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March 4, 2026
Trade, Markets, and Canada’s Agri-Food Future
Hon. Jason Kenney brings a wealth of experience from his time as a senior Cabinet Minister in the Harper government and later as Premier of Alberta. He played a key role in advancing landmark trade agreements—including CETA with the EU, CPTPP across the Asia–Pacific, and the USMCA with the United States and Mexico, all of which have shaped Canada’s agri-food exports. In this session, Mr. Kenney shares insider perspectives on navigating evolving trade landscapes, market diversification. Against the backdrop of trade wars, shifting alliances, and global realignments in politics, security, and economics, he will explore whether we are witnessing the end of globalization or the dawn of a new era of re-globalization and what it means for Canada’s role on the world stage.
Biography
18th Premier of Alberta (2019-2022) | Member of Parliament (1997-2016)
The Honourable Jason Kenney recently completed a distinguished twenty-five year career in
public service. In his twenties he built the Canadian Taxpayers Federation into one of Canada’s
most influential advocacy groups, serving as its President and CEO. He was elected to
Parliament in 1997, and was re-elected six times with an average of 76% of the vote. He served
in key opposition roles, including Shadow Finance Minister.
As a senior member of the Harper government, he led some of the largest federal departments
as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; Minister of Employment and Social
Development; and Minister of National Defence, while chairing the influential Cabinet
Operations Committee. The National Post called him “perhaps Canada’s best immigration
minister, ever.”
In 2016 Jason launched a successful campaign to unite Alberta’s free enterprise parties, going
on to win a landslide majority to become Alberta’s eighteenth Premier. His government focused
on the successful renewal of Alberta’s economy, while working with Indigenous people to create
economic opportunity.
Jason holds two honorary doctorates and was voted “best overall parliamentarian” by his
colleagues. He now serves as a Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP, and BMO, is a Senior
Fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute, and is a member of several corporate boards.
