FCC 2025 Annual Conference
Join us in the nation’s capital for Canada’s premier fish and seafood event!
Accessing Global Markets in Turbulent Waters
FCC’s Annual Conference October 1st & 2nd, 2025 Fairmont Chateau Laurier Ottawa, ON
Canada’s Best and Largest Fish and Seafood Event is Back!
Considered to be one of the most important industry gatherings – this exclusive conference brings together over 175 delegates from across the Canadian fisheries and seafood sector, including:
- Canadian fish harvesters, processors
- Seafood industry leaders
- Government officials, and
- Other key stakeholders and policy influencers
Tackling the Issues That Matter Most
This year’s theme addresses the critical challenges of trade uncertainty, tariff issues, and unpredictable market conditions facing the Canadian fish and seafood industry.
Network
Join 130+ of Canada’s fish and seafood industry leaders, decisions makers and stakeholders.
Learn
Attend sessions led by some of the industry’s best speakers and thought leaders.
Enjoy
Dine on some of the best seafood Canada has to offer!
A Dynamic Agenda to Inform and Inspire
The Conference agenda is taking shape and will provide a great day of interactive presentations and engaging discussions on key topics that matter most to you.
FCC has negotiated a great rate for you to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Don’t wait long – click here to reserve your guest room and take advantage of the savings!
Contact Sharon Leslie, Executive Assistant, Office & Conference Coordinator, Fisheries Council of Canada, at info@fisheriescouncil.ca or 613-899-5688 for general questions about the venue, reservations, and agenda.
2025 Speakers
Morning Keynote: What’s Next in the US, EU and Asia, and How Canada’s Fisheries Can Adapt and Thrive
Dominic Barton
Former Ambassador of Canada to the People’s Republic of China
Morning Panel: Perspectives on the Current Global Trade Landscape, and What it Means for Canadian Fisheries
Luncheon Keynote: Canada, the Indo-Pacific, and a Shifting Geopolitical Order
Afternoon Spotlight: Global Trends in Digital Seafood Regulatory Compliance
LearnCove
Afternoon Keynote: Emerging Trends in Seafood Processing
Nils Rabe
Global Sales Director Fish, BAADER
Afternoon Panel: Telling Industry’s Story
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois
Professor, Food Distribution and Policy
Faculty of Management, School for Resource and Environmental Studies
Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab
Gala Dinner & Networking Event on October 2: A highlight of the Conference!
* Subject to change
Jason McLinton
Jason has over 25 years of experience in government and government relations in Canada’s food sector. He came to FCC from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada where he was senior project leader with the Grocery Task Force and Office of Consumer Affairs. Previous to this, he was the Retail Council of Canada’s Vice President of Grocery and Regulatory Affairs, and he also spent time as a regulator with Health Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. His areas of expertise include government relations and advocacy, public relations and communications, government policy, legislative and regulatory affairs, and establishing effective partnerships with officials, NGOs and other industry groups.
Alberto Wareham
Alberto Wareham is a leader in the seafood industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, and across Canada, carrying forward a seven-generation family legacy as President and CEO of Icewater Seafoods. Under his leadership, the family-owned business based in Arnold’s Cove, NL has prioritized sustainability, quality, and community prosperity. He has invested in state-of-the-art processing to enhance efficiency and quality, attracting and retaining premium global customers through the ups and downs of the cod industry.
Icewater’s world-class facility is the only plant in North America focused on year-round North Atlantic cod production and one of only 6 in the world approved to sell to UK-based multinational retailer Marks & Spencer. The plant has been in operation since 1979 despite the moratorium in 1992 and its 225 employees work nearly year-round. In 2025, the plant proudly processed 100% Canadian cod.
Alberto is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, specifically for his role as a strong advocate for responsible fisheries management and for his unwavering commitment as a principled and ethical business leader.
Alberto has Bachelor of Commerce Co-op Honours degree from Memorial University. He has worked in the fishery since 1992 and he joined the family business in 2007. He is the current Chair of the Fisheries Council of Canada, Vice-Chair of the Association of Seafood Producers and Chair of the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation.
John Sackton
John Sackton is the Founder of SeafoodNews.com, and President of Seafood Datasearch. He has been in the seafood industry for more than 45 years. During his 20 years as publisher of SeafoodNews he wrote daily news stories and market analysis on crab, lobster, shrimp, cod, pollock, salmon and other products. He has worked with both harvesters and processors on market outlooks in Alaska, Newfoundland, Maritime Canada, and the US West Coast. He has been giving an annual overview of US seafood markets to the FCC for more than fifteen years. He retired as Editor of SeafoodNews in 2019 but has continued writing his monthly opinion and commentary column: The Winding Glass.
John Sackton will give his annual review of the US Seafood Market, with emphasis on major products important to Canadian Exporters. He will discuss current developments in US seafood demand, consumer behavior, and trade and tariff issues affecting seafood from a Canadian perspective.
Dominic Barton
Dominic is Chair of Rio Tinto and the Chair of LeapFrog Investments, an impact-investment firm focused on emerging markets. He is also a Senior advisor and partner at Radical Ventures a leading AI investment firm.
Dominic completed his role as the Ambassador of Canada to the People’s Republic of China in 2021, appointed by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2019.
He was a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and served as Global Managing Partner for 3 terms from 2009 to 2018.
Dominic recently concluded his tenure as the Chancellor of the University of Waterloo.
Dominic was previously Chair of Teck Resources, from 2018 to 2019, and, in 2019, served as a Non-Executive Director at Singtel.
Dominic brings a wealth of global business experience, as well as a deep insight of geopolitics, corporate sustainability, and governance.
Baldur S. Blöndal
Baldur is the Chairman and Chief Operating of the Icelandic AI research and deployment company GreenFish. He leads operations and legal and plays a role in bringing data driven tools and AI powered predictions to fisheries worldwide. His work covers contracts, collaboration with government bodies and research institutes, data management and day to day contact with clients.
GreenFish is building a dedicated software solution for fisheries which integrates catch logs, weather and oceanographic forecasts with AI powered predictions in a single system, giving fish harvesters a new informational foundation for evaluating fishing grounds. The company received the 2025 Seafood Innovation Award and has 10 employees across Reykjavík and Copenhagen with clients in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia.
Baldur is a lawyer by training with a background in corporate law and serves as course coordinator and lecturer in Business Law at Reykjavík University.
H.E. Hlynur Guðjónsson,
Ambassador Guðjónsson was accredited as Iceland’s Ambassador to Canada in September 2021. He has 30 years’ experience in international trade and investment, public relations, advertising, and politics. He holds degrees in Integrated Marketing Communication as well as History from Emerson College (USA) and the University of Iceland, respectively. Prior to Ottawa he served as Consul General and Trade Commissioner at the Consulate of Iceland in New York, where he was responsible for the trade and investment portfolio for the United States and Canada. There he served concurrently as the General Manager of the Icelandic-American Chamber of Commerce, and as co-founder and chairman of the Nordic Innovation House New York and Nordic City Solutions. Guðjónsson also served as an appointed member of the Export and Marketing Council of Iceland from 2019 to 2023. Earlier in his career, Guðjónsson served as brand manager for Icelandic USA, Inc., a global seafood importer, wholesaler, and manufacturer, where he developed and executed the company’s branding initiatives.
Ian Burney
Mr. Burney’s distinguished, 34-year diplomatic career focused largely on advancing Canada’s global trade interests and its ties across the Indo-Pacific region, culminating with his assignment as Canada’s Ambassador to Japan from 2016-21.
At Global Affairs Canada, Mr. Burney served as Assistant Deputy Minister for International Business Development, Investment & Innovation from 2009-11 and as ADM for Trade Policy and Negotiations from 2011-2015. At the Privy Council Office, he served as Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Economic and Regional Development from 2015-16. For his leadership in advancing Canada’s trade agenda, Mr. Burney was the recipient of the 2014. Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) of the Public Service of Canada.
Mr. Burney retired from the Public Service in November 2021. He currently serves in a number of positions in the private sector, including as a Board Director and as a Senior Advisor at two firms in the financial services sector.
He is married and has four children.
Carey Bonnell
Carey Bonnell’s career in the seafood industry spans almost 25 years, including roles such as Managing Director of the Canadian Center for Fisheries Innovation, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Environment, and 8 years as the Head of School of Fisheries at the Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. In February 2018, Carey joined Ocean Choice International where he is Vice President of Sustainability and Engagement.
As the Vice President of Sustainability and Engagement, Carey leads Ocean Choice’s strategic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, including the company’s sustainability commitments such as Marine Stewardship Council certifications and Fishery Improvement Projects. Carey is also heavily involved in driving technology and innovation improvements across Ocean Choice’s operations to reduce the company’s environmental footprint and advance its long-term sustainability goals. In addition, Carey leads Ocean Choice’s government and stakeholder engagement initiatives and represents the company on various industry associations.
Carey has also served as Industry Co-Chair of the Canadian Seafood Value Chain Roundtable, a board member of the Canadian Center for Fisheries Innovation, Past-Chair of the Fisheries Council of Canada and Past President of the International Association of Seafood Professionals.
Steve Verhuel
Prior to his retirement from the Federal Public Service in 2022, Mr. Verheul held a number of senior level positions in the federal government, including Assistant Deputy Minister of the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch at Global Affairs Canada. As Canada’s Chief Trade Negotiator, he led the negotiations that resulted in the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Agreement (the new NAFTA), and before that led the negotiations between Canada and the European Union that led to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. From 1989 to 2009, he worked in international trade policy at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and was Canada’s Chief Agriculture Negotiator from 2003 to 2009, responsible for leading Canada’s involvement in international trade negotiations on agriculture. Mr. Verheul is currently a Principal with GT and Company Executive Advisors, as well as President of Steve Verheul Consulting Inc. He is also a Fellow of the Public Policy Forum.
David McKinnon
David McKinnon joined the Department of External Affairs as a trade commissioner in 1987. During his time in Ottawa, he held various positions related to Canada’s overseas trade, economic and diplomatic interests, including as Director for Asia-Pacific Policy (2002–2004). From 2013 to 2017, he was Executive Director of Strategic Policy and Planning, and then Director General of the Physical Resources Bureau. David’s assignments overseas have included Bangkok (1989–1992); Canberra (1994–1998 and 2009–2013), the latter as Deputy Head of Mission); New Delhi (2004–2009), where he was Minister Counsellor responsible for the delivery of Canada’s trade and investment program in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
He served in Colombo as High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives from 2017 to 2022, and as Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Canada to Central Asia in Astana, Kazakhstan, in 2024. David holds a Bachelor’s in History from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Queen’s University.
Ashley Kanary
Ashley Kanary is the Director of Global Agri-Food based in Toronto with Export Development Canada, he has a significant Agri-Food background spanning over 40 years holding previous executive leadership roles at Lassonde as Vice President and General Manager (One of Canada’s largest Juice companies – Oasis, Sunrype brands) and at BCI Foods as Executive Vice President – Sales and Marketing (a canned soup business – Primo and Aylmer brands + a Military food producer).
He holds a Specialization in Strategy certificate from Harvard Business School with a focus on Global Business, Strategy Execution and Sustainable Business.
Jeff Mahon
Jeff Mahon is Director of StrategyCorp’s Geopolitical & International Business Advisory Practice. He serves clients in navigating a fast changing political and policy environment by translating big-picture trends into tractable solutions. Armed with technical regulatory knowledge, a background in foreign policy development, and experience negotiating and executing international trade contracts, Jeff brings a unique skillset to position clients to not only prepare for and respond to risks but also to seize opportunities amidst a changing geopolitical order.
Prior to joining StrategyCorp, Jeff served on important files and policy areas with the Canadian federal government. His most recent role was Deputy Director at Global Affairs Canada’s China Division where over several years he covered range of files including investment; science, technology & innovation (STI); economic security; and policy surrounding promotion of Canada’s key economic sectors: energy & resources, finance, automotive, life sciences and cleantech. While at Industry Canada he served as Senior Adviser at both the Investment Review Division and the Investment Attraction Directorate. Prior to joining the federal government, he was Nunavut’s Chief Negotiator for the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), where he spearheaded the creation of the Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table (RCT), a new intergovernmental institution designed to reduce red tape and enable interprovincial business. He also founded an international trade brokerage company focusing on Canadian agricultural exports to China.
Jeff is a keen observer of international relations, trade policy and geoeconomics, with publications in the Globe & Mail, Financial Post, Asia Nikkei, the Toronto Star and more. He is also serves on the board of directors for the Ottawa Jazz Festival.
Lauren Martin
Lauren is the Senior Director of Public Affairs & Corporate Counsel for the Canadian Meat Council (CMC). Based in Ottawa, Lauren is responsible for leading CMC’s strategy, development and implementation of public affairs and oversees policy files such as labour and sustainability. Lauren is a lawyer by training, having obtained a J.D. from the Schulich School of Law and practicing for a few years before returning to agriculture. In pursuit of her endless interest in the food system, Lauren has had similar government relations and regulatory roles across the food system including with the Canadian Organic Trade Association, the Canadian Seed Trade Association, and the Canadian Cattle Association. A believer in community building, she Chaired the board of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, a national charity that champions mental health in agriculture. These experiences culminate in an in-depth understanding of Canada’s agri-food system. In 2020, she bought a farm and is slowly exploring the business.
Lisa Wallenda Picard
Lisa was selected as President and CEO for the National Fisheries Institute in December 2022. NFI is the largest seafood trade association in the US, representing the industry from water to table its members include boatowners, producers, processors, importers, exporters, aquaculture operations, as well as retailers and restaurants. She and the NFI team are focused on promoting a diverse industry by coalescing around the many benefits of seafood.
In her previous role as the Senior Vice President for Policy, Trade and Regulatory Affairs at National Turkey Federation, Lisa oversaw all regulatory matters both domestic and international. Earlier in her career, Lisa was the Chief of Staff for USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the 10,000 person agency that regulates and inspects meat, poultry, catfish and egg products for distribution in the U.S. and abroad. Prior to joining FSIS in 2002, Lisa served as National Director of Public Relations for Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey. She also spent several years advocating on animal welfare, agriculture and technology issues.
Picard earned her Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Management at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, her Masters in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University and her Bachelors degree in Communications from Flagler College. She is an avid hiker and passionate baseball fan. A native of Sarasota, Florida, she resides in Virginia with her family.
Christine Penney
Christine Penney is Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership. Clearwater is proudly Indigenous owned and is a global leader in sustainable wild seafood. With over 28 years of dedication at Clearwater, Christine serves on the senior leadership team and was Clearwater’s first female executive.
Christine holds Bachelor of Science and Masters of Marine Management degrees from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. She plays a leadership role in global fisheries sustainability initiatives, dedicating time to serve on the board of the Association of Sustainable Fisheries and the FISH standard for crew. She currently serves on the board of the Fisheries Council of Canada and the Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia and has previously served on the boards of the Canadian Association of Prawn Producers, Atlantic Groundfish Council and the Marine Stewardship Council.
Christine currently serves as the inaugural Chair for the Board of Certified Seafood International, a third-party certification program with global reach, assessing environmentally responsibly fisheries management.
Nils Rabe
Nils Rabe is the Global Sales Director Fish at BAADER. With a strong background in processing and project management, he plays a key role in advancing innovation and efficiency within the global seafood industry by helping partners optimize the use of BAADER’s cutting-edge equipment and solutions.
Nils began his journey with BAADER in April 2019 as an Area Sales Manager. In June 2021, he was appointed CEO of BAADER North America, where he successfully led the regional business and strengthened its market presence. Since 2024, he has returned to Germany with his family to take on the role of Global Sales Director Fish, driving strategic initiatives and global sales efforts.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Nils enjoys gardening, hiking, and playing handball.
Colin McMillan
Colin McMillan is a lifelong participant in the BC seafood industry. Working on tender boats in salmon season and attending UBC Commerce in the off season.
After years in family businesses Colin joined the Canadian Fishing Company in 2019 in sales positions and now as VP for Corporate Relations.
He has two teenagers and lives in the historic fishing town of Steveston.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor in food distribution and policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.
Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.
Sponsoring the 2025 FCC Conference
Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to position your company at the heart of this vital Canadian industry.
This is where you get seen and heard, where relationships are forged, and your brand can shine in front of the exact audience you need to reach.
Your sponsorship demonstrates leadership, continued support and commitment for this important annual industry event. Don’t forget to send this to your supplier community and let them know about this exclusive, high-impact event!
Contact Sharon Leslie, Executive Assistant, Office and Conference Coordinator at Fisheries Council of Canada, at info@fisheriescouncil.ca to discuss our amazing sponsorship opportunities
We appreciate the support of the 2025 FCC Conference sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Thank You to our 2024 Sponsors!
See the list of 2024 sponsors with links to their web pages! We appreciate their support and hope that you will encourage them also!
We look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Attendance Rates
| Conference Registration Rates | Early Bird (before Aug. 15th) | Regular (after Aug. 15th) |
|---|---|---|
| Member | $799 | $899 |
| Non-Member | $1199 | **$1299 **Upgrade to $2,000 to become a Supporting Sponsor! (includes conference pass) |
| Government | $349 | $399 |
| Special Sector Association Member | $699 | $799 |
| Academia & NGOs | $349 | $399 |
| Welcoming Network Reception | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members, spouses, academia | $99 | $149 |
| Non-Member | $349 | $399 |
| Closing Reception & Gala Dinner | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members, spouses, academia | $149 | $199 |
| Non-Member | $349 | $399 |
Plus taxes and service charge
Register Today to Secure Your Spot
Join leaders from across Canada’s fish and seafood sector at this year’s Annual Conference. Reserve your place now to connect, learn, and shape the future of our industry together.