Get ready for an exciting lineup of sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities at the 2025 Ontario East Municipal Conference. Our program is designed to provide valuable insights, actionable strategies, and meaningful connections for economic development professionals and municipal leaders.
2025 Speakers
Keynote and Plenary Speakers
Opening Keynote: Jessica Holmes, Celebrated Comedian, Author, Mental Health Advocate
Beloved comedian Jessica Holmes has brought the house down opening for giants like Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld, and Oprah Winfrey. She has also performed at Just For Laughs and The Second City, and starred in the hit comedy series, Royal Canadian Air Farce and The Holmes Show. Her hilarious take on life’s challenges as well as her unique knack for impersonating celebrities always leaves audiences in stitches.
Opening Plenary: Jayson Myers, Chief Executive Officer, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)
Jayson is an award-winning business economist specializing in industrial and technological change and is widely recognized as an influential policy advocate in Canada. He is an advisor to both private and public sector leaders and has counselled Canadian prime ministers and premiers as well as senior corporate executives and policymakers around the world.
Jayson has more than 25 years of experience building alliances among businesses, academic institutions, as well as community, labour, and advocacy organizations. Between 2007 and 2016, he served as President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. He was also the founding Chair of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, Vice-Chair of Canada’s National Roundtable on Skills, and Vice-Chair of the Ontario and Great Lakes Manufacturing Councils.
Jayson studied at Queen’s University and the University of British Columbia in Canada, as well as at the London School of Economics and Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He has held appointments as a Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford, and as a lecturer in politics, economics, and international studies at both Oxford and the University of Warwick.
Opening Plenary: Trevin Stratton, Americas Economics Leader, Partner, Deloitte
Trevin Stratton leads Deloitte’s economic consulting practice in the Americas region (United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean), where he applies economic thinking to identify the trends that are reshaping industry and helps business leaders tackle some of today’s most complex and challenging economic issues. Prior to joining Deloitte, he was the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the largest and most influential business association in Canada representing a network of over 200,000 companies. He has advised the Prime Minister’s Office, federal and provincial Cabinet Ministers, Governors and Deputy Governors of the Bank of Canada, senior policy makers and government officials, and C-suite business leaders on economic policy, economic development, and growth, diversification, and competitiveness strategies.
Trevin studied at Carleton University in Canada, as well as at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Switzerland. He has held appointments as an International Scholar at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, as an E.C. Harwood Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, and as a lecturer in economics, politics and international studies at the American University in Dubai. Trevin also holds a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.
He is currently a Vice Chair of the Business at OECD Economic Policy Committee and he sits on the Leadership Council at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Trevin is a frequent media contributor on economic issues and has appeared on programs such as Power & Politics, BNN Bloomberg, CTV National News, as well as providing commentary for the Globe and Mail, Financial Post, Washington Post, Politico, and Macleans.
Opening Plenary: Sara Wilshaw, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada
A senior government executive with over 30 years of public service experience, Ms. Wilshaw is currently Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Chief Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada. In this role she leads a global team that helps Canadian businesses to secure and explore international markets, find new customers and partners, problem solve and grow through exports. Sara also leads work across global trade support services including export finance, inbound foreign investment, inclusive trade and the promotion of responsible business conduct.
Prior to this, Sara served as Director of Operations, Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat at the Privy Council Office. In this role she provided strategic analysis on matters concerning Canada-U.S. relations, Latin America, trade, climate change, human rights and the United Nations.
Sara’s experience also includes serving as Director General for North America at Global Affairs Canada during the renegotiation of NAFTA, and as Canada’s Consul General in Dallas. She has served abroad as Minister Commercial at the High Commission of Canada in India, at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, and at the Embassy of Canada in Japan.
Ms. Wilshaw is a graduate of York University’s International Relations and Economics program. She is married and has two children.
Closing Featured Speaker: Sébastien Labrecque, Executive Director and Chief Economist of the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy
Sébastien is the Executive Director and Chief Economist of the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy. He is responsible for the development and the execution of the Institute’s editorial calendar and thought leadership. Sébastien also hosts the Intended Consequences podcast. Prior to joining StrategyCorp, Sébastien was a Manager, Public Policy and Issues, for a major national organization representing the Canadian professional accounting profession. He also previously worked in the federal government in Ottawa. During his time at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, he worked extensively on housing finance policy and the digital economy. Sébastien holds a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Université Laval. He also has a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.
Session Speakers
Linda Alexander, Shared Recruitment and Settlement Coordinator – Rural Inclusion Pilot Project Lanark & Renfrew
Linda Alexander is a strategic thinker and dedicated community leader with many years of experience in community development roles including employment services, specializing in workforce development, newcomer inclusion, and capacity-building for service providers. With a strong track record of establishing impactful programs, Linda has played a key role in launching Grey Bruce Settlement Services, Skills Advance Ontario, and Skills Development Fund initiatives in collaboration with community organizations, LTC and economic development to train Personal Support Workers (PSWs). She also spearheaded a RT07 project, connecting international students and temporary foreign workers (TFWs) with opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Currently leading the Rural Inclusion Pilot Project in Lanark and Renfrew Counties, she works with employers, community groups, and service providers to address rural population decline, workforce shortages, and newcomer retention. With efforts focusing on fostering inclusive communities, strengthening local service networks, and advocating for sustainable settlement solutions. In her current role she has been instrumental in obtaining IRCC funding to establish Lanark & Renfrew County Settlement Services, supporting the Regional Economic Development Immigration – REDI Pilot, and developing strategies to address needs of newcomers.
Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development, Frontenac County
Richard Allen is the Manager of Economic Development for Frontenac County, where he works in partnership with the various communities that make up the fabric of the County. Responsibilities can range from investment attraction to tourism destination development, or health care access and recreation. A unique part of his role includes the development and management of the Frontenac K&P Trail, a 90 kilometre recreational rail trail which intersects many Frontenac communities. Frontenac County has recently seen success in community development through the launch of a regional brand, which led to a local business ambassador network from which several initiatives have launched, including the creation of Destination Development Plan in 2023, and establishment of the the award-winning Open Farms event that takes place each September.
Louis Bedard, Regional Development Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
Louis Bedard served as a regular member of the Canadian Forces where he held different leadership roles. He was deployed at three occasions with the United Nations and NATO, deployed during crises in Canada and worked at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC USA. Shortly after retirement from the CF Louis joined the Ministry of Transportation where he occupied numerous positions such as instructor, auditor, supervisor and finally manager before joining the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming in June 2021. As a Regional Development Advisor Louis is the connection between the Eastern ON Tourism industry stakeholders and the Ontario government programs and services such as Reconnect On and Experience ON. Louis brings this variety of wealth of experience and knowledge to the RTO and DMOs but he is also one of their biggest advocates.
Adam Cameron, Regional Program Manager, Employment and Training Division, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Adam Cameron is a Regional Program Manager with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) in the Employment and Training Division, where he supports communities within East Region across various program lines, collaborating on training, skills development, labour market supports and workforce development.
Mel Chaar, Regional Deputy Director, Innovator’s Experience Branch
Starting his career as a hardware designer at Bell-Northern Research, which later became part of Nortel Networks, Mel delivered an impressive line-up of products used by service providers around the world. From conceptual design realization to manufacturing, full system and network engineering, commissioning and services readiness. After his time at Nortel, he pursued his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship by joining several start-ups, and taking on business and market development advisory roles in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, where he consulted on the optimal and ethical use of technology in business. Most recently, Mel joined Mitacs where he worked closely with industry partners in Canada and abroad to increase competitiveness through the investment in Canadian innovation and research.
Matthew Cassidy, Location Manager, 1Department Entertainment Services
Matthew Cassidy, Location Manager, 1Department Entertainment Services With over six years of experience as a Location Manager in the Ottawa film and television industry, Matthew Cassidy has built a proven track record of excellence. Known for his exceptional eye for locations and strong interpersonal skills, Matt has successfully managed numerous projects. His dedication to scouting the perfect settings has led him to frequently choose Almonte for its architectural charm and welcoming community. Matthew has worked on many festive Christmas movies, leveraging his passion for finding unique and captivating locations to create the perfect holiday atmosphere. Additionally, as an accomplished actor, singer, and producer, he has delivered top-quality live entertainment across Canada for twenty years, further enriching his expertise in the industry. His extensive experience makes him a valuable source of knowledge on the film location industry.
Michelle Cavanagh, Team Lead, Special Projects, South Nation Conservation
Michelle has been with South Nation Conservation since 2009, working on a variety of ecological restoration projects and watershed monitoring programs. Her role as Team Lead, Special Projects allows her to work with an intelligent, enthusiastic and engaging team on projects that have direct, positive impacts on the local environment. Michelle has also been involved in plan review and has worked very closely with municipalities and drainage superintendents on projects related to municipal drains. She is the Conservation Authority representative for Eastern Ontario on the Drainage Act and Section 28 Regulations Team (DART), and a member of Chapter 6 of the Drainage Superintendents Association of Ontario. Michelle lives in North Dundas with her husband and three young children where she divides her time between reading, gardening and exploring outdoors with her kids.
Roxanne Coppaway, Technical Advisor - Indigenous Engagement, Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS)
Roxanne Coppaway is a proud member of Curve Lake First Nation and the Technical Advisor – Indigenous Engagement at Cambium Indigenous Professional Services. With over eight years of experience in Indigenous Relations, she has dedicated her career to fostering positive and collaborative relationships between organizations, projects, and Indigenous Communities. Roxanne brings knowledge in facilitation, community engagement, and project management, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully integrated into planning and decision-making processes. She is passionate about building trust, advancing reconciliation, and creating opportunities for lasting partnerships that benefit both Indigenous Communities and industry partners.
Erin Clow, Director of Work Integrated Learning, Loyalist College of Applied Arts & Technology
Dr. Erin Clow is the Director of Experiential Learning at Loyalist College, where she plays a pivotal role in integrating hands-on, pedagogically sound learning opportunities into academic programming. With a Ph.D. in Political Studies from Queen’s University, Erin brings extensive expertise in education, equity, and curriculum development. She has designed and led numerous initiatives that enhance student engagement through work-integrated and experiential learning. A passionate advocate for inclusive education, Erin’s work ensures that all learners have access to meaningful, real-world experiences that prepare them for future success.
Amber Coville, Executive Director, Valley Heartland CFDC
Amber Coville is the Business Development & Program Officer at Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), where she plays a pivotal role in driving economic development initiatives across Lanark County. With extensive experience in program design, business advisory services, and community engagement, Amber works to foster business growth, innovation, and sustainability in the region. Valley Heartland CFDC holds a key role in advancing economic development efforts in Lanark County, supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and enhancing community well-being. Amber has been working closely with Lanark County on projects such as the Rural Inclusion Pilot Project Lanark & Renfrew and Land in Lanark Campaign, which has successfully generated interest from potential new residents and businesses, helping to promote the county’s vibrant economy.
Emily Cowan, Director of Community Services, Programs and Initiatives, County of Prince Edward
Emily Cowan is the Director of Community Services Programs and Initiatives (CSPI) for the County of Prince Edward. Emily’s portfolio includes community and economic development, corporate communications and corporate customer service. After 10 years in Agricultural manufacturing, sales and exports in the United Kingdom, Emily returned to Canada with a desire to make meaningful contributions to her home community. After heading up the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce for two years, Emily joined the municipality of Prince Edward County in 2018, working in Community and Economic Development. The CSPI department aims to foster an informed and engaged citizenry, develop a sustainable, diverse and year-round economy, recognize and leverage opportunities for equitable community improvement, and help foster a sense of belonging for all residents of Prince Edward County.
Kate Curry, Community Benefits Manager, Ottawa Community Benefits Network (OCBN)
Kate Curry is the Community Benefits Manager for the Ottawa Community Benefits Network (OCBN). Originally from southwestern Ontario, she moved to Ottawa for her undergraduate studies and stayed because of the opportunities for meaningful work in non-profit and non-governmental organizations. With degrees in law and public ethics and a background in strategic policy and stakeholder relations, Kate works to incorporate a community-based, social impact lens to public policy, making community benefits a great match.
Stacey Daub, President and CEO Quinte Health
Passionate community builder, lifelong learner, and visionary health system leader, Stacey Daub is the President & CEO of a family of four community hospitals, a Children’s Treatment Centre, and community mental health programs. Quinte Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care close to home and creating healthier communities through partnership. With a career spanning three decades, Stacey has had the privilege of having a wide range of leadership experiences across hospital, home, community, and primary care settings in both urban and rural Ontario. She believes in the importance of local healthcare and the power of people and communities in fueling health and wellness. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Stacey measures her impact not by personal accomplishments but by the collective experiences and outcomes of the people, teams, and communities she has served. Stacey holds an MA from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. She has received numerous accolades, including Top 100 Women of Canada, 20 Faces of Change, National Award for Organizational Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion, and the Ministers Medal for Quality Improvement. She has served on several boards and advisory committees, including the Ontario Hospital Association, the Change Foundation, Rotman School of Management: Health and Life Sciences, and the Creative Destructive Lab. Additionally, she was accredited National Health Fellow and appointed Honorary Colonel of the 24 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre at the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, Ontario. Originally from Kitchener-Waterloo, Stacey has since relocated with her family to the Quinte Region.
Julie Davis, Vice President External Relations and Development, Trent University
Julie Davis is a senior executive with experience in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors spanning education, healthcare, and consumer packaged goods. In her current role at Trent University she is responsible for community and Indigenous relations, philanthropy, alumni relations, strategic partnerships, and is leading the development of a university integrated seniors village and a research/business park on the campus. She is an active volunteer, serving as chair of the Five Counties Children’s Centre and immediate past chair of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education.
Rosalie Dawson, OAA, Rosalie Dawson Architects Inc.
Rosalie Dawson is an accomplished architect with over 20 years of experience in residential, multi-residential and institutional projects, focusing on creating sustainable spaces for healing, learning, and well-being. With a background in both interior design and sustainable architecture, Rosalie brings a comprehensive and balanced approach to each project, blending creativity with technical expertise. She has a strong track record working with non-profit clients, navigating budget constraints, and delivering thoughtful, client-centered solutions. As the owner of her own architectural practice, Rosalie Dawson Architect Inc., Rosalie leads a team of senior team of designers and technologists who bring diverse skill sets and expertise. The team’s long-standing personal connections, forged over 18 years, create a unique dynamic that fosters seamless collaboration, strong communication, and exceptional client service.
With satellite offices across Ontario, RDA is well-positioned to serve clients throughout the province, delivering high-quality design and professional results. In addition to her architectural practice, Rosalie is a board member of Habitat for Humanity Huronia and Barrie Housing, further demonstrating her commitment to affordable housing and community development. Rosalie’s 14 years of teaching design at OCAD University further refined her leadership skills, enhancing her ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate effectively. Through her architectural practice, she has contributed her expertise to the Municipality of North Grenville’s Additional Residential Unit (ARU) initiative, helping develop sustainable, affordable, and accessible housing solutions for the community.
Alex de Wit, Rural Economic Development Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs
Alex de Wit is a bilingual public sector professional with extensive experience in leadership, community development, and government relations. He currently works as an Economic and Business Advisor with the Ministry of Rural Affairs, following senior roles in employment, training, and non-profit leadership. He cover Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott-Russell, Leeds-Grenville & Lanark County.
Holding a Master’s Certificate in Public Sector Leadership and an Honours degree in Political Science, Alex has led strategic planning, supported more than 30 community-based projects, and continues to speak as part of the community development champion.
Gina Doxtator
Gina Doxtator has worked with First Nations communities and ally organizations for over 20 years providing leadership in the areas of planning, engagement, public policy, governance and advocacy. As a member of the Onyota’a:ka (Oneida Nation) and maternal ties with Anishinaabe (Bkejwanong), Gina has resided in unceded, Algonquin Territory (Ottawa) for over 25 years. Her extensive experience and knowledge of Indigenous issues on a local, regional and national level includes working with governments, communities and industry. Her roles at the Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous Services Canada, Chiefs of Ontario and with her own business doing Indigenous Advisory, engagement, facilitation, strategic planning services. She brings a passion for creating positive and collaborative change for both clients and communities.
Yves Ducharme, LL,L, Director of Business Development, Devcore Group
With a career spanning over 40 years, Yves Ducharme brings extensive expertise in law and strategic negotiation. As a member of the Quebec Bar, he has distinguished himself through his ability to lead complex projects, particularly in the real estate and municipal sectors. Former Mayor of Hull and Gatineau (1992-2005), he played a key role in several major organisations, including serving as President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). His leadership also extended to the international stage, where he actively contributed to various initiatives. Additionally, he held the position of Director of Program Development for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). In recent years, he has worked as a strategist and lobbyist in the commercial and real estate sectors in Gatineau and Ottawa, building a strong network of influence and gaining an in-depth understanding of municipal and economic issues in the region. In his new role, as director of business development with Devcore, Yves is responsible for establishing and strengthening strategic relationships with municipalities located between Ottawa, Peterborough, and Kingston. He will also promote the DEV Centre in Cornwall to local municipalities, municipal associations, Ontario government ministries, and provincial and federal Crown corporations.
Mike Elms, Manager of Community Planning & Development, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Mike Elms is Manager of Community Planning & Development at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in their Eastern Municipal Services Office (Kingston). Mike leads a team of professional planners that have a direct role in the review and approval of municipal official plans for all 13 single-tiers and 11 upper-tiers in eastern Ontario. Mike has been with the province for over 20 years, overseeing land-use planning matters under the Planning Act, Provincial Planning Statement and various provincial legislation. Prior to this, Mike worked in both the economic development field and private sector planning in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Tracy Eso, BFA, CIP, CRM, ACI, Risk Assessment & Solutions Specialist, Intact Public Entities
Tracy Eso is the Risk Assessment and Solutions Specialist in the Risk Management Department at Intact Public Entities with expertise in insurance claims, risk management, captive insurance, and climate change. She has over 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry. Tracy is an instructor for the Insurance Institute of Canada and has spoken at various industry conferences and writes articles on topics ranging from climate change to liability claims. Her focus at Intact Public Entities is to research risks that municipalities across Canada are facing, develop ways to mitigate those hazards and educate municipal clients in best-practice solutions to create resilience in the face of an ever-changing risk landscape.
Alison Fath-York, Manager of Local Government and Housing, Eastern Regional Municipal Services Office, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Alison Fath-York serves as the Manager of Local Government and Housing at the Eastern Regional Municipal Services Office within the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. She leads a multidisciplinary team that supports 114 municipalities and 12 service managers in implementing provincial policies, programs, and legislation related to governance, administration, and municipal finance. With nearly four decades of experience in the public sector—spanning both provincial and municipal government—Alison brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to effective public service
Kent Fitzhugh, Senior Business Advisor, Small Business and Program Delivery Division, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Kent Fitzhugh is a Senior Business Advisor with the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade where he supports business growth and investment in Eastern Ontario. Based in Kingston, he works within the Business Advisory Services Branch, serving communities including Frontenac County, Lennox & Addington County, Quinte West, Prince Edward County and lower Hastings County as well as the City of Kingston and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Kent has held positions with several provincial ministries including Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Stephen Green, Managing Partner, Green and Spiegel
Stephen Green is one of the two Managing Partners at Green and Spiegel and is Certified as a Specialist in Immigration Law by The Law Society of Ontario. Stephen has been practicing immigration law for over 35 years and has extensive experience in all areas of Canadian immigration. Stephen has been identified for many years as a leading practitioner in immigration law. Stephen is considered a subject matter expert and dynamic speaker in the field, frequently asked to speak as a panelist, moderator and lecturer.
Stephen’s expertise includes all areas of Canadian immigration law, specializing in corporate employee transfers, express entry applications, family class applications, provincial nominee applications, business applications, work permits, Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) and start-up visas. Stephen also leads the Investment and Entrepreneur Department at the firm, which assists experienced businesspeople and high net worth individuals to invest in Canada to obtain Permanent Residence. Stephen also has particular expertise in CUSMA confirmation exemptions, work permit approvals for strategic, expert and key professional employees and high-level executives.
Stephen’s clients range from the largest multinational corporations in the world to many start-up and entrepreneurial clients crossing all industries: IT, telecommunications, hospitality, transportation and consulting to name just a few. Stephen travels around the globe to speak to various business organizations and clients regarding Canadian immigration. Stephen champions Canada as a country with incredible potential for prospective immigrants both in terms of economic growth and quality of life. The following are awards that Stephen has received: Rank by Best Lawyers Canada for Immigration Law, 2006 – 2025 Ranked in the Chambers and Partners Canada and Global Guides, 2019 – 2025 Ranked as Chambers and Partners Band 1 Lawyer in the field of Immigration Law, 2022 – 2025. Recognized in the Legal 500: Business Immigration Hall of Fame, 2023, 2024 Toronto’s Top Lawyers, 2024 France Canada Chamber of Commerce – Community Engagement Award 2024 Listed in Who’s Who Legal: Canada, 2023, 2024 Listed in the 2022 Canada Legal 500 guide as the Leading Canadian Immigration Lawyer Listed in the 2022 Canadian Lexpert ® Directory
Shelley Hirstwood, Director of Business Development, Kingston Economic Development
Shelley Hirstwood specializes in Investment Attraction and Business Growth. Her core responsibilities encompass the identification of prospective business opportunities and the facilitation of foreign direct investment to encourage enterprises to establish a presence in Kingston. In her capacity, she engages various stakeholders, including all levels of government, real estate professionals, site selection experts, and key industry partners, to streamline investment opportunities. With a career spanning 18 years in the field of economic development, Shelley brings a wealth of experience to her role. Prior to joining the Kingston team, she served as an Economic Development Manager in Gananoque, ON and Gravelbourg, SK. Throughout her career, her focus has remained centered on investment attraction, business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship and community development. Shelley’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Trent University, complemented by the EDAC Economic Development Certificate from the University of Waterloo. Furthermore, she has honed her expertise through Training for Small Business Counsellors at Acadia University and completed the Queen’s Executive Program at Queen’s University, Smith School of Business. In addition to her professional commitments, Shelley is actively engaged in the industry as a board member of the Economic Development Association of Canada. She has also served as the past president of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission.
Ainsley Hunt, Economic Development Officer, Township of North Glengarry
Ainsley Hunt has served as the Economic Development Officer for the Township of North Glengarry since April 2024. She actively fosters development in the municipality through business retention and expansion practices, hosting and promoting community development activities, and securing support to advance crucial infrastructure. Notably, she recently aided in the establishment of an out-of-province business’s expansion to Ontario, creating new jobs in the municipality. Her creative approaches to development have been influential in identifying growth opportunities and formulating expansion strategies for the municipality. Ainsley holds a Bachelor of Global and International Studies from Carleton University, where she specialized in International Economic Policy. Her proficiency and dedication have been instrumental in driving the municipality’s growth and prosperity.
Aled ab Iorwerth, Deputy Chief Economist, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Groundbreaking research by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has revealed that inadequate supply is a key driver behind escalating house prices in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. The lead researcher for that project – Deputy Chief Economist Aled ab Iorwerth – now coordinates a diverse national team of researchers and analysts who are investigating impediments to housing supply and potential solutions.
Aled joined CMHC in 2016, bringing his strong analytical and research capabilities to bear on complex housing issues. He previously had a 15-year career at Finance Canada, in various research and analysis roles that included secondments to Environment Canada and the Council of Canadian Academies.”
Kennan Ip, Senior Manager, Transmission Integration, Independent Electricity System Operator
As the Senior Manager, Transmission Integration at the IESO, Kennan Ip leads the planning of the transmission system in Ontario to ensure it is reliable, resilient and cost effective in the years ahead. His responsibilities include assessing the security of the transmission system, identifying system needs, and developing plans to accommodate the system needs.
Prior to his current position, Kennan held the role of Senior Transmission Planner for Eastern Ontario, where he had the opportunity to work with several municipalities while developing transmission plans for the regions of Peterborough to Kingston, Greater Ottawa, and Renfrew. These plans resulted in several transmission reinforcements across Eastern Ontario, that help improve the reliability of supply, enable economic development, and support the energy transition. His career began with Hydro One where he held a variety of roles where he got the chance to work in areas such as asset management, customer, and project delivery.
Kennan is a graduate of McMaster University where he studied Electrical Engineering and Management.
Abdul Jendi, Investment Manager, Kingston Economic Development
Abdul Razak is a seasoned international business development professional with expertise in international trade and FDI in North America, Europe & Asia. He also serves on the SWITCH Board of Directors. Throughout his career, Abdul Razak gained experience working in organizations that are publicly traded, privately held, family-owned, and non-profit. Before joining the Kingston Economic Development team, Abdul Razak held the position of Economic Development Manager at ROI, a Montreal based consulting firm, playing a pivotal role in managing and delivering lead generation programs, in-market representation, and industry analysis for domestic and international clients in Canada, the USA, and Europe. In the United Arab Emirates, he managed over 100 contracts worth $6.5 billion while working with National Central Cooling Co PJSC (DFM:TABREED). Working in the steel industry, Abdul Razak closed several deals including a landmark steel pipes deal from Turkey to India worth $14 million to build a chemical processing plant. Abdul Razak also served as the Deputy Director for the Global New York Canada Office assisting companies to expand and grow in the State of New York, as well as supporting New York based companies enter the Canadian market. Brought up and raised in the United Arab Emirates Abdul Razak graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Economics from the American University of Sharjah and is currently completing his Master’s in Economics at Concordia University.
Daniel Landry, AICP, CNUa, Director of Development, Brigil
Daniel is a seasoned community design professional with a deep passion for the impact of the built and natural environments on people’s quality of life. In his early years, he accompanied several municipalities and regions on the adoption of policies and regulatory frameworks promoting active and collective modes of transportation, equity in sports and recreation, and the creation and requalification of inclusive, quality public spaces. After 14 years in the public service, Daniel became self-employed and collaborated with urban planning consulting firms in North America. His previous professional experiences make him an outstanding and creative consultant, adopting a holistic approach to urban planning in numerous projects involving official plans, downtown revitalization and requalification, TODs and Form-Based Codes. He was also Director of Community Planning for two municipalities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Leisure Studies from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Design from the University of Miami – School of Architecture.
Tiffany MacLaren, Manager Community and Economic Development, Municipality of Mississippi Mills
A firm believer in collaboration and creative thinking, Tiffany MacLaren is passionate about all her community has to offer. With a background in tourism, marketing, and special events at both local and national levels, she loves that her current role allows her to make a real difference close to home. During her more than 10 years with Mississippi Mills, she has implemented numerous economic development initiatives, tourism promotions, and community events. An experienced grant writer and partnership builder, Tiffany thrives in community-building work and strives to bring the right people and resources together for the benefit of the Municipality. As the primary contact for film crews in Mississippi Mills, she plays a crucial role in facilitating and supporting productions while prioritizing the needs of the community.
Erika Magder, Executive Vice President, Global Sales, Research FDI
Erika is an innate leader and market strategist bringing close to 20 years of experience in economic and business development to her role of EVP of Global Sales at ResearchFDI. In her role, she is responsible for managing our portfolio of business intelligence, lead generation and data services to ResearchFDI’s international clients.
Born and raised in Quebec, Erika later received a Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, specializing in marketing and international business. Her prior experience working as Director, Business Development at the world’s largest language services and related technologies company allowed her to gain experience working with Fortune 500 and fast-growing companies to provide language services and solutions to support their international growth initiatives. She later started her career as an Economic Development Specialist and spent 5 years acting as an in-market representative and lead generation consultant for the East and West Midland RDAs in the U.S. and Canada.
Her experience in developing advanced research protocols and surveying techniques as well as her extensive knowledge of the software solutions (SaaS) market have made her an invaluable asset for ResearchFDIs International Business Development team in promoting our portfolio of business intelligence data products.
Alison McDonald, General Manager, Raisin Region Conservation
Alison is the General Manager for the Raisin Region Conservation Authority, working closely with five partner municipalities in eastern Ontario. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles as Director of Approvals at the South Nation Conservation Authority and Manager of Planning at the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry. She also serves as a municipal councillor in North Stormont. In her current role, Alison supports a dedicated team that provides valuable environmental services to local communities. Throughout her career, she has consistently focused on improving service delivery, enhancing customer service, and finding innovative solutions to local challenges. Alison is known for her collaborative approach, bringing people together to find meaningful, sustainable solutions for the benefit of the entire community.
Jesse McPhail, Urban Planner & Partner, Re: Public Urbanism
Jesse is an urban planner and partner at Re:Public Urbanism, a planning and design consultancy based in Montréal specializing in small- to mid-sized communities. With over a decade of experience in both the public and private sectors, he has worked on a wide range of projects across Canada, focusing on all types of municipal plans, zoning by-laws, housing studies, and spatial analyses to support community planning and economic development. More recently, Jesse’s work has evolved toward progressive, data-driven approaches to community planning, with a particular interest in how municipalities can leverage resources such as underused public lands, policy tools, and spatial analysis to address housing and economic development challenges. Prior to joining Re:Public, Jesse began his planning career in the public sector, starting as a planning intern at the City of Cornwall, Ontario, before working as a community planner in Lacombe County, Alberta and later returning to his hometown as the community planner for the Township of South Stormont. He holds a B.A, Specialization in Urban Planning from Concordia University and is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP).
Dione Mills, acting Director of Long Term Care, Municipality of Prince Edward County
Dione is the acting Director of Long Term Care for the municipality of Prince Edward County. Dione’s tenure at H.J. McFarland Memorial Home has been a journey of growth, leadership, and commitment to long-term care for more than 17 years. Starting as a Housekeeping/Dietary Restorative Aide, Dione progressed to serving as the Nutritional Supervisor before assuming the role of Acting Director of Long-Term Care in March 2025. In every role that she has served, Dione has been guided by a passion for resident-centered care.
Dione has certifications in Food Service Worker and Food and Nutrition Management, with ongoing studies in Long-Term Care Leadership. Her designations include Certified Municipal Manager (CMM) and membership in the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM).
Dione has a strong commitment to community engagement. Together with the outstanding team at H.J. McFarland Memorial Home, Dione is building connections with local partners, families, and organizations to enhance the quality of care and support for those who call the home their own. Dione is currently overseeing the construction of a new long term care home that will be located adjacent to H.J. McFarland Memorial Home in Picton.
David Munday, Managing Partner, Cunningham Swan Lawyers
David Munday is the firm’s Managing Partner, as well as a Partner in the Municipal Group and has been with the firm since 2009. He attended the University of Guelph before attaining his J.D. from Queen’s University in Kingston. David regularly supports his clients and provides specialized advice to municipalities in the following areas:
- Land Use Planning and Development matters
- Complex land acquisitions and dispositions
- Municipal governance
- Municipal taxation and finance
- Roads and other municipal property issues
- Construction lien matters
- Commercial leasing and financing
- Procurement, including RFP and Tendering
- Freedom of Information
- Cemetery issues
David is active in the Eastern Ontario community, holding positions on the executive committee of the Kingston Home Builders Association. He has been a director of the Food Sharing Project which feeds over 12,000 hungry children in the greater Kingston area and is a past director of the Limestone Advisory for Childcare Programs. Education B.A. (Hons.) University of Guelph Class of 2004 J.D. Queen’s University Class of 2009 To contact David, please email dmunday@cswan.com, or call 613.546.8091.
Dr Jasmine Muszik, Engagement Coordinator, Rural Ontario Institute (ROI)
Jasmine Muszik is the Engagement Coordinator at the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI), where she leads outreach and community engagement for the Rural Housing Information System (RHIS) and the Well-Being Community Dashboards. With a background in agricultural and animal sciences and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Jasmine uses localized data and outreach opportunities to foster participation, collaboration, and drive action on well-being, housing, and equity issues. She brings strong experience in science communication, event facilitation, and collaborative program delivery from her previous work in research and education. Jasmine is committed to making rural data more accessible, visual, and actionable for communities across Ontario, and she can’t wait to present ROI’s dashboards at the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC).
- BSc, Animal Biology, University of Guelph
- MSc, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, University of Guelph
- PhD, Animal Science, McGill University
Magloire Ngnitedem, Economic & Business Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
Magloire Ngnitedem is an Economic & Business Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA). His role is to encourage and facilitate growth, development and investment in food and beverage manufacturing business. Based in Kemptville (ON), Magloire covers Prescott & Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Ottawa, Leeds & Grenville, Lanark, Frontenac, Renfrew, Lennox & Addington. Magloire joined OMAFA in 2020, bringing over a decade of experience in the agri-food sector, working for companies based in Canada, US, Europe, and Africa.
Peter Paz, Senior Director of Public and Government Relations, Alto
Peter is Senior Director of Public and Government Relations at Alto, the Crown corporation leading the development of Canada’s high-speed rail project. With more than 15 years of experience in the transportation sector, including leadership roles at Metrolinx, he specializes in building partnerships with governments and communities. At Alto, Peter oversees the development and implementation of Alto’s Community Benefits Plan and engagement program, ensuring the project creates inclusive opportunities and lasting benefits along the Corridor.
Nancy Peckford, Mayor of North Grenville
Nancy Peckford, a native Newfoundlander, was first elected Mayor of North Grenville in 2018 and re-elected to a second term in 2022. She is the first female mayor of the Municipality of North Grenville, and served as fourth female Warden for the United Counties of Leeds Grenville in its 172 history. Before moving to Kemptville in 2011, she lived in a variety of urban, rural, and northern communities. Previous work included roles in the NGO sector, culminating as the Executive Director at Equal Voice, focused on women’s and youth leadership. She served as the architect of the historic 2017 ‘Daughters of the Vote’ initiative and was named one of the Women’s Executive Network’s Top 100 Powerful Women in Canada in 2014. Peckford’s background as a political advocate and her time on and off the Hill shaped her approach to leadership. She emphasizes the need to invest in the quality of life of all residents and has been a tenacious champion for major infrastructure initiatives. Among her first acts as Mayor was to establish one of Eastern Ontario’s first Affordable Housing Taskforces in 2019 which was the catalyst for major housing and planning policy shifts within North Grenville and is transforming options for affordable and attainable housing in the community today.
Lindsay Parisien, Senior Planner, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry
Lindsay Parisien is a Senior Planner with SDG Counties Planning Services and has been with the Counties since January of 2024. She is a full member with OPPI and is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP). She holds a master’s degree in Local Economic Development and a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Waterloo.
Lindsay has gained extensive experience working in various municipalities. She served as a Downtown Revitalization Coordinator for the Town of East Gwillimbury and took on various roles in Planning Services for the City of Toronto and the City of Cornwall. In her current role at SDG Counties, Lindsay’s projects primarily focus on policy development, growth management, and supporting local Townships in reviewing planning applications. Notably, she has supported the Township of North Glengarry in the heritage designation process.
Lindsay’s expertise and commitment to community growth make her a key player in shaping the future of SDG Counties. Her proactive approach and collaborative spirit continue to drive positive change in the Counties.
Cyndy Palleske, Executive Director, Community Futures Eastern Ontario (CFEO)
Cyndy joined CFEO in 2022 and has strong roots in Eastern Ontario. She is passionate about supporting businesses and economic growth, leveraging over 3 decades of senior executive experience in the manufacturing and non-profit sectors. She is committed to driving regional and provincial economic initiatives. She has served previously as a volunteer board director for Community Futures Peterborough, and is currently a director on the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC) board. Her combined background and experiences across multiple sectors gives Cyndy unique insight into developing strong partnerships and helping businesses grow through connections with regional, provincial, and federal support systems.
Lisa Prentiss , MBA, PMP, Partner, MNP Digital
Lisa Prentiss is a Partner at MNP Digital, where she leads the Digital Experience solution area. With over two decades of experience in customer experience (CX) and digital technologies, Lisa guides organizations through transformative digital initiatives, helping them uncover operational efficiencies, design new digital experiences, and develop innovative services and products. She excels at demystifying complex digital landscapes, ensuring her clients select solutions that align with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations. Through design thinking, Lisa engages stakeholders to deeply understand challenges, fostering holistic problem-solving.
Her expertise spans digital marketing strategy, user experience and customer experience design, management consulting, advanced analytics, and agile project management. Lisa has successfully led numerous large-scale technology integrations, notably in implementing digital experience platforms, advanced analytics, collaboration environments, Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform solutions, and ERP systems. Lisa helps organizations map customer journeys, define service delivery models, establish digital experience and technology roadmaps, and deploy solutions using agile methodologies.
In addition to her core capabilities, Lisa is a trusted leader in AI enablement and adoption planning. She has spearheaded the development of AI strategies that empower teams to harness AI for enhanced business outcomes, designing enablement programs that accelerate positive adoption and skill-building. Lisa is adept at crafting M365 Copilot strategies and roadmaps, guiding organizations in integrating Copilot’s capabilities across the Microsoft 365 suite to drive productivity and innovation. Furthermore, she has defined AI best practices for governance, ensuring responsible implementation, regulatory compliance, and ethical stewardship of AI systems. Her comprehensive approach balances technology adoption with practical governance, equipping organizations to realize the full value of AI while maintaining trust and transparency.
Spencer Putnam, Associate, Cunningham Swan Lawyers
Spencer Putnam is an Associate in our Municipal Law Group.
Spencer summered and articled with the Firm before joining as an Associate in 2020.
Spencer received his J.D. from Queen’s University, where he was named to the Dean’s Honour List and awarded the course prize in Tax Law. Prior to law school, Spencer graduated with distinction from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Studies.
Spencer provides advice and representation to municipalities and individuals across Ontario in a variety of municipal matters, including:
- Land use planning
- Provincial Offences Act prosecutions related to municipal, building, and environmental regulations
- Drafting and reviewing by-laws and agreements
- Administrative law
- Expropriations
Spencer volunteers as a supervising lawyer with Pro Bono Students Canada and serves on the Board of Directors of Youth Diversion. Outside the office, he spends his time hiking and playing rugby.
Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, Lanark County
Jasmin Ralph is an experienced municipal administrator, with over 15 years of municipal government experience. Jasmin’s portfolio at Lanark County includes communications, economic development support and a lead role in ensuring legislative and procedural excellence. At the County Jasmin has coordinated initiatives to address critical workforce needs by establishing new programs including the Rural Inclusion Pilot Project Lanark & Renfrew, the Land in Lanark Campaign, IRCC funded Settlement Services and the Rural Economic Development through Immigration Pilot Program.
Jasmin is an experienced manager and has led municipal organizational restructuring, strategic planning and communications programs. Jasmin’s previous roles include the Clerk Administrator for the Township of Montague and Economic Development Coordinator for the Town of Carleton Place. She is dedicated to creating communities that are inclusive and engaging for all residents.
Stephanie Reeder, Group Manager, Cambium Inc.
As part of the Senior Team at Cambium, Stephanie is an experienced Environmental Assessment (EA) Lead with over 20 years in the environmental consulting field. She has successfully guided municipal and industrial clients through various levels of environmental assessments, ensuring projects are completed efficiently while meeting regulatory requirements and client goals. A dedicated communicator and leader, Stephanie fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous Nations, government agencies, and the public. She is committed to building and maintaining trusted relationships to ensure meaningful engagement and project success. Her proactive approach to problem-solving, strong analytical skills, and ability to navigate complex challenges allow her to deliver effective and informed EA project outcomes. As part of the Cambium team, Stephanie continues to lead impactful EA projects that prioritize practical, high-quality, and sustainable solutions. Through her expertise and leadership, she ensures that each assessment supports informed decision-making and long-term environmental sustainability.
Meg Ronson, Economic Development Coordinator, Municipality of Port Hope
Meg Ronson has been the Economic Development Coordinator at the Municipality of Port Hope since 2023 and an active member of OEEDC, EDCO, and EDAC. She is a voracious learner, always looking for the next professional hurdle to jump, with certifications in traffic control planning, Municipal planning, Municipal law, a certificate in Economics from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Bachelor of Humanities from Carleton University and a Masters of Economic Development and Innovation from the University of Waterloo. Her career so far has been a decade-long search for meaningful community impact and economic empowerment spanning grassroots co-operatives to Federal social finance mobilization projects. The breadth of her experience is dwarfed only by her commitment to leaving the world and her communities better off than how she found them.
Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director of Regional Tourism Organization 9
Bonnie has been with the RTO9 since the inception of the Regional Tourism Organization in 2011. Bonnie was appointed to Executive Director in 2017 after 6 years as Operations Manager for RTO9. With a background in finance and a passion for the tourism industry, Bonnie is a true leader. In 2020 Bonnie completed her MBA in Community Economic Development. Prior to her career with RTO9, Bonnie was Executive Director for the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce where she was instrumental in growing membership and launching the official Bi-lingual Visitor Guide for her destination.
Jackie Schoemaker Holmes, MA, MPLAN, PhD, Housing Accelerator Fund Program Manager, Municipality of North Grenville
Dr. Jackie Schoemaker Holmes is a trained sociologist, qualitative research specialist, and rural planning and economic development professional. Her work centres on the study and empowerment of individuals and communities in a variety of contexts including municipal government-level research about the feasibility of creating immigrant entrepreneur attraction strategies for small cities in Canada as well as leading the methodological approach for a groundbreaking community willingness study that assessed the desire of a municipality to host a deep geological repository of used nuclear fuel. With a background in academia, municipal government, and non-profits, Schoemaker Holmes now works in housing affordability at the municipal level with the Municipality of North Grenville where she acts as Program Manager for the Housing Accelerator Fund program. Dr. Schoemaker Holmes is deeply committed to community, intersectional research and policy strategies, and the right to housing security for all. She is committed to learning about the reasons people care about their communities and to ensuring that that community care and desire for vibrant, livable places to call home is realized in the communities where she works.
Jeremy Tessier, Knowledge Transfer Specialist, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Jeremy has been with the CMHC since June 2022, and has worked within the Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic regions. He is focused on active engagement with diverse actors across the housing sector to deliver the latest and most relevant information on CMHC programs and the National Housing Strategy. He now works with community groups, housing providers, and developers to support sustainable and affordable housing initiatives in the Ontario region.
Victoria Watts, Business Growth & Retention Specialist, Belleville Economic Development
Victoria Watts is the Business Growth & Retention Specialist for the City of Belleville, Economic Development. In her role, she supports Belleville’s business community by leading initiatives in workforce development, business retention and expansion, and strategic partnerships. She brings a unique perspective shaped by over 15 years as a founder and CEO in food manufacturing and nearly a decade in the legal field, combining entrepreneurial insight with practical problem-solving. In her role with the City’s Economic Development team, Victoria focuses on fostering collaboration between community stakeholders to create a welcoming environment where businesses can grow and succeed.
At OEMC, Victoria will share Belleville’s approach and best practices to aligning community partnerships with workforce needs to strengthen the local economy.
Joel Wiebe, Vice President, Government Relations and Operations, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Joel Wiebe is the Vice President, Government Relations and Operations with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. He is a former journalist and has spent the last decade working in the non-profit sector with small and medium-sized businesses, helping them overcome barriers and capitalize on opportunity. He is a passionate advocate for community development projects, including high-speed rail.
Nicole Whiting, Executive Director, Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization
Nicole has always had a deep appreciation for the value travel experiences bring to people’s lives and communities. Her diverse background as a competitive whitewater kayaker, event manager and entrepreneur, afforded her opportunities to visit, live and work in popular tourism destinations all over the world before settling down in the Ottawa Valley over 20 years ago. In 2010, the Ontario Government, through the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Gaming, created 13 tourism regions across the province. Each region would be responsible for establishing a separate not-for-profit organization that would work with their respective tourism industries toward increasing visitation to Ontario. Over the past 13 years as Executive Director of what is now known as Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO), Nicole has had the privilege of working with a fantastic team of staff, Board members and tourism champions to develop partnerships and innovative strategies that seek to strengthen rural communities through tourism for the Counties of Lennox and Addington, Frontenac, Haliburton, Renfrew, and Lanark.
Kathryn Wood, Project Coordinator, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council
Kathryn has more than decade of experience as the Project Coordinator for the EOLC, including supporting the EOLC’s leadership during the pandemic by attracting more than $2 million in funding for major regional projects focused on commuter transportation, building economic and labour market resilience, and leading software platform development projects for labour markets and public works permitting. In addition to project development and preparation of funding applications, she provides data analytics services to the EOLC for the use of the five member partners that sit at the EOLC table. Kathryn has presented at the OEMC conference several times before, both live and virtually.
Peter Young, Director of Planning & Economic Development Services, SDG
Peter Young is the Director of Planning and Economic Development Services at the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. In this role, Peter works closely with six local municipalities and three conservation authorities through the SDG Planning Group. He also provides planning consulting services to three municipalities. Throughout his career, Peter has been known for his ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and provide innovative solutions to planning challenges. With a strong background in urban planning and economic development, Peter is dedicated to creating and implementing policies that promote balanced development while preserving the unique character and environmental integrity of the region.
2025 Speakers
Jideofor Ahaneku, Business Developer
University of Waterloo
Jideofor Ahaneku, Business Developer at the University of Waterloo, specializes in co-op placements, connecting students with employers in the National Capital Region. With 15 years of entrepreneurial experience across Nigeria and China, he brings a global perspective to talent acquisition and workforce development. A strong advocate for continuous learning, Jideofor is presenting Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: The Strategic Advantage of Co-op Student Employment at the City of Kingston International Student Symposium. This session explores how international students contribute to local economies while facing unique integration challenges, highlighting Kingston’s model for fostering inclusion and collaboration among regional partners.
Greg Belmore, Manager of Human Resources
The County of Renfrew
Greg Belmore, Manager of Human Resources for the County of Renfrew, leads HR initiatives focused on talent acquisition, employee engagement, and international recruitment to address labour shortages, particularly in healthcare. A Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Human Resource Professional, he has implemented strategic HR policies, recognition programs, and a human resources information system to enhance workforce development. Greg is co-presenting Innovating Rural Resilience: Eastern Ontario’s Path to Immigrant Attraction and Skilled Workforce Integration, exploring how rural communities can leverage skilled newcomers to address labour shortages and foster inclusive growth through the Rural Inclusion Project.
Behdad Banan, Head of Product
Enbridge Sustain
Behdad Banan, Head of Product at Enbridge Sustain, leads commercial planning and product management for sustainable technologies, including hybrid heating, solar, geothermal, and EV charging solutions. With an MBA and a background spanning energy and telecom, he has driven market growth and operational efficiencies in previous roles at Rogers Communications. At OEMC 2024, Behdad will present Enbridge Sustain: Towards a Lower-Carbon Future, exploring innovations in sustainable energy and how municipalities can leverage new technologies to meet evolving energy demands and environmental goals.
Agenda Highlights
Dates: September 17–19, 2025
Location: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
- Keynote Speaker, Jennifer Botterill: Insights on leadership, resilience, and driving success in economic development
- Plenary, Economic Development & Housing: Addressing infrastructure challenges and unlocking growth opportunities
- EV & Workforce Transition: The future of electric vehicle manufacturing and workforce adaptation in Eastern Ontario
- Cybersecurity & Municipalities: Protecting local governments from digital threats and ensuring resilient operations
- Premier Networking & President’s Reception: Connect with municipal leaders, investors, and industry experts over drinks & entertainment
2025 Call for Speakers –
Now Accepting Submissions
2025 Preliminary Program
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Evening Registration
Beat the Wednesday Rush!
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cocktail and Networking Reception
NEW! reception with the Ottawa Business Journal to celebrate the launch of City Building 2024 magazine and to reveal the top 30 city building projects in the region. This will take place in the Atrium, which is the main OEMC registration area at the Ottawa Conference & Event Centre.
RSVP is required for this event as seats are limited. OEMC Delegates have received an invitation. If you have not and would like to attend, please contact oemc@ontarioeast.ca
Wednesday, September 17, 202
8:30 AM
Registration Opens
Refreshments in Exhibit Hall
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
OEMC Opening Remarks & Government Address
- Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario (video)
- Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (video)
- Warden Peter Emon, County of Renfrew, Chair, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
- Mayor Jeff Leal, City of Peterborough, Chair, Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Opening Plenary
Sponsored by Devcore Group
*Schedule is subject to change.
** EMC attendees are eligible for 3 points towards EDAC’s professional Ec.D. accreditation
2025 Preliminary Program
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
| 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | |||
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
| 8:30 AM | ||||
| 10:00-10:30 AM | ||||
| 10:30-11:30 AM | ||||
| 11:30-12:30 PM | ||||
| 12:15-1:30 PM | ||||
| Breakout 1 | Breakout 2 | Breakout 3 | Breakout 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30-2:30 PM | TBC | Tax Incremental Financing and Other Tools to Revitalize Distressed Areas within a Community | Canadian Immigration Toolbox and Economic Growth | Warming Up to Climate Change: Municipal Resilience in Eastern Ontario |
| 2:30-3:00 PM | ||||
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Catalyzing Growth: Government Funding Strategies for Economic Development | Conservation Authorities and Municipalities - Partnerships in Action | Rural Inclusion Pilot Project: Collaborative Workforce Solutions for Growing Communities | Lights, Camera, Action: Behind the Scenes in a Film-Friendly Town |
| 4:00-4:10 PM | ||||
| 4:10-5:10 PM | Building Global Connections: Tactical Approaches to Attracting Investment in Eastern Ontario | Land (Un)Locked: Using Spatial Analysis to Unlock the Potential of Underused Public Lands | Collaborating for Prosperity: Uniting Communities to Create the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop | The AI-Powered Small Town: How Human-Centered AI is Transforming Marketing & Productivity for Local Economies |
| 5:10-6:30 PM | ||||
| 6:30 PM | ||||
| 8:30 AM | Registration Opens Refreshments in Exhibit Hall | |||
| 10:00-10:30 AM | OEMC Opening Remarks & Government Address | |||
| 10:30-11:30 AM | Opening Plenary Panel | |||
| 11:30-12:30 PM | Opening Keynote Sponsored by Devcore Group | |||
| 12:15-1:30 PM | Lunch – Sponsored by Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) | |||
| Breakout 1 | Breakout 2 | Breakout 3 | Breakout 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30-2:30 PM | TBC | Tax Incremental Financing and Other Tools to Revitalize Distressed Areas within a Community | Canadian Immigration Toolbox and Economic Growth | Warming Up to Climate Change: Municipal Resilience in Eastern Ontario |
| 2:30-3:00 PM | Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall | |||
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Catalyzing Growth: Government Funding Strategies for Economic Development | Conservation Authorities and Municipalities – Partnerships in Action | Rural Inclusion Pilot Project: Collaborative Workforce Solutions for Growing Communities | Lights, Camera, Action: Behind the Scenes in a Film-Friendly Town |
| 4:00-4:10 PM | Transition | |||
| 4:10-5:10 PM | Building Global Connections: Tactical Approaches to Attracting Investment in Eastern Ontario | Land (Un)Locked: Using Spatial Analysis to Unlock the Potential of Underused Public Lands | Collaborating for Prosperity: Uniting Communities to Create the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop | The AI-Powered Small Town: How Human-Centered AI is Transforming Marketing & Productivity for Local Economies |
| 5:10-6:30 PM | President’s Reception in Exhibit Hall | |||
| 6:30 PM | Free Night! | |||
Thursday, September 18, 2025
| 8:00-9:00 AM | ||||
| 9:00-10:00 AM | ||||
| 10:00-10:30 AM | ||||
| Breakout 1 | Breakout 2 | Breakout 3 | Breakout 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30-11:30 AM | Facilitating Economic Development and Evidence-based Decision Making for Rural Communities – | Optimizing the Environmental Assessment (EA) Process: Best Practices for Efficiency and Impact | Universities as Engines of Growth | Municipal Law Update |
| 11:30-11:40 AM | ||||
| 11:40-12:40 PM | Beginners Guide to Effective Funding Proposals | First Impressions Community Exchange Program | Connecting for Success: Programs for Ontario’s Municipalities and Businesses | HealthPulse Shuttle: Supporting skill & workforce development through regional partnerships | Everyone has a role to play in solving the productivity crisis |
| 12:40-1:45 PM | ||||
| 1:45-2:45 PM | Finding Opportunities in Times of Upheaval: A Regional Perspective | Preserving our Past: Navigating the Changes to the Ontario Heritage Act Through Partnership | Workforce Housing: Emerging Solutions from Rural and Small Urban Municipalities (CMHC) | Envisioning Eastern Ontario’s Electricity Future |
| 2:45-3:15 PM | ||||
| 3:15-4:15 PM | Driving Economic Growth: Harnessing the Power of BR+E with Prosper Belleville Insights | Incenting ARU Development in Rapidly Growing Rural Areas: An ARU Initiative Case Study and Toolkit | ResearchFDI Academy | |
| 5:30 PM | ||||
Friday, September 19, 2025
| 8:30- 9:30 AM | Morning Refreshments and Closing SpeakerHow is Eastern Ontario’s Economy Faring Amid Renewed Trump Uncertainty? | ||
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Gain Insights from Past Conferences
The conversations that shape Ontario’s economic future don’t start from scratch—they build on years of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. OEMC has consistently brought together industry experts, policymakers, and economic leaders to share strategies and solutions.
Want to see what’s worked before? Explore past conferences for key takeaways, impactful discussions, and game-changing insights that continue to influence municipal and regional development.