The North American auto sector is the world’s most integrated industrial network, with the Canada-U.S. partnership at its core. As Canada’s second-largest export, the automotive industry is vital to the economy, supporting thousands of well-paying, full-time jobs.
Automakers invest billions in Canadian parts and materials, fueling a supply chain with one of the highest job multipliers in any industry. With Canadian jobs and the broader economy at stake, bold action and decisive leadership are imperative. Regardless of the size or duration of the tariffs, industries must view this situation as a crucial catalyst for change—an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and build a more resilient future.
Join Canadian Club Toronto on May 21 for an engaging discussion on today’s most pressing trade challenges, insights from past industry crises, and emerging opportunities shaping the future of the sector. The panel discussion will bring together industry experts:
*For virtual attendees, please note that the live stream will begin at approximately 12:30 pm ET & the link will be provided closer to the event date*
Flavio Volpe
President, APMA
Flavio Volpe is an internationally recognized champion of Canada’s auto industry and a Member of the Order of Canada. He proudly leads the APMA, Canada’s OEM supplier industry body, representing 200+ suppliers to the worldwide automotive industry.
When the US president threatened to tear up NAFTA, he worked closely with officials in Ottawa, Washington, DC & Mexico City, leading the effort to secure an unprecedented 25% increase in Regional Content for suppliers in the USMCA.
When the COVID-19 pandemic created a dangerous medical equipment shortage in Canada, he launched the biggest peacetime mobilization of the country’s industrial capacity in its history to manufacture critical PPE & ventilators.
When anti-government actors in Windsor illegally blockaded Canada’s most critical border, he secured an injunction in Ontario Superior Court that forced the reopening of the Ambassador Bridge & got goods flowing again.
When the Prime Minister challenged the country to create a net-zero 2050, he launched an all-Canadian, zero-emissions, autonomous concept prototype, Project Arrow. Its the premier showcase of Canada’s auto technology, fostering an unprecedented level of collaboration within the industrial ecosystem.
Styled “Canada’s manufacturing hero” by the Hill Times, he was named a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-US Relations, the Ontario Premier’s Council on US Trade & Competitiveness & the Toronto Mayor’s Economic Action Team.
Flavio is a sought-after voice by leading global publications, including The Economist, New York Times, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, CNN, BBC, CNBC, FOX, and the Washington Post. He frequently speaks on industry issues as a regular witness at Canada’s House of Commons Standing Committees on Finance, Industry, and Trade. He’s done over 500 interviews on Canada-US trade and autos since the first Tariff tweet last November … and counting!
Flavio holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Toronto & an MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business.
Rob Wildeboer
Executive Chairman & Co-Founder, Martinrea International Inc
Rob Wildeboer is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of Martinrea International Inc., a diversified and global automotive supplier engaged in the design, development and manufacturing of highly engineered, value-added Lightweight Structures and Propulsion Systems. Martinrea currently employs approximately 19,000 talented and motivated people in 56 operating divisions in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, China, South Africa and Japan. He brings a deep and intricate knowledge of the Company’s culture, key personnel, strategy, history and development, and relationships with key constituencies such as capital providers and governments, to the Company. He has also been intimately involved in negotiating the purchase and financing of every acquisition in the Company’s history, as the Company has been one of the fastest growing automotive parts companies in the industry. He has been involved in the automotive industry for many years in many roles, whether as a representative of the Company in negotiations or as an advisor to public policy makers and others. He is focused on the Company’s Culture, Vision, Mission and Principles, with a commitment to the Company’s most important asset, its people.
Mr. Wildeboer is co-chair of the Canadian Automotive Partnership Counsel (CAPC) and was co-chair of the CAPC Task Force on COVID-19; a present and past advisor to the Governments of Canada and Ontario, as well as Mexico, on a variety of economic, trade, investment, industry, innovation, manufacturing and automotive mandates; is past Chair of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and past Chair and current director of Cardus, both leading Canadian think tanks; and a director or advisor of numerous charitable organizations.
Mr. Wildeboer holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph, a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, an MBA from York University, and an LLM from Harvard University. In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to Canada. In 2018, he received the Jay Hennick Award from Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business for career achievement.
Shelley Gilberg
Markets Leader, Managed Accounts, PwC Canada
Shelley Gilberg is the Markets Leader for Managed Accounts and a member of PwC Canada’s Leadership Team. She is a senior Partner in PwC’s Sustainability practice working with Boards and executive teams to deliver measurable business value from sustainability.
Shelley has spent almost 30 years as a leader in industry, public sector and as a consultant. She has been a CFO, COO, and a Transformation executive, and she has grown and scaled national and global businesses. Her career has focused on helping the organizations she has served and her advisory clients to solve for their most important risks and opportunities.
She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Queen’s University, is a Certified Professional Accountant (FCPA, FCMA) and is ICD.D certified. Shelley has been a Board Director of several organizations. She is an active mentor in industry, and she is a founding member of Vancouver Women in Technology (VanWIT).
