President & Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Candace Laing is the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Since taking on the role in late summer 2024, Candace has become a sought-after voice on matters of trade, whether U.S.-Canada, international or internal, and Canada’s economic sovereignty. In 2026, she was selected to be a member Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Advisory Committee on Canada U.S. Economic Relations.
Notably, before joining the Canadian Chamber, Candace worked for more than ten years with Nutrien, where she led both the Sustainability and Human Resources functions and served as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Candace is passionate about ensuring healthy organizations help build a strong economy that can support our societal needs
View All Speakers10:15 AM-11:15 AM
Canada-U.S. relations at a crossroads
With a 30-year career as a trade lawyer, policy expert and negotiator, Ambassador Kirsten Hillman has advised three Canadian Prime Ministers and held some of the country’s most senior diplomatic and policy roles, including serving as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. The first women appointed to the role — and one of the longest serving — her tenure spanned three US administrations, two Canadian governments, and a pandemic, during which she was one of Canada’s foremost strategic voices in Washington.
In a fireside chat with Candace Laing, CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Hillman will provide her perspective on the Canada’s relationship with our largest trading partner, as well as a global overview of Canada’s status in the world as a trusted partner.
