18 Local Heroes Keeping Canada Strong in a Global Trade Crisis

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The ongoing trade crisis between Canada and the U.S. has created challenges for Canadian businesses, entrepreneurs, and industries. However, with the help of local heroes, Canada has been able to navigate and adapt to emerge stronger with more potential for success. Here are 20 local heroes keeping Canada strong in a global trade crisis:

Mary Ng – Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development

Minister Mary Ng has played a key role in significantly changing Canadian and global trade. Under Mrs Ng’s watch, exports to non-U.S. markets have posted an annual 15% soar, thus becoming a vivid example of a well-thought-out shift towards Europe and Asia. This output also serves as a corrective measure of the overdependence on the U.S., which has always been the dominant 70% of Canadian exports.

Goldy Hyder – President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada

Goldy Hyder is a vocal advocate for Canadian businesses who emphasizes the need for competitive policies in the face of global trade challenges. He has used his extensive experience in the political and business arenas to influence companies to adopt new technologies to enhance productivity and offset the impact of international tariffs.

Darryl White – CEO of BMO Financial Group

At the helm of BMO Financial Group, Darryl White has prioritized supporting Canadian exporters affected by trade disruptions, playing an essential role in BMO’s recent initiative to provide $5 billion in financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to facilitate growth in SME export activities which is crucial for maintaining Canada’s trade balance.

Daniel Daviau – President and CEO of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc.

Daniel Daviau has steered Canaccord Genuity towards expanding its global footprint and mitigating domestic market volatility. His background in law has enabled him to leverage his knowledge and experience to navigate complex international financial regulations.​ He also had an influential role in the firm’s international operations, which now contribute 55% of its total revenue, a 10% increase from the previous year, showcasing successful diversification strategies.

Doug Ford – Premier of Ontario

Doug Ford is the Premier of Ontario and has firsthand experience managing a manufacturing enterprise. ​He responded to U.S. tariffs by implementing a 25% increase in electricity prices for New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, affecting approximately $276,000 worth of daily energy exports. This move aims to exert economic pressure in retaliation to U.S. trade measures.

Stephen de Boer – Canadian Diplomat Specializing in International Trade

Stephen de Boer has served as Canada’s ambassador to the World Trade Organization, positioning him at the forefront of global trade negotiations. He played a pivotal role in renegotiating trade agreements, particularly in the wake of U.S. tariff escalations. His efforts also contributed to swiftly implementing retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to defending its economic interests.

Maryscott (Scotty) Greenwood – Expert in Canada-U.S. Relations and Corporate Director

Scotty Greenwood has diverse talents and skills that she has used to facilitate dialogue between Canadian and U.S. stakeholders during the trade crisis. Her efforts have helped maintain critical supply chains, particularly in the automotive sector, representing 14% of bilateral trade between the two nations.

Tiff Macklem – Governor of the Bank of Canada

Governor Tiff Macklem previously chaired the Financial Stability Board’s Standing Committee on Standards Implementation, which proved his expertise in global financial systems. His experiences have armed him with the skills to help Canada navigate monetary policy to stabilize the economy amid trade-induced uncertainties. Under his leadership, the Bank of Canada adjusted interest rates to 1.25% to balance inflationary pressures from increased import costs due to tariffs.

Melanie Joly – Foreign Minister of Canada

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to mitigate the impact of international tariffs. She is fluent in four languages, which has helped to enhance her effectiveness in international diplomacy.​ Her negotiations have led to the establishment of new trade agreements with European partners, resulting in a 20% increase in exports to the EU, thereby reducing Canada’s trade dependence on the U.S.

Perrin Beatty – President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Perrin Beatty’s tenure at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce witnessed revenues that doubled over four years, reflecting enhanced support for over 200,000 businesses nationwide. He is a steadfast advocate for Canadian businesses during tumultuous trade periods. He was influential in the Canada-U.S. Engagement Plan in February 2024, which facilitated four business missions to the U.S., focusing on key economic sectors. The initiative aimed to strengthen bilateral trade relations with Canada- U.S. trade in goods and services surpassing $1.2 trillion in 2022, representing two-thirds of Canada’s total global trade.

Jean Simard – President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada

Jean Simard has been instrumental in mitigating the impact of tariffs and ensuring the aluminum industry, which is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy, with exports averaging $14.2 billion annually to the U.S. between 2020 and 2024, accounting for approximately 40% of total U.S. aluminum imports. He is a strong advocate for the industry and was focused on ensuring its stability and competitiveness on the global stage, particularly during periods of heightened trade tensions.  

Dennis Darby – President and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Dennis Darby has been at the forefront of defending Canada’s manufacturing sector against adverse trade measures while also focusing on enhancing workforce skills and promoting innovation within the manufacturing sector. ​He opposed U.S. tariffs and emphasized their detrimental effects on both economies while representing an industry that supports over one in four Canadian jobs and drives more than 60% of the nation’s merchandise exports. In January 2025, he also urged the federal government to implement immediate actions to protect manufacturers, highlighting the sector’s vulnerability.

Dan Kelly – President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Dan Kelly is a vocal supporter of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and often engages with business owners nationwide to provide a grassroots perspective to federal policymakers. His advocacy has been crucial in securing support measures for these businesses, particularly during trade disruptions. Kelly influenced policy changes and provided relief to SMEs that faced increased costs due to tariffs, ensuring their continued contribution to the Canadian economy.

John Manley – Former Deputy Prime Minister and Business Leader

John Manley has leveraged his political and business acumen to bridge the gap between government and business interests and advise on strategies that enhance Canada’s trade resilience. He provides insights that have been crucial in developing policies that balance economic growth with the challenges posed by international trade disputes while highlighting the importance of diversified trade relationships and proactive economic planning.

Bruce Flatt – CEO of Brookfield Asset Management

Bruce Flatt has guided Brookfield Asset Management through strategic structural simplifications and enhanced its valuation using simplification strategies that included separating Brookfield Asset Management into publicly tradable shares that doubled its share price and attracted investors like Bill Ackman. ​Overseeing more than $1 trillion in assets, Flatt’s leadership has positioned Brookfield as a global powerhouse in real assets, private equity, credit, and insurance. The firm’s restructuring efforts have narrowed valuation discounts and signaled strong confidence in its prospects.

Linda Hasenfratz – CEO of Linamar Corporation

Linda Hasenfratz has steered Linamar Corporation, a leading advanced manufacturing company, through the complexities of global trade challenges. Linamar started as a one-product, one-customer company and has grown into a diversified global manufacturing enterprise under Hasenfratz’s leadership, which expanded its international footprint, with sales outside of Canada accounting for a significant portion of its revenue. Hasenfratz’s focus on innovation and diversification has enabled the company to mitigate risks associated with trade disruptions.

Victor Dodig – President and CEO of CIBC

Victor Dodig strongly advocates for gender diversity in the workplace and has been instrumental in promoting initiatives to increase female representation in leadership roles.​ He helped to strengthen CIBC’s support for Canadian businesses affected by trade uncertainties. He was influential in implementing financial solutions tailored to companies facing tariff-related challenges, ensuring liquidity and stability. His approach emphasized the importance of financial institutions in providing a buffer against external economic shocks.

Scott Gilmore – Canadian Entrepreneur and Writer Focusing on International Trade

Scott Gilmore provides critical analysis and commentary on Canada’s position within the global trade landscape, dissecting the implications of trade policies. His insights offer potential strategies for Canadian businesses to navigate international markets and contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in global trade. He even founded Building Markets, an organization that connects local entrepreneurs in developing countries to global markets.​

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