As the 2025 World Chambers Congress gets underway in Melbourne, the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC), in collaboration with Global Victoria, hosted an energising Boardroom Briefing Breakfast to welcome Canada’s official delegation on the morning the Congress began. The event brought together Canadian and Victorian business leaders, government representatives, and innovators for a dynamic morning of connection, conversation, and collaboration.
PICTURED (left to right): Melissa Wharton (CEO – CACC), Fiona Letos (Executive Director, Trade, Global Engagement, International Education, Migration – Global Victoria), Daniel Tisch (President & CEO – Ontario Chamber of Commerce), David Tsui (Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner – Consulate General of Canada in Sydney), Lesley Gillespie (Director & Co-Founder – Bakers Delight), Paul O’Hagan (Lead – UK, Europe & North America – Global Victoria)
The breakfast opened with remarks from Fiona Letos, Executive Director of Trade, Global Engagement, International Education and Migration at Global Victoria, setting the stage for a day of optimism and opportunity. Featured keynote speakers included David Tsui, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney, Lesley Gillespie OAM, Co-Founder of Bakers Delight and COBS Bread and Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
Discussions throughout the morning reflected the deep and enduring ties between Canada and Australia. Both nations share a long history of working together for mutual benefit, and the conversation focused on how to build on that foundation in a period of rapid geopolitical change. Speakers highlighted the importance of unity, determination, and practical action in strengthening bilateral trade and investment, particularly in sectors where the two nations’ strengths align.
PICTURED: Fiona Letos (Executive Director, Trade, Global Engagement, International Education, Migration – Global Victoria) and David Tsui (Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner – Consulate General of Canada in Sydney)
The session also underscored the role of subnational trade relationships in driving growth. While the global economy sets the stage, it is often small and medium-sized enterprises who are nimble, innovative, and ready to adapt that are driving action. By fostering these connections and providing the tools and support businesses need to succeed, Canada and Australia can help these companies do business differently, unlocking new markets and opportunities.
With so many similarities between the two countries, from shared cultural and economic frameworks to complementary industries, the potential for expansion and collaboration is immense. This breakfast set the tone for a week of global dialogue, reinforcing that when Canadian and Australian businesses work together, they can not only weather global uncertainty but also shape a more resilient and prosperous future.
The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organisation that aims to bring businesses together to facilitate a strong environment for economic trade and investment between Canada and Australia.
Written by Stephanie Cook, Victoria Committee
