The Empire Club of Canada
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Strategy, Resilience and Growth: Canada–EU Trade Next Steps under CETA
Canada and the European Union are no longer just trading partners—they are strategic allies in a world where supply chains, security, and climate policy are increasingly intertwined and driven by shifting geopolitics. Two‑way trade in goods and services has surged to more than €123 billion (about $162 billion CAD) a year, a more than 70% increase since CETA’s provisional application, underscoring how central the EU has become to Canada’s diversification strategy. At Davos, Prime Minister Mark Carney set a new bar for that strategy, calling for Canada to “double our non‑U.S. exports” and to “move from reliance to resilience” by building a denser web of partnerships that are economically and politically sustainable.
On March 5, join The Empire Club of Canada for an evening conversation at the heart of this pivot. The program will feature remarks from Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade, and The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, each offering their perspective on the future of Canada–EU cooperation under CETA. Their speeches will be followed by a joint fireside chat that examines how the two partners can secure critical supply chains, respond to geopolitical shocks, align climate and trade policies and keep markets open while protecting Canadian and European workers. The fireside chat will be moderated by Arlene Dickinson, General Managing Partner, District Venture Capital — legendary entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and “Dragon” on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.
The evening will ask what a mature, strategic Canada–EU partnership should look like and what it will take to turn today’s $162‑billion‑plus relationship into a resilient platform for the next decade—one that strengthens democratic alliances, and keeps both economies competitive in an era when, as Prime Minister Carney warned, “the old order is not coming back.” Join us for an Empire Nights program that brings the strategic choices and critical next steps for a future-oriented Canada-EU trade partnership into sharp focus.
Get your tickets now!
Enjoy refreshments and networking in an atmosphere built for real dialogue and a fresh perspectives.
Slovak national with a long career within the European Commission (since 2009)
Served as European Commission Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal from 2023-2024
Previously held positions as European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth (2009-2010), European Commission Vice-President for Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration (2010-2014), European Commission Vice-President for the Energy Union and EU Space Policy (2014-2019), and European Commission Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight (2019-2023)
Long political and diplomatic career prior to positions within the European Commission, including as Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the EU (2004-2009), Ambassador of Slovakia to Israel (1999-2002), Head of the Department of Regional Development of the Vysoana Region (2001-2003), and Deputy Head of Mission of the Czech and Slovak Federal Embassy to Canada (1992-1995)
Obtained Doctor of Law from Comenius University in Bratislava in 1990
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu has served as Canada’s Minister of International Trade since 2025 and has represented the riding of Brampton East in the House of Commons since 2019. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Minister Sidhu began his career as an entrepreneur, building a successful customs brokerage business. He is also the founder of The Kindness Movement, a family charity assisting underprivileged school children.
Prior to his current role, Minister Sidhu served four years as Parliamentary Secretary at Global Affairs Canada, where he contributed to strengthening Canada’s diplomatic ties, advancing international trade initiatives, and supporting global development efforts. A long-time resident of Brampton, Minister Sidhu has called the city home for over 35 years, where he lives with his wife and children.
Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success. She is the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a leading force in the industry, with a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live and eat.
Beyond her business ventures, Dickinson is a sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series, Dragons’ Den, where she currently has starred for over 17 seasons. Dickinson’s leadership and entrepreneurial prowess have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Marketing Hall of Legends, recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. Dickinson served as an honorary captain of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 10 years visiting our troops overseas numerous times.
With her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for innovation, and her deep dedication to her community and country, Arlene Dickinson is a true Canadian icon and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and vision.
