Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters: 2026 National Manufacturing Conference

Panels

Panel 01 – Preserving Integration, Pursuing Diversification: Canada’s Trade Future

The future of North American trade is being shaped in real time, and with it, Canada’s manufacturing competitiveness. Whether CUSMA renewal is complete, underway, or on hold, the outcome will have lasting implications for market access and integrated supply chains. At the same time, global diversification offers opportunities to reach new markets, though limits and risks remain. This session will bring together voices from industry, trade, and policy to explore how Canada can strengthen North American integration while pursuing growth in an increasingly complex global environment.

Panel 02 – Defence as Industrial Strategy: Turning Commitments into Capacity

Canada’s defence investments represent a significant opportunity for industrial growth across the manufacturing community. Beyond military applications, these commitments can strengthen supply chains, create skilled jobs, and build resilient capacity nationwide. This discussion will feature leading voices to examine how manufacturers of all sizes can contribute to, and benefit from, Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy.

Panel 03 – AI and Advanced Technologies: Driving the Next Era of Manufacturing

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving to the forefront of manufacturing strategy, reshaping how products are designed, produced, and delivered. Alongside automation, data‑driven decision‑making, virtual reality, and other advanced tools, AI presents both transformative opportunities and important challenges around adoption, integration, and competitiveness. This panel will focus on how Canadian manufacturers can harness emerging technologies to boost productivity, quality, and innovation — and position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving global market.

Panel 04 – Energy as Power: Meeting Global Demand, Strengthening Canada’s Industrial Position

The global race for energy security is intensifying, with geopolitical tensions and rising industrial demand making dependable supply more critical than ever. Canada’s diverse energy resources offer a strategic advantage, if policy, infrastructure, and production can align to meet both domestic needs and international market opportunities. This panel will examine how expanding Canadian energy capacity is an economic imperative, looking at how reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy can attract investment, enable advanced production, and secure Canada’s role in a more energy‑intensive world.

Panel 05 – Building Canada’s Long-Term Advantage in Global Exports  

As global markets continue to evolve, Canadian manufacturers are facing new opportunities in international trade and supply chains. Demand is rising for Canadian products, while geopolitical uncertainty, shifting regulations, and supply chain disruptions are reshaping how industries compete globally. This panel will bring together business and government leaders to explore how Canada can strengthen its global position, integrate into global supply chains, and turn sector strengths into sustained market advantage and competitiveness for the long term.

Source: CME