The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a not-for-profit organisation whose focus is to build and strengthen trade and business connections between Australia and Canada. The Chamber is pleased to present the volunteer members of the CACC Ontario Committee.
To contact the Ontario Committee please email: [email protected]
Greg McNab is a former mechanical engineer and partner in the Securities Group of the international law firm Dentons' Toronto office. Greg’s practice includes working with financial services, resource and energy companies both domestically and internationally, with a large portion of that work involving opportunities between Canada and Australia. Dentons is one of the largest law firms in the world with offices all around the world in major finance centres.
As the Global Director of Digital Transformation at World Vision International, she drives the integration of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to revolutionize customer experiences and operational efficiency. With a diverse background spanning sectors like telecom, manufacturing, and media, Smita's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement shines through her involvement in various boards such as the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation and industry bodies like the Canadian Marketing Association and Women in AI. Recognized for her contributions, she has received multiple industry awards and was shortlisted for the Women of the Year award by Women in IT. Smita holds a Chartered Marketer designation, in addition to her bachelor's degree in engineering and MBA.
Christine Wong is a principal and patent agent in the Toronto office of the intellectual property firm Smart & Biggar. She works with clients ranging in size from start-ups to multi-nationals, to help them plan out their IP needs and obtain patent protection.
She has experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the areas of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, autonomous driving, medical devices, electrical and biomedical engineering, and telecommunications. She has spent many years navigating the changing landscape of software and computer-related patents. She has prosecuted patent applications directly before the Canadian and U.S. patent offices, and has managed the prosecution of patent applications in Europe, China, Korea and Japan, among other jurisdictions.
As Trade & Investment Director for Investment NSW based in Toronto, Tom leads on attracting Canadian investment into Sydney and the state of New South Wales and supports NSW exports into Canada. Having worked within economic development for Japanese, British and now Australian governmental organisations across a range of sectors and holding an MSc in International Management, Tom is experienced in business development and project management within cross-boarder trade and foreign direct investment. Tom’s current focus is working with companies within the agrifood; mining, energy and resources; and technology sectors.
Garrett Tone is the Executive Director, Life Sciences for Invest Ontario, the province’s economic development agency. Over the last 17 years, Garrett has held a variety of senior leadership roles for both large multinationals and health tech start-ups across an array of industries including MedTech, In-vitro Diagnostics and Biotech. He’s worked with clients around the world, namely the US, Europe, Asia and Australia and with his experience, Garrett brings a unique, well rounded and pan-industry approach to securing high-profile investments on behalf of the province.
Dr. Cheryl Rivers is a retired academic. She was awarded her doctorate in 2004 for her thesis comparing Australian and Chinese negotiators’ idea of what is ethical in negotiation. Her research has been published in the Journal of Business Ethics, Negotiation Journal and Thunderbird International Business Review.
She taught both masters and undergraduate level international business, cross-cultural management, and negotiating across borders, in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Germany. Cheryl’s delivered executive training courses for Boeing Australia; Queensland's Department of Trade and Investment and for trade negotiators in Qingdao, China.
A late starter in academia, Cheryl took extensive ‘real world’ experience to her classes. She worked as a geologist in Australia; as a metal broker on the London Metal Exchange; and, as an equity analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston in London and Sydney before starting her doctorate.
As a Director at EMM Consulting in Canada, James leads the company’s local focus on operational excellence, strategic growth, innovation and approach to project delivery. James has technical, team and project management experience in hydrogeology, groundwater resource evaluation and development, environmental assessment and compliance. James has managed and directed multidisciplinary projects in both industry and consulting roles for diverse energy, infrastructure, mining, water, and international development projects in Australia, Africa, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and South America.
Founded in Australia, EMM combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of big picture sustainable business strategy to deliver solutions that drive positive environmental, economic, and social impact while creating long-term value for clients. James works closely with clients in Canada and Australia to support their business objectives, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance.
The CACC has various roles that we are recruiting for the Ontario Committee. We are seeking a volunteer to share the role of Secretary. This volunteer position is based in Ontario please submit your expression of interest to [email protected].
The CACC has various roles that we are recruiting for the Ontario Committee including Communications, Digital Marketing, etc. If you are seeking to volunteer and are based in Ontario please submit your expression of interest to [email protected].
