The Canada China Business Council (CCBC) will host an invite-only roundtable in Edmonton on May 8 with featured speakers Consul-General ZHAO Liying of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary and Philippe Rheault, Director, The China Institute at the University of Alberta. Madam Zhao will provide crucial updates on Canada-China relations and insights from the recent “Two Sessions” and Mr. Rheault will discuss how to chart potential paths forward for Canada-China engagement. 

This event marks a special opportunity to connect with CCBC’s Regional Director, Western Director Lotta Ygartua, fellow members, and the Canada-China business community across Alberta. Attendees can deepen their understanding of evolving market dynamics and gain a competitive edge.

Tickets are free of charge; spaces are limited and by invitation. If you are interested in joining the roundtable, please contact Lotta Ygartua at lotta@ccbc.com.

Address:
Edmonton Global
Suite 2205 – 10020 100 St. NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 0N3

About the Speakers:

ZHAO Liying
Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary

ZHAO Liying assumed her duties as Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary in January 2023. Ms. ZHAO is a career diplomat and has served in the Chinese diplomatic missions in Greece, Canada, Croatia and Egypt.

L. Philippe Rheault
Director
The China Institute at the University of Alberta

L. Philippe Rheault takes on the leadership of The China Institute following a 25-year career in the Canadian diplomatic service, where he mainly focused on China and East Asia. He has been posted to the region six times: to Beijing, Taipei, Chongqing (twice), Mongolia, and Guangzhou. Notably, he has headed two of Canada’s four missions in Mainland China, as Canada’s first Consul General to the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing (2012-2017) and most recently as the Consul General of Canada for South China, based in Guangzhou (Canton) (2019 to 2023). Over the course of the last two and a half decades, he has had the opportunity to witness first-hand China’s extraordinary rise, as well as most of the key milestones marking the evolution of Canada-China relations.

Mr. Rheault’s extensive network spans China, Canada, and beyond, and he has over the years provided advice and support to a wide cross-section of top leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society. He looks forward to deploying his experience, networks, and leadership skills in the service of the China Institute, with a view to continuing to enhance its profile, relevancy, and impact. He also looks forward to playing a role in deepening understanding of China at the University of Alberta itself and also within the broader Albertan and Canadian community. Mr. Rheault holds degrees in Philosophy, Political Science, and Law, all from McGill University. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at China Southwest University, is a member of the Québec bar, and is professionally fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, English, and French.