Dates
Canada’s economic outlook shows slowing growth, weak business confidence, and high unemployment, but the real impact of trade uncertainty and U.S. tariffs is being felt most directly in our communities. Across the country, municipalities are managing the fallout: business closures, job losses, and growing pressure on local services.
As first responders in this shifting trade landscape, cities are where global disruptions become local realities. Their experiences reveal how communities adapt, innovate, and uncover new opportunities. These realities raise important questions for Canada’s economic future: How can cities leverage local strengths and cross-border connections to improve trade relations with our southern neighbours? And how can they collaborate with provincial and federal governments to support communities and drive economic growth amid ongoing uncertainty?
Join us for a national webinar bringing together municipal and trade leaders for a forward-looking discussion on how cities can strengthen their role in Canada’s evolving trade environment—and help shape a more resilient economic future.
Strong cities build strong economies. The future of Canada’s trade resilience starts here.
Meet the panelists
Mayor Josh Morgan, City of London, Ontario
Josh Morgan was elected as London’s 65th Mayor on October 24th, 2022. Prior to that, he had served two terms as the City Councillor for Ward 7 being elected in 2014 and again in 2018 with support from 75% of voters. Morgan was the first in his family to attend University after moving to London in 1998 to study at Western. During his time there, he completed undergraduate degrees in Economics & Political Science, as well as an MA in Political Science. Morgan is an active member of the London community serving in leadership positions on multiple boards and organizations. Read more
Mayor Donna Reardon, City of Saint John, New Brunswick
Donna Reardon was elected as the 79th Mayor of the City of Saint John in May 2021, becoming the third woman to hold this office in the city’s 240-year history. Her career in municipal politics began in 2012 when she was first elected to Common Council, and she was re-elected in 2016. Mayor Reardon holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her professional background has fuelled a strong commitment to social equity, particularly in addressing child poverty and supporting vulnerable populations. Read more
David Paterson, Ontario's Representative in Washington, DC
David Paterson is Ontario’s Representative in Washington co-located at the Embassy of Canada to the United States in Washington, D.C. During his 30 years in business, he served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and served on the boards of the Canadian American Business Council, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association and the Canadian Journalism Foundation. Prior to his Ontario appointment in November 2023, David lead Corporate & Environmental Relations for General Motors Canada and worked as part of GM’s global Public Policy and Communications team. Read more
Meet the moderator
Romel Mostafa, Assistant Professor and Director, Lawrence National Centre for Policy & Management, Ivey Business School
Romel Mostafa is an Assistant Professor of Business, Economics, and Public Policy at Ivey. His research and commentary on strategy, innovation, competitive dynamics, industrial policy, and behavioural decision-making are published in top academic journals and featured in global media, including CNN, NPR, and The New York Times. A recipient of multiple teaching awards, he has taught at both graduate and undergraduate levels. As Director of Ivey’s Lawrence National Centre for Policy & Management, he leads research and outreach on digital, trade, and social infrastructure policy. Romel holds a PhD and MSc from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA from Lawrence University.
Hosted in partnership with: City of London • Lawrence National Centre at Ivey Business School • London Chamber of Commerce • London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) • Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) • London Small Business Centre.
With support from: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
