Manufacturers’ Export Forum

Hon. Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement

Minister Crawford oversees the implementation of consumer protection laws in the province, and the development of public policy around cyber security as well as groundbreaking technologies like AI. He also manages public sector procurement and supply chain operations, ensuring ministries, hospitals, school boards, provincial agencies and more, have access to high-quality, timely, reliable products that are also cost-effective. Prior to his latest appointment he served as Ontario’s Associate Minster of Mines and as Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Finance, Energy, and Infrastructure.

Jesus Ballesteros, B.Sc., MBA, Partner, Advisory, BDO Canada

Jesus is a Partner in BDO’s Strategy, Value Creation & Analytics practice and the National Manufacturing and Distribution Advisory Leader. He has over 20 years of work experience in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Chile, with roles in industry, public sector, and professional services.

During his 12+ years in professional services, he has advised senior management, business owners, and leadership teams at clients in multiple sectors and private equity to address challenges and opportunities related to growth strategy development, business planning, profitability enhancement, M&A value creation, and operating model transformation.

In the M&A context, he has experience in both buy-side and sell-side transactions and in commercial, operational, and synergy diligence, as well as transition management planning. With a wide-ranging business background, Jesus brings a holistic perspective to his work rooted in strategic, financial, and operational analysis.

His key sectors of focus include manufacturing, wholesale & distribution; transportation & logistics; agricultural products; and consumer business.

Hon. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation

Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Edson Fariello, CEO, Crosslink Technology Inc.

Edson Fariello is the CEO at Crosslink Technology, a 44-year old manufacturer of bushings/insulators used in power transformers as well as epoxy and polyurethane adhesives, coatings, sealants and resins. He previously served in leadership positions at small as well as multi-billion dollar organizations, working with customers in several industries such as construction, CPG, automotive, and telecommunications. With a background in Chemical Engineering and an MBA, Edson has led teams that developed businesses not only in Canada and the U.S., but also overseas. He grew up playing soccer in Brazil, made Canada home over 20 years ago, and being optimistic by nature, became a Leafs fan. After travelling to several countries and working with people from all over the world, Edson has never been more proud of being Canadian.

Peter Berridge, Senior Trade Finance Specialist, RBC

A business banker and international trade finance specialist, Peter helps commercial and corporate clients implement specialized trade finance solutions to facilitate success in the global marketplace.

A frequent panelist with the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s Executive Certificate and World Trade Centre Toronto’s Trade Accelerator Program, Peter helps companies expand internationally while minimizing risk and maximizing working capital.

Mohamed El Metni, Business Development Manager, RBC

With a 10+ year tenure in commercial banking, Mohamed supports Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with supply chain finance solutions.

Mohamed helps companies by delivering bespoke trade financing structures and risk mitigation instruments to SMEs with international and domestic counterparties, poising them for growth and stability in their physical supply chains.

Hunter Fox, Associate, Gowling WLG

Hunter Fox is an associate in Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office practicing in the Advocacy Group. His practice focuses on international trade law, as well as privacy, access to information and defamation law.

In his privacy practice, Hunter advises clients on all aspects of data management and access to information. His experience includes preparing privacy compliance programs and policies, creating data-sharing agreements, assisting clients in responding to all phases of privacy breach incidents, and representing clients in investigations and inquiries before the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and provincial Information and Privacy Commissioners. Hunter also assists clients with protecting confidential information under Canada’s Access to Information Act and provincial freedom of information legislation.

In his international trade practice, Hunter assists clients on a range of issues, including customs compliance and the utilization and interpretation of free trade and investment agreements. Hunter represents clients both inside and outside of Canada who are being audited by the Canada Border Services Agency, and has appeared as counsel on customs matters before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.

Hunter earned his English Common Law degree from the University of Ottawa. During his time at law school, Hunter participated in the WTO/ELSA International Trade Law Moot, advancing to the Grand-Finals in Geneva, Switzerland and winning the award for best written submission.

Cortney O’Toole Morgan, Partner, Husch Blackwell

Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner

Sara Wilshaw, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada

A senior government executive with over 30 years of public service experience, Sara leads a global team that helps Canadian businesses to secure and explore international markets, find new customers and partners, problem solve and grow through exports. Sara also leads work across global trade support services including export finance, inbound foreign investment, inclusive trade and the promotion of responsible business conduct.

Prior to this, Sara served as Director of Operations, Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat at the Privy Council Office. In this role she provided strategic analysis on matters concerning Canada-U.S. relations, Latin America, trade, climate change, human rights and the United Nations.

Sara’s experience also includes serving as Director General for North America at Global Affairs Canada during the renegotiation of NAFTA, and as Canada’s Consul General in Dallas. She has served abroad as Minister Commercial at the High Commission of Canada in India, at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, and at the Embassy of Canada in Japan.

David Nagy, Founder, eCommerce Canada

Andrew Ellis, EVP Global Business Development, The INKAS Group of Companies 

Andrew Ellis is the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Business Development at the Toronto, Canada based INKAS Group of Companies, a renowned International Safety, Security and Intelligence firm. INKAS is an industry leader in the manufacture of civilian and military grade armoured vehicles as well as a provider of services in the aviation security sector.

Before joining INKAS, Mr. Ellis provided counsel and consultancy to a wide range of enterprises and private citizens.  Through discrete investigations and operations, he has worked in and with the international defence and security sectors as well as due diligence investigations in the national resources and conservation portfolios.  Additionally, Ellis has worked closely with legal firms and regulatory bodies in support of litigation, international financial recovery and corporate due diligence.

Prior to embarking in the private sector, Mr. Ellis led operations with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), from 1986 until his retirement in 2016.  Andy was the Assistant Director of Operations (ADO) from 2013 -2016, responsible for leading the operational programs at CSIS.  Mr. Ellis personally managed the counter terrorism, counter espionage, WMD, cyber and covert operations pillars at CSIS.   During his career managing covert programs, Andy established an international reputation as a creative, decisive and innovative leader and risk manager.

From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Ellis was the Assistant Director, Policy and Strategic Partnerships (ADP).  The ADP supports the Director and the Minister, in terms of their accountability to the Prime Minister and Cabinet for the overall management, direction and control of CSIS.   Amongst Mr. Ellis’ responsibilities was the executive management of the CSIS Global Operations Centre.  In that capacity Mr. Ellis led global crisis management and response as well the Business Continuity Program for a critical element of Canada’s Intelligence community.

Prior to that, Ellis led covert operational teams in Canada and abroad.