Fireside Chats with Erin (Canada Grains Council Edition)

Erin sits down again with Nadia Theodore, Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, UNCTAD, ITC, and WIPO, for another candid fireside chat with our host.
In this 2026 catch-up, Nadia shares what's been keeping her busy in Geneva, from the latest developments at the WTO to Canada's evolving role on the global stage. With trade tensions and multilateral negotiations never far from the headlines, she offers her on-the-ground perspective on what it all means and what Canada is doing about it.
Warm, frank, and full of insight, this is the kind of conversation that reminds you why these issues matter beyond the boardroom and the negotiating table.

In this episode, Erin Gowriluk sits down with Elli Tsiforou, the newly appointed Secretary General of COPA-COGECA, to talk about the future of European agriculture. With over two decades of experience in agricultural policy and advocacy, Elli shares her vision for digital transformation, cooperative leadership, and strengthening the EU's agricultural voice. Tune in for a cross-continental conversation about challenges, opportunities, and what’s next for farmers in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

In this timely episode, Erin Gowriluk is joined by Carlo Dade, Nick McRoberts, and Tyler McCann for a dynamic roundtable on the shifting landscape of agriculture and trade. From escalating tariffs to political posturing and growing Canada-U.S. tensions, the conversation dives deep into the policies and pressures shaping the sector.
Tune in for sharp insights, bold perspectives, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s really at stake for Canadian agriculture on the global stage.

In another special International Women’s Day episode, Erin Gowriluk speaks with a leading agricultural association and industry expert with over 20 years of experience in the Africa-Middle East region. From championing sustainable agriculture to navigating complex regulatory frameworks, she shares her insights on empowering smallholder farmers, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and advancing science-based solutions. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of women in shaping the future of global agriculture and sustainable development.

In another special episode, Erin Gowriluk speaks with Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, about the evolving landscape of global agriculture and trade, including the growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada. With a career spanning leadership in global agribusiness and international markets, Jim shares insights on sustainability, market access, and the future of U.S. soy in an increasingly complex trade environment. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping North American agriculture. 

In this special International Women's Day episode, Erin Gowriluk is joined by Tessa Ritter, Chair of the Canola Council of Canada, and Leta LaRush, Vice President of Business Management at BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions. Together, they discuss the evolving role of women in agriculture, leadership, and sustainability, as well as the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on breaking barriers, advocating for diversity, and leading with impact in agriculture.

In another special episode, Erin Gowriluk sits down with David Salmonsen, Senior Director of Governmental Affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation, to discuss the growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada in agriculture and trade policy. With decades of experience in government and advocacy, David shares insights on cross-border trade negotiations, regulatory challenges, and the future of North American agriculture. Tune in for an in-depth look at the policies shaping the industry and what they mean for farmers on both sides of the border.

In this special episode, Erin Gowriluk speaks with Alex Dunn, President & CEO of CropLife America, about the growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada in agriculture and environmental policy. With decades of experience in government, law, and sustainability, Alex shares insights on regulatory challenges, cross-border collaboration, and the future of environmental stewardship. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating complex policies in an evolving global landscape. 

Carlo Dade is one of the country’s leading voices on defending and advancing western Canadian trade interests in Canada and abroad. He leads work on development of a national trade infrastructure plan and renewal of the nation’s trade corridors. His research and advocacy are playing a critical role in the achieving better trade agreements and drawing attention to the often-neglected importance of the assets and systems critical to moving products to markets. He has a reputation for developing creative solutions to some of the major challenges facing Canadian exporters and defending Canadian interests in trade with China and the U.S.

This this episode, Erin sits down with Goldy Hyder, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council of Canada (BCC), a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose membership is comprised of more than 170 chief executives and entrepreneurs of Canada’s leading and largest companies.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of Open Text Corporation and has a long track record of service on behalf of several charities and non-profit organizations, including the Coalition for a Better Future and the Business + Higher Education Round table.
 
https://canadagrainscouncil.ca/