May 07, 2025 | Category: News Releases

Edmonton, AB—WESTAC members gathered in Edmonton for the 2025 Spring Member Forum, which explored the theme Charting the Course in an Era of Uncertainty. As shifting trade dynamics and U.S. political developments reshape the global landscape, the Forum delivered critical insights and urgent calls to action across the transportation and trade sectors.

Kicking off the event, the Hon. Devin Dreeshen, Alberta’s Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, chaired WESTAC’s AGM and delivered opening remarks. We are honoured to have Minister Dreeshen serve as WESTAC’s Chair.

The Forum featured a high calibre lineup of speakers who unpacked the far-reaching implications of global shifts and what they mean for Canada's economy and infrastructure. Highlights included:

• Bruce Mehlman, Partner, Mehlman Consulting, and the Hon. James Moore, former federal cabinet minister, outlined the U.S. Administration’s disruptive policy playbook and what it means for Canada, offering insights into the trade risks and political calculations shaping North American markets.
• Ross Prusakowski, Deputy Chief Economist, Export Development Canada, analyzed early signs of economic deceleration and tariff impacts, underscoring the need for diversification and productivity gains.
• Dan Gardner, co-author of How Big Things Get Done, delivered a data-driven framework on why major projects succeed or fail and how to build smarter in Canada.

Sessions on infrastructure and investment examined what it will take to overcome Canada’s persistent challenges in getting big projects done:

• Brad Gilmour, Osler; Tim Philpotts, EY Canada; Chief Raymond Powder, Fort McKay First Nation; and Ryan Tones, Kiewit Construction, shared strategies to restore regulatory certainty, strengthen Indigenous engagement, and accelerate approvals. The panel was graciously moderated by Kyle Toffan, Deputy Minister of Highways from the Government of Saskatchewan.
• A Northern Corridor spotlight featured insights from Peter Keeshan, Vopak Canada; Charles Raymond, Ray-Mont Logistics; and Sandra Ellis, CN, who explored the investments and coordination required to unlock this critical trade route. The discussion was expertly moderated by Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

The Forum concluded with closing remarks from Premier Danielle Smith. WESTAC was honoured to welcome the Premier, alongside senior leaders and expert voices, whose insights framed the urgency and ambition needed to navigate the challenges ahead.

“The world is changing. Clearly, it's changed a lot in the last four months. The old certainties are dissolving, and the tariffs are a very clear sign of this. We need a response that is urgent because Canada can't afford to be weak, not now and not ever. We have to be more ambitious as a nation. We have to build big, and we have to build fast. We have to strengthen our country and create prosperity for generations to come.”
— Premier Danielle Smith, Province of Alberta

“The conversations at this Forum were grounded in urgency and resolve. Our members understand the stakes and the opportunity. This is a pivotal moment. We must align policy, capital, and collaboration to ensure that Canada doesn’t fall behind but leads with purpose.”
— Lindsay Kislock, President and CEO, WESTAC

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About WESTAC:
The Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) is a council of organizations in the transportation sector represented by senior decision-makers. WESTAC’s members span all aspects of freight transportation in Canada. They include carriers and logistics providers, ports and terminals, shippers, labour unions, and the three levels of government. Members represent a significant share of the Western Canadian economy. We focus on critical issues that affect Western Canada’s freight transportation network to ensure that it is safe, efficient, reliable, and competitive.

For more information, please contact:
Marzia Rizvi
Manager, Program Development & Communications
mrizvi@westac.com