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The Canadian-Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is thrilled to announce the establishment of its new Québec Committee, a landmark initiative aimed at fostering the dynamic relationship between Canada and Australia. As we edge closer to celebrating two decades of bilateral excellence in 2025, the CACC continues to stand as the only trade organisation operating in both nations, with a network of over 30 sponsors, including Air Canada and CDPQ, many of whom are headquartered in the heart of Québec. Our community has flourished to encompass more than 4,200 engaged members and over 70 dedicated volunteers, a testament to the vibrant collaboration that defines our collective journey. The Commercial and Cultural Bridge The commercial relationship between Canada, with Québec as a pivotal contributor, and Australia is built on a foundation of strong and mutually beneficial trade links. Key sectors driving this bilateral trade include aerospace, education, and renewable energy, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and sustainable development. These sectors not only contribute significantly to our economies but also offer a canvas for collaboration and growth. Beyond commerce, our countries share deep-rooted cultural ties that date back to the 19th century, when John Short Larke became Canada's first trade commissioner in Australia in 1895. As members of the Commonwealth and the Five Eyes alliance, Canada and Australia cherish a legacy of cooperation and shared values. Our love for sports transcends borders, with AFL Canada and “ice hockey” in Australia brings our communities together. Moreover, our affection for iconic foods like vegemite and maple syrup, and our experiences of extreme weather and vast landscapes, mutually defines our societies. Volunteers and Sponsorship Opportunities Becoming a volunteer at the CACC is an opportunity to be at the forefront of fostering international relationships. Our volunteers gain invaluable experience in international trade and commerce, network with...

Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Canadian-Australian Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast at Minter Ellison’s Melbourne office for a discussion on driving progress on gender equality. Leading the discussion were TransGrid Executive General Manager People, Culture and Safety (Acting) - Stephen McSweeney, Hatch Managing Director Australia and Asia - Jan Kwak, Minter Ellison Senior Associate - Jennifer Bourke and Monash University Research Fellow – Dr. Erik Denison. Ms Bourke said the landscape was changing as the laws changed, particularly in relation to new guidelines on ‘positive duty’ under the sex discrimination act, which refers to a duty by employers to reduce sexual harassment and related harmful behaviours, as well as changes to occupational health and safety, with the introduction of new regulations about managing psychosocial hazards such as bullying and harassment. “Gender equality represents a psychosocial safety issue,” she said. “We know gender inequality is a key driver for sexual harassment and those types of behaviours, so in workplaces without gender equality those behaviours are more likely to occur.” “One of the ways workplaces are trying to address this is through gender targets, which are designed to create gender balance in the workforce. Targets are a tool, but they won’t work alone.” Mr Kwak said it was important to have difficult discussions about gender equity. “People, especially men, may be unaware of their unconscious gender bias until you point it out to them,” he said. “We need to encourage men to be the champions for change.” He said Hatch had aspirational targets for gender diversity to ensure the organisation remained competitive. “We pride ourselves in being innovative and creative thinkers, which is only possible when you have gender diversity,” he said. Dr. Denison said it wasn’t natural to segregate men and women, either in the workplace or socially. “In...

The Canadian-Australian Chamber of Commerce hosted a private luncheon at Clayton Utz's Perth Office, with the honored presence of Invest Alberta's CEO Rick Christiaanse and Managing Director for Asia, Adeel Ahmad. Rick Christiaanse dove into a rich discussion, starting with the recognition of our unique positions in the world—how Alberta and Western Australia, with their stunning landscapes and resilient communities, share similar challenges and mutual opportunities. We discussed how Alberta is transitioning its oil and gas sector, a bold step towards decarbonisation that both regions can draw lessons from. PICTURED (left to right): Jackie Leggett, CACC Western Australia Committee's Secretary and Kirsty Moore, CEO of Indigenous Business Australia The integration of First Nations into economic projects in Alberta emerged as a beacon of progress, highlighting the importance of respecting and including indigenous communities in our journey towards economic advancement. Technology's transformative power was another point of discussion. Both regions are leveraging technological advancements in natural resources, especially in areas like carbon capture and clean energy. PICTURED (left to right): Rick Christiaanse (CEO - Invest Alberta), Tara Roy (Co-Chair of CACC Western Australia Committee) and H.E. Mark Glauser (High Commissioner for Canada to Australia) With agriculture, a vital sector for both economies, we examined how we can use new technologies to enhance productivity and address decarbonisation. A heartwarming aspect of the dialogue was the focus on building stronger indigenous-to-indigenous trade relationships. It's an area with plenty of potential for economic development and cultural exchange. Attendees shared insights into fostering partnerships that are built on respect, understanding, and mutual benefits. PICTURED (left to right): Juli Bellinge (CACC Western Australia Committee Member) and Mel Wharton (CEO - Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce) In essence, the boardroom luncheon wasn't just a celebration of shared challenges and achievements; it was a beacon for Australian investors...

Cracking the Code: Reaching the New Consumer - Insights from the CACC Vancouver Roundtable Discussion, Sponsored by Akcelo The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) hosted a roundtable breakfast discussion that brought together over 30 business leaders throughout the province of British Columbia. The event, titled "Cracking the Code: Reaching the New Consumer," delved into the evolving landscape of consumer behavior in a fast-moving, globalized world driven by new technologies. This event was generously sponsored by Akcelo, who were well represented and engaged throughout the event. Exploring the 'New Consumer' The central theme of the discussion revolved around how brands can effectively connect with the next generation of consumers. This 'new consumer,' experiencing an increase in personal wealth through generational transfers, exhibits distinctive habits in engaging with brands and navigating emerging media platforms. Their media consumption and brand expectations markedly differ from those of their parents, posing unique challenges for businesses. They demand readily available and hyper-personalized communication and products. The panel of experts leading the discussion included Shayna Wenger (Creative Lead North America, TikTok), Allison Butula (Chief Marketing Officer, Kit and Ace), and Aaron Gillespie (President, COBS Bread). Lauren Shelly from Akcelo did a superb job moderating the session and challenging the audience to think about the future of consumer behaviour. PICTURED (left to right): Mel Wharton (CEO, CACC), Lauren Shelly (Moderator, Akcelo), Allison Butula (Chief Marketing Officer, Kit and Ace), Greg McNab (CACC Director), Shayna Wenger (Creative Lead North America, TikTok) and Aaron Gillespie (President, COBS Bread). Key Insights from the Discussion One of the pivotal takeaways from the event centered on the distinction between entertainment and social media. Shayna Wenger provided an illuminating overview of TikTok's positioning as an entertainment company rather than a traditional social media platform. The statement "Social media is dead, entertainment is king"...

The CACC Young Professionals Committee recently hosted its inaugural event – a virtual panel discussion aimed at young Australians and Canadians interested in working abroad, entitled “The Expat Experience”. CACC CEO, Melissa Wharton, welcomed the Director of International Experience Canada (IEC), Clark Goodman, as the keynote speaker to share his perspective and experience with Australians living and working abroad in Canada. Mr Goodman highlighted the importance of the open work permit in strengthening the bilateral relationship, noting that there are approximately 7000 Canadian and Australian youths living and working in each other’s country at any given time. “The open work permit is, by and large, a cultural program that ensures that youth from all parts of our society are able to participate by being able to work and pay their own way. Without that work aspect, you are simply a tourist” he said. Mr Goodman also cited some of the other benefits associated with the movement of youth across Australia and Canada – particularly in moulding a generation of employees with skills in critical thinking, resilience, the ability to adapt and face new challenges and initiative. “As an employer, these are skills we look for in our future employees”, said Mr Goodman. After the keynote speech, moderator Laurie Mac introduced the Executive Director of AFL Canada, Jacob Haeusler, and Senior Policy Officer at the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Paroma Dunbar, to join Mr Goodman on the panel and share their own expat experiences. Jacob started the panel discussion by sharing his story from regional Victoria all the way to Ottawa and the impact his move to Canada has had on his career. “I started as a teacher and was very focussed on being a leading teacher or a Principal. After I arrived in Canada, it opened me...

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, June 16, 2022 - The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) congratulates corporate sponsor, Air Canada, on its resumption of non-stop flights between Brisbane and Vancouver. To recognise this important milestone and benefit to Australian and Canadian businesses, a special breakfast and pre-launch event was held in Brisbane. Among those joining Air Canada’s celebration are representatives from CACC, Canada’s High Commissioner to Australia and Consul General to Sydney, Queensland’s Treasurer and Minister of Trade and Investment, delegates of international trade and export development, executives from Air Canada and guests from across different business sectors. After two years of pandemic disruption, travellers expressed they are ready to dust off their passports to connect to world renowned holiday destinations and business opportunities. This included people who have been isolated from friends and family who were waiting for travel convenience. The return of non-stop, direct flights is also welcomed by businesses involved in trade and business relationships between Australia and Canada. The convenience of transiting and travel time for product shipments and people is necessary and important across many economic sectors such as international students and agriculture. Air Canada’s re-start of regular service between Brisbane and Vancouver is expected to refuel and support the recovery of both countries' international travel and trade sectors. The inaugural restoration flight will depart Vancouver on July 1st, as Canadians celebrate Canada Day and close ties with our Australian cousins. Operating four times a week, Queenslanders will be able to connect onwards from Vancouver to destinations across Canada, the United States and beyond. In Australia, travellers will be able to book conjunction flights to major cities and popular Queensland tourist destinations, such as Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, the Whitsundays, and Cairns. Canada-Australia business and people ties are of significance to our two economies. We also share...

The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Consul General of Canada in Sydney, Andre Francois Giroux, and the Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner, Sarah Quigley to two events in Melbourne in May to discuss COVID-19, international trade and expanding into new markets. Hosted by Minter Ellison, the events were the first held in person by the CACC since the start of the pandemic and were an opportunity for business discussions and networking. Consul General Giroux said coming to Australia had been one of the best moves for his family. “When I go home each night to see big smiling faces with everyone so grateful and happy to be here, it really reinforces how wonderful it is to be in Australia,” he said. Consul General Giroux said while it was sometimes easy to forget about COVID-19 in Australia, given the remarkable efforts that had been achieved in controlling the virus, watching the news was a stark reminder that other countries were not fairing so well. Yet he said the importance of international trade to the Australian market meant the border could not stay closed forever. “There will be a time when Australia needs to open its border because international trade is such an important part of its economy. In Canada, two thirds of its economy rests with international trade and it is a similar reality for Australia,” he said. “The Canadian Government is working really hard to ensure we have a post-COVID recovery that rests on the principles of rules-based trade. We have a number of free trade agreements in place, which are crucial to ensuring the free flow of Canadian goods and services to other parts of the world.” When it came to the role of the Canadian Commission in Sydney and the Canadian High Commission in Canberra, Consul...

Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner Sarah Quigley took up her posting in Australia in January 2020, just as the first COVID-19 cases emerged in Australia. She relocated first to Canberra and then Sydney from Vancouver, with her New Zealand-born husband and two young children. Despite arriving in Australia during a difficult time, Ms Quigley said she loved the beauty of the country and the attitude of the people. “I obviously came to Australia at a challenging time, amidst the bushfires and then COVID-19, and I quickly gained an understanding of the resilience and fortitude of Australians, qualities which are shared by Canadians.” As Senior Trade Commissioner, her role is to lead the trade team in Australia and advise on matters of trade promotion and investment to help Canadian businesses grow in Australia by connecting them with funding, support and opportunities. Conversely, she helps Australian businesses invest and expand in Canada. The trade team consists of 14 trade commissioners and trade commissioner assistants across Australia. “We help businesses export abroad by providing them information on the sector, product or service in Australia they are involved in,” Ms Quigley said. “We provide practical exporting assistance to businesses, helping them get their product from point A to point B. We also support businesses through programs like CanExport, which provides financial assistance to businesses looking to break into new markets.” “We provide problem solving assistance in helping businesses assess their potential or provide business contacts here in Australia.” “Another important service we provide is market access, so if businesses are having trouble in a particular sector, for example, navigating a regulatory issue, we work with these businesses to help represent their needs.” She said being a Senior Trade Commissioner was incredibly interesting and rewarding. “The best part about the role is meeting with Canadian companies....