On November 15, 2024, CCBC hosted the 46th AGM and Business Forum in Beijing, bringing together over 450 attendees from across Canada and China. Building on the success of last year’s AGM, the morning Business Forum featured powerful discussions, insights, and invaluable networking. The morning Business Forum explored key topics such as the US election, agrifood innovation, and energy transitions, while also celebrating achievements with the 9th Canada China Business Excellence Awards.

Mark Rowswell 大山
Senior Advisor, Cape Breton Language Centre (CBLC) on Cape Breton University Campus
Canadian entertainer, media personality and cultural ambassador

Panel 3: Energy Transition – Comparing and Contrasting Canada and China’s Approach
Moderator: Graham Shantz, President, CCBC
Speakers: Karen Ogen, CEO, First Nations LNG Alliance; Mary Shu, Founder and CEO, Syntech Partner Consulting; Dr. Matt Vickers, Executive Chairman and CEO, NorthernNations Cooperative

Since 2008, CCBC has presented the biennial Canada China Business Excellence Awards to showcase members excelling in building strong bilateral business ties. These awards celebrate innovation and leadership in navigating the challenges of doing business in China. This year, we presented the 9th Canada China Business Excellence Awards throughout the Business Forum in the categories of Resilience, Academic Collaboration, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Women in Leadership, and Benefit to Canada, along with a special presentation of the President’s Award for Excellence by CCBC President Graham Shantz. Learn more about the awards here.

Academic Collaboration Award
Gold, Holland College
Silver, Master of Finance – Beijing, Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
Bronze, York University, Asian Business & Management Program and the Faculty of Science (ABMP-FSc)

Women in Leadership Award
Gold (tie), Canada Wood Group – Haiyan ZHANG
Gold (tie), Magna International Inc. – Zhen WU

President’s Award for Excellence
Cape Breton University-Cape Breton Language Centre, Bilingual MBA Program

In his remarks during the Business Dinner, Olivier Desmarais, Chair of CCBC’s Board of Directors, took a moment to recognize this AGM as Sarah Kutulakos’ last in her role as CCBC Executive Director and COO. Ms. Kutulakos will begin a new position at another company on January 1, 2025, after nearly 18 years of dedicated leadership. Her contributions were celebrated with heartfelt appreciation for her remarkable impact on CCBC and the Canada-China business community.

Another highlight of the evening was the inspiring speech delivered by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, who underscored the significance of Canada-China trade in agriculture, agri-food, and fish and seafood products. He noted that China is Canada’s second-largest customer in these sectors, with sales reaching $11.5 billion in 2023. Minister MacAulay praised Canadian producers for their innovation, quality, and dedication to meeting China’s growing demand for safe and sustainable food. While addressing regulatory challenges, he emphasized the need for collaboration and a strong presence in China to foster long-term partnerships and enhance the Canada Brand. Below are some snapshots from the evening.

Olivier Desmarais
Chair, Board of Directors, Canada China Business Council
Senior Vice-President, Power Corporation
Chairman and CEO, Power Sustainable

Olivier Desmarais and Sarah Kutulakos raise a toast during the 46th AGM Business Dinner

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Mark Rowswell 大山
Senior Advisor, Cape Breton Language Centre (CBLC) on Cape Breton University Campus
Canadian entertainer, media personality and cultural ambassador