Post Event | Powering the Economy in Dynamic Times: A conversation with CN CEO Tracy Robinson on US-Canada trade, efficiency and growth

On March 6, the Calgary Chamber hosted Powering the Economy in Dynamic Times: A conversation with CN CEO Tracy Robinson on US-Canada trade, efficiency and growth. This event featured a keynote address from Tracy Robinson, CEO of Canada National Railway Company, and a fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President & CEO Deborah Yedlin. The discussion covered the importance of trade infrastructure and supply chains and the need for Canada to focus on developing infrastructure that drives economic growth and productivity.

Ms. Robinson began her remarks with an overview of the critical role that CN Rail plays as a supply chain partner, connecting Canadian industry from coast to coast and providing essential access to global markets. Further, Ms. Robinson discussed CN’s footprint in Alberta specifically, providing a critical connection for natural resource products to Pacific trade corridors and allowing Alberta businesses to grow in international markets.

Discussing the Canada-U.S. trade relationship, Ms. Robinson emphasized the high degree of integration between our country’s supply chains and the significant disruptions that would be caused by the trade conflict with the United States. It was highlighted that CN has roughly 30 per cent of its traffic moving across the Canada-U.S. border, and customers on both sides would be significantly impacted by tariffs levied on either side. Ms. Robinson also noted the competitive advantage that Canada currently has in certain key sectors including, critical minerals, energy and aluminium. She stated that the United States relies on Canada for various key products, and CN moves these items of significant strategic value across the border.

The fireside chat with Chamber President & CEO, Deborah Yedlin, covered various topics relating to logistics, trade and the Canadian regulatory environment, including:

•  Innovation and new technologies in the rail transportation sector, such as diesel-hybrid locomotives, electric locomotives and AI-enhanced logistics.  
•  Labour shortages and disruptions and the need for Canada to be a stronger and more reliable trading partner.  
•  Increased rail capacity and the need to invest in economic corridors and trade-enabling infrastructure across the country. 
•  The opportunity for Canadian governments to modernize our regulatory environments and promote economic growth and prosperity. 

Ms. Robinson closed by noting that Canada is facing a significant challenge – and opportunity – and we must work expediently to meet the challenge. Improving our trade flows, investing in nation-building infrastructure projects and taking advantage of the significant resources our country holds to drive prosperity across the nation.

Special thanks to Canada National Railway for partnering to make this event possible.