toronto
Global Affairs Canada

      

By Jeanne Brownewell

OWIT-Toronto celebrated its 25th Anniversary in November, hosted at McCarthy Tétrault, with an insightful fireside chat featuring Stephen de Boer, who most recently served as Deputy Minister and Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister (2023–2025). Previously, he was Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Assistant Deputy Minister of International Affairs at Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Canada’s Ambassador to Poland and Belarus. 

Mr. de Boer reflected on Canada’s position as a longtime leader of women in international trade at the WTO through the endorsement of the Joint Declaration on Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment. With this declaration, Canada demonstrated to member countries the economic benefits of incorporating women into the global trade environment.

Trade Diversification

While the US will likely remain Canada’s top trading partner due to geographic ties, de Boer highlighted how there is a world of opportunity for Canadian businesses to pursue. Recent engagement with the Indo-Pacific, UAE, and Latin America is opening additional pathways for growth. In Europe, businesses can take advantage of the existing Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Drawing on his experiences as Ambassador to Poland, de Boer highlighted eastern Europe as a particularly untapped market and added that women-owned businesses are uniquely well-positioned to strengthen Canada’s presence in the services trade.

Mr. de Boer also highlighted that the Trade Commissioner Service is a valuable resource for exporters, offering trade missions, market intelligence research, and in-country connections.

Challenges Remain, But the Future Is Bright

During the ongoing public negotiations, the US business community has been making a case for the renewal of the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Continuing to work with US partners is essential for securing a North American trade agreement that works for all. Amid the uncertainties in the US, other countries in Europe and Asia continue to abide by the rules-based trading system, providing some stability for Canadian businesses.

Yet there is still more to be done. Organizations like OWIT remain key advocates for the meaningful inclusion of women in trade agreements, helping to ensure women can fully participate in and benefit from international trade, de Boer said.

Looking towards the future, de Boer’s advice to women interested in careers in this field is simple: “Do it!” Canada has a significant number of women in trade leadership roles today, which offers strong networks and momentum for the next generation.

The event included a lunch, networking, and a special award presentation recognizing the achievements of an OWIT-Toronto founder, Susan Baka. A big shout-out to our Co-VPs of Events, Susan Langdon and Lilian Marins, and to MC Audrey Ross, Cathy Williamson, Susan Baka, Alma Farias and the volunteers for all their work in organizing and executing the event.

Special thanks as well to  our sponsors - Scotiabank, McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Export Development Canada, Jewels 4 Ever, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), and the Government of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service.

Recognizing One of Our Own

At the celebration of OWIT–Toronto Chapter’s 25th Anniversary, we were proud to recognize and honour one of our founding members, Susan Baka, who has remained an unwavering advocate, mentor, and highly respected leader in the trade community.

Susan, Co-President and VP International of the Toronto Chapter, and Co-VP of Chapter Development for OWIT International, was presented with the Excellence in Global Trade Award.

This award is defined as: a woman who has achieved outstanding success in international trade. She demonstrates excellence in expanding markets, fostering global partnerships, and driving export growth. Through her leadership, innovation, and commitment, she serves as a role model for others pursuing success in global commerce.

We were also fortunate to hear heartfelt remarks from three women who have worked closely with Susan over the years. A special thank you to Anita Agrawal, Amesika Baeta, and Sue Rauth for sharing their reflections and highlighting Susan’s exceptional contributions to women in trade over the past 25 years.

Congratulations, Susan!

Where We’ve Been

OWIT-Toronto members represented our organization throughout the fall at a wide range of events across the trade and business community. 

October – British Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Trade Event on Clearing the Path to International Trade

October – City of Toronto Small Business Forum