How is Canada balancing its relationship with its largest trading partner, the United States, while expanding opportunities in global markets? This conference will explore key challenges, risks and opportunities for the Canadian economy, with a focus on agriculture and agri-food, followed by a discussion and audience Q&A.
As Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Premier of Québec, and with a public service career spanning almost 30 years, Jean Charest is one of Canada’s best known political figures.
Jean Charest was first elected to the House of Commons in 1984 and, at age 28, became Canada’s youngest cabinet minister as Minister of State for Youth. In 1991, he was named Minister of the Environment and Minister of Industry, Science and Technology, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada in 1993.
In 1994, Jean Charest was chosen Leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party. He held that position until 1998 when he became Leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. Mr. Charest then broke a 50-year provincial record by winning three consecutive election campaigns in 2003, 2007 and 2008.
Furthermore, the Charest government initiated an unprecedented labour mobility agreement between France and Québec and was best known for a major initiative for the sustainable development of Northern Québec called “Plan Nord”. Jean Charest is notably the initiator of the negotiation for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
He is today a Partner at Canadian firm Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur, where he provides invaluable expertise to the firm’s clients with his in-depth knowledge and experience with public policy, corporate Canada, and international matters. As a strategic advisor with a unique perspective, he supports clients on complex transactions, projects, and international mandates.
In January 2025, Mr. Charest was appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada to the Council on Canada–U.S. Relations, which has since become the Advisory Committee on Canada U.S. Economic Relations, a role in which his mandate was renewed in April 2026. He is also a member of the steering committee of the private sector Canada–United States Trade Council, collaborating on issues related to tariffs and CUSMA.
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