This is in-person only event. The event will be followed by the Q&A with the speaker and a networking reception.
About the Talk
At the dawn of the twenty-first century, Canada reached a milestone of 100 years in primary aluminium production — a legacy shaped by post-WWII industrial expertise spanning research centers, equipment manufacturers, metal producers, and transformers. Early into the new century, however, the industry faced the greatest recession since the war, compounded by the rise of low-cost Asian producers, particularly China, whose disruption of global markets led to capacity closures across Western countries and the emergence of new players in the Middle East and India. Canada’s aluminium industry was no longer the poster child of the post-war era and was confronted with the urgent need to reposition itself in a fast-changing world. The crisis became the impetus for change.
This talk charts the industry’s course from developing an aluminium culture to establishing itself as the world-class reference for low-carbon production — designing, developing, and implementing a series of strategic footholds toward a sustainable, world-class industry over the next two decades. The presentation concludes by looking ahead, showing how as new trade challenges emerge — from national security to market shifts and technological advances — Canada’s aluminium industry is to lead and shape the path forward.
Speaker’s Bio
Jean Simard is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC) since 2009. He is the industry’s official representative and spokesperson with governments, business associations and the media, as well as with international organizations linked to the industry. Mr. Simard holds a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Barreau du Québec. He possesses extensive professional experience in public policy and government relations, mainly in sustainable development, energy, international trade and environmental affairs. Prior to joining the AAC, he was Vice-President Sustainable Development, Public and Governmental Affairs, at Gaz Métro, a Quebec-based energy company.