We’re still firming up our conference speakers, but here’s some of what you can look forward to over two engaging days with 250 of your best friends and colleagues on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
And before you ask…yes, we’ve invited the CBSA to participate! We’ll update our schedule with CBSA participants as soon as we receive word that they will attend.
Dates/Location:
Dates:
- Conference starts: Sunday, September 21 @ 17:00 AT
- Sessions start: Monday, September 22 @ 9:00 AT
- Conference ends: Tuesday, September 23 @ 15:00 AT
Location: Delta Hotels Prince Edward, 18 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PEI
Keynote speakers:
Armchair Discussion with Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj: Join Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne and Toronto Star columnist Althia Raj for an engaging discussion on domestic and international political developments, particularly as they relate to trade. How will Canada’s new government approach trade-and border-related policy during the fall session? What will Canada’s trade relationship with the US look like through Prime Minister Carney’s mandate and the remainder of President Trump’s term? Look forward to a lively exchange on current events and their impact on Canada’s traders.
Plenary sessions:
- Canada’s Trade Reputation – The View from “Out There”: Hear from a participant in Canada’s trade missions abroad to understand how our country is perceived by trading nations abroad. What do Canadian importers and exporters offer to foreign partners? What do they lack?
- Recognizing Excellence: Join us to recognize exemplary performance and commitment in the CSCB community, including our high performers in the Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) and Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS) programs in 2024, as well as the first-ever awarding of the CSCB Award of Excellence.
- Sanctions and Trade – Toolkit and Due Diligence: The Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Outreach & Compliance Team, supported by subject matter experts from the CBSA and RCMP, will present an overview of Canada's sanctions toolkit, current sanctions measures, information on exceptions, permits and certificates, best practices on how to conduct thorough due diligence illustrating specific considerations for the import/export sector, and concluding with an overview of enforcement mechanisms. This session will be accompanied by a breakout session to allow participants to engage with the GAC team and ask more detailed questions.
Breakout sessions:
- Sanctions Q&A: Didn’t get a chance to ask a question during the plenary session? Here’s your opportunity for some focused time with GAC experts on sanctions-related issues.
- Export and Import Controls Q&A: Subject matter experts from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) will share updates on key systems and processes involved in the issuance of import and export permits (EICS and EXCOL).
- CARM best practices: Battle-hardened CARM veterans from within our own community will share their tips and tricks on a few key processes. Have you got a CARM systems challenge you cannot work through? Bring it to this session to see if the group can help.
- Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) 101: How do I self-assess SIMA duties? How do I file a SIMA complaint? What are some best practices related to re-determinations? Bring your questions and learn from experts about how to navigate SIMA processes and timelines.
- Asking for a Friend…: Remember that saying “no question is a dumb question?” Well, this is your space to ask those questions. Whether you are new to importing, new to customs brokerage, or just have a question you are afraid to raise in a large forum, this is your space. We will have CSCB staff and subject matter experts on hand to address questions individually or in small groups. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll dig in to find it and share the results as soon as possible after the conference.