2025 Symposium

Global Trade in Transition: Meeting the Moment

Canada is faced with confronting a new and evolving international trade environment. This will require a coordinated approach by government and business leaders to adapt to changing circumstances. The Centre’s symposium examined Canada’s strategic response to these challenges. The full-day event featured presenters from academia, government, Andrew Peller Ltd., Canadian manufacturers & Exporting, Canadian Vehicles Manufacturers Association, and a keynote address from the president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association.

Guest Speakers:

• Brian Clow, Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Lead Canada-U.S. Relations for PM Trudeau’s Office
• Vincent Ong, Vice-President, Government and Industry Relations, Andrew Peller Ltd.
• Greg Kanargelidis, Senior Global Trade and Customs Lawyer
• Pratik Bhalerao, Manager, Ontario Policy and Outreach at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
• Warrington Ellacott, Chair, Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (IE Canada)
• Daniel Tisch Echevarria, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
• Brian Kingston, President & CEO, Canadian Vehicles Manufacturers’ Association
• Flavio Volpe, C.M., President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association
• Justin Jin, Professor, Accounting and Financial Management, McMaster University
• Khalid Nainar, Professor, Accounting and Financial Management, McMaster University
• Victor Cui, Professor, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Global Strategy, University of Waterloo
• Blayne Haggart, Professor, Political Science, Brock University
• Mark Parker, Assistant Professor, Strategy, Brock University
• Pau Pujolas, Associate Professor, Economics, McMaster University

2024 Symposium

Bridging Borders: Exploring Cross-Border Issues in Today’s Global Market

International investing continues to play a significant role in driving economic growth in Canada, and while investing internationally provides diversification and potential growth, it also comes with its unique set of issues.

Guest Speakers:

• Jonathan Bitran, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
• Sandra Easton, Mayor of Lincoln, Ontario
• Karen Fisman, Managing Director, PwC Corporate Finance
• Frank Guarascio, Senior Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
• Jeff Smith, Partner, FGS Longview
• Alexander Morsink, UDP & Managing Director, Equivesto
• Paul Scarbrough, Professor of Accounting, Goodman School of Business, Brock University
• Gary Zalepa, Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Peter van Dijk, Chief Sustainability Officer, Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation

Student Poster Contest

Brock University Accounting students were invited to submit a poster about the concepts discussed in the Bridging Border symposium for a chance to $500 cash.

2023 Symposium

The Role of Accounting in Sustainability and Circular Economy

The Centre for Public Policy and Innovation in Accounting hosted its annual symposium on November 3, 2023. The theme for 2023 was “The Role of Accounting in Sustainability and a Circular Economy.” There were speakers from academia, Walker Industries, and KPMG, as well as a panel discussion with a local mayor, and the CEO of Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. Prizes were presented to the winners of the high school and Brock Undergraduate video competition.

Guest Speakers:

• Dr. Leanne Keddie, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Carleton University
• Dr. Cheol Lee, Professor of Accounting, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
• Dr. Liette Vasseur, Professor of Biological Sciences, Brock University
• Dr. Samir Trabelsi, Professor of Accounting, Brock University
• Gary Zalepa, Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Mishka Balsom, CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
• Paul Smith, Vice President of Finance, Walker Industries
• Ramsha Ahmed, ESG Manager, KPMG
• Mani Siddiqui, Founder of Jitto

Student Video Competition

Brock University undergraduate students and high school students were invited to submit a short video about the role accounting can play in a circular economy for a chance to win a $1000 prize and the opportunity to attend the 2023 symposium.

2022 Symposium

Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA)

The Centre for Public Policy and Innovation in Accounting at the Goodman school of Business was pleased to host a symposium in conjunction with Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) on the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA). This event was held in a hybrid format, online and in person at Goodman School of Business Atrium at Brock University. The free symposium featured speakers from NRCan, CPA Ontario and PWC as well as industry partners.

Guest Speakers:

• Mr. Ross Gallinger, President, RG Consulting
• Mr. Jason Manikkam, Deputy Director, Extractive Sector Transparency Office, Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada
• Emily Nickerson, Team Lead / Policy, Strategy and Partnerships, Extractive Sector Transparency Office, Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada
• Jacques Radder, Director, Accounting Advisory Services, PwC Management Services LP
• Dr. Galit A. Sarfaty, Canada Research Chair in Global Economic Governance, Associate Professor | Allard School of Law, The University of British Columbia
• Dr. Charles Cho, Professor/Erivan K. Haub Chair, Schulich School of Business, York University
• Mr. Daniel Mule, Policy Lead, Extractive Industries Tax and Transparency, Oxfam America