OWIT-Toronto invites you to our first event of 2026, centred around the important topic of Interprovincial Trade in Canada, hosted by Bennett Jones LLP.

Join us for a networking reception and fireside chat exploring how Canada can unlock economic growth by reducing internal trade barriers and building a more integrated domestic market.

Featured Speakers

Jessica Horwitz

Jessica Horwitz is a partner at Bennett Jones LLP in Toronto, specializing in international trade and investment law. She advises clients on a wide range of trade-related matters including customs, trade remedies, WTO law, export controls and economic sanctions, and supply chain compliance and represents businesses in appeals, enforcement, and investigations with Canadian regulatory and law enforcement agencies. Recognized by Chambers Global, Legal 500 Canada, and Best Lawyers in Canada, she is actively involved in several legal organizations and has held leadership roles in not-for-profit industry associations.

Geneviève Gabanna-Leblanc

Geneviève Gabanna-Leblanc is Manager, Economic Development for the City of Vaughan, where she leads the economic development team focused on business retention, expansion, and investment attraction. With over 12 years of experience in business development and economic affairs, she previously held senior roles with the Government of Québec, including Director of Economic Affairs at the Québec Office in Toronto within the mandate of Investissement Québec International, supporting company growth and market expansion across Canada and the United States.

Event Details

Date: January 27, 2026

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm

(Members-only Annual General Meeting  from 5:00 – 5:30 pm)

Location: Bennett Jones LLP, Ste. 3400, First Canadian Place

100 King St. W., Toronto – Canada C & D Rooms

Fee:  Free for OWIT Members

            Non-members:  $30

The event will be preceded by a brief Members-only AGM from 5:00 to 5:30 pm.

AGENDA

5:00-5:30pm – Annual General Meeting Business (members only)

1.       Call to Order and Confirmation of Quorum
2.       Review and Approval of Agenda
3.       Approval of the minutes from last year's AGM
4.       President's Report
5.       Financial Report
6.       Approval of Exemption from Audit Requirement
7.       Election of Directors
8.       Other Business

5:30-6:00pm – Welcome Cocktail (members and guests)

6:00pm-7:00pm – Substantive Program

Fireside Chat with Jessica Horwitz, Partner, International Trade & Investment, Bennett Jones LLP, and Genevieve Gabanna-Leblanc, Manager of Economic Development for the City of Vaughan, on the topic "Interprovincial Trade: Moving Towards One Canadian Economy"

7:00-7:30pm – Networking Reception

Sponsored by Bennett Jones LLP