Graham Shantz served for over 25 years in Canada’s public service providing advice to Canadian governments, mainly on management of Canada’s relations with Asia. He has lived and worked for over 12 years in Asia, half of that in China. In Ottawa, Mr. Shantz has worked in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada, the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office. In 2000-2001 he served as Canada’s lead negotiator for Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) and in 1996-1997 served as deputy chief negotiator for the Canadian team during China’s WTO accession talks. Over the past decades, Mr. Shantz has been involved in numerous major bilateral visits between Canadian and Chinese leaders.

Mr. Shantz has served on the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation (2013-2016) and on the Board of Directors of the Centre for International Governance Innovation (2006-2009). He served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain (2009-2012) and ended his career in the public service in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada’s Asia Branch.

A Mandarin speaker, Mr. Shantz pursued his interest in China while studying economics at Goshen College in Indiana. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He also pursued language and economics studies in China, including at Beijing University and Xiamen University, under the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program.

The Honourable Heath MacDonald was elected as the Member of Parliament for Malpeque in September 2021. He served as a member of the Standing Committee on Finance, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. Following his re-election in April 2025, he was named to Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in May 2025.

Prior to serving at the federal level, Minister MacDonald was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island in May 2015, representing District 16, Cornwall – Meadowbank. During his time in provincial politics, he served as Minister of Tourism and Economic Development, and later as Minister of Finance. Minister MacDonald resigned as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 2021 to enter federal politics.

Minister MacDonald has over 20 years of experience in the private sector, with a focus on the tourism industry, and was the President and co-founder of an IT company. He has been an active volunteer for many years, with ties to numerous sports and community organizations, and has earned recognition for his efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

Born and raised in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, Minister MacDonald still resides there with his wife. The

Graham Shantz served for over 25 years in Canada’s public service providing advice to Canadian governments, mainly on management of Canada’s relations with Asia. He has lived and worked for over 12 years in Asia, half of that in China. In Ottawa, Mr. Shantz has worked in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada, the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office. In 2000-2001 he served as Canada’s lead negotiator for Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) and in 1996-1997 served as deputy chief negotiator for the Canadian team during China’s WTO accession talks. Over the past decades, Mr. Shantz has been involved in numerous major bilateral visits between Canadian and Chinese leaders.

Mr. Shantz has served on the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation (2013-2016) and on the Board of Directors of the Centre for International Governance Innovation (2006-2009). He served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain (2009-2012) and ended his career in the public service in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada’s Asia Branch.

A Mandarin speaker, Mr. Shantz pursued his interest in China while studying economics at Goshen College in Indiana. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He also pursued language and economics studies in China, including at Beijing University and Xiamen University, under the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program.

The Honourable Heath MacDonald was elected as the Member of Parliament for Malpeque in September 2021. He served as a member of the Standing Committee on Finance, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. Following his re-election in April 2025, he was named to Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in May 2025.

Prior to serving at the federal level, Minister MacDonald was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island in May 2015, representing District 16, Cornwall – Meadowbank. During his time in provincial politics, he served as Minister of Tourism and Economic Development, and later as Minister of Finance. Minister MacDonald resigned as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 2021 to enter federal politics.

Minister MacDonald has over 20 years of experience in the private sector, with a focus on the tourism industry, and was the President and co-founder of an IT company. He has been an active volunteer for many years, with ties to numerous sports and community organizations, and has earned recognition for his efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

Born and raised in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, Minister MacDonald still resides there with his wife. The

Alison began her appointment as EDC’s president and CEO in February 2025, returning to lead the organization where she spent 14 years on various teams early in her career.

Alison’s work life has spanned businesses and continents, from leading EDC’s Asian private equity investment strategy while based in Beijing, to holding several vice presidencies and a senior leadership role at BDC Capital in Ottawa and Toronto.

During her time in Asia, she gained an understanding of the challenges Canadian exporters can face when working to scale their business in markets overseas.

Throughout her career in finance, Alison has had the privilege of working with Canadian companies of all sizes and across all sectors. She knows the potential of these businesses is limitless, and that growing their presence in the international marketplace will help ensure prosperity in the Canadian and global economies.

Her desire to drive EDC’s raison d’etre – to make Canada and the world better through trade – is a key reason Alison accepted the offer to take on the presidency.

She also brings with her a 25-year track record of mentoring and leading high-performing teams, building strategic relationships with businesses, investors, fund managers and a range of stakeholders to drive success.

Her profound experience in global trade finance, capital markets, risk management, international business development and the innovation economy will be critical as EDC and its customers continue to navigate today’s complexities, challenges and opportunities.

Just prior to returning to EDC, Alison was CEO at MaRS Discovery District, North America’s largest urban innovation hub.

Alison earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, in commerce and economics and with Honours, from the University of Toronto, before earning a Master in public administration and public policy from the London School of Economics and her Chartered Financial Analysts Designation.

She is a founding member of the Private Equity Women’s Investment Network Canada, sits on the board of Toronto’s Good Shepherd Ministries and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Alison began her appointment as EDC’s president and CEO in February 2025, returning to lead the organization where she spent 14 years on various teams early in her career.

Alison’s work life has spanned businesses and continents, from leading EDC’s Asian private equity investment strategy while based in Beijing, to holding several vice presidencies and a senior leadership role at BDC Capital in Ottawa and Toronto.

During her time in Asia, she gained an understanding of the challenges Canadian exporters can face when working to scale their business in markets overseas.

Throughout her career in finance, Alison has had the privilege of working with Canadian companies of all sizes and across all sectors. She knows the potential of these businesses is limitless, and that growing their presence in the international marketplace will help ensure prosperity in the Canadian and global economies.

Her desire to drive EDC’s raison d’etre – to make Canada and the world better through trade – is a key reason Alison accepted the offer to take on the presidency.

She also brings with her a 25-year track record of mentoring and leading high-performing teams, building strategic relationships with businesses, investors, fund managers and a range of stakeholders to drive success.

Her profound experience in global trade finance, capital markets, risk management, international business development and the innovation economy will be critical as EDC and its customers continue to navigate today’s complexities, challenges and opportunities.

Just prior to returning to EDC, Alison was CEO at MaRS Discovery District, North America’s largest urban innovation hub.

Alison earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, in commerce and economics and with Honours, from the University of Toronto, before earning a Master in public administration and public policy from the London School of Economics and her Chartered Financial Analysts Designation.

She is a founding member of the Private Equity Women’s Investment Network Canada, sits on the board of Toronto’s Good Shepherd Ministries and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

The Honourable Scott Brison joined BMO as Vice-Chair, Investment & Corporate Banking in 2019. As an elected Member of Parliament, Mr. Brison served the constituency of Kings-Hants (Nova Scotia) who elected him to Canada’s House of Commons seven consecutive times over 21 years. During that time, he served in government for seven years holding key roles, most recently as President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government from 2015 to 2019, Minister of Public Works and Government Services from 2004 to 2006, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister with special emphasis on Canada-U.S. relations from 2003 to 2004.

In June 2020, Mr. Brison became Dalhousie University’s eighth chancellor.

Mr. Brison is a member of the Trilateral Commission and was named by the World Economic Forum of Davos, Switzerland, as one of its “Young Global Leaders.” In August 2010, he was awarded the Order of San Carlos by Colombian President Álvaro Uribe in recognition of his contributions to the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Mr. Brison has formerly served as a board member for both Universal Rail Systems and the MacDonald Stewart Foundation. He also previously served as Chairman of SeaFort Capital Inc. Presently, he holds active positions on the boards of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC), the advisory board of the Canadian American Business Council (CABC), Power Sustainable and High Liner Foods Inc.

Mr. Brison earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University. He has completed the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century Executive Education Program at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

The Honourable Kent Smith’s vision & determination have proven successful in the small business, real estate and housing sectors, and are assets as he leads & works to help bring long-awaited positive results to the communities along the Eastern Shore.

Kent brings the same established leadership & dedication to constituents of the Eastern Shore that he has offered to local community groups.  Kent’s passion for serving residents and families is reflected in his active volunteer coaching on the ballfield.   He is also a founding member & Past President of the Musquodoboit Harbour & Area Chamber of Commerce & Civic Affairs.

Kent was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Eastern Shore in August 2021 and was subsequently appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture September 14th, 2023, and reappointed on Dec 12, 2024.

He resides in Porters Lake with his partner Kelly and their children; Maia, Alex and Beckett and their 3 dogs (Zeke, Beau and Norman).

Bill Greuel was raised on a mixed grain and livestock farm near Bruno, Saskatchewan. After attending the College of Agriculture at the U of S, Bill began his career with Zeneca / Advanta Seeds. He first joined the Ministry of Agriculture as the Oilseed Specialist and also worked in the Agriculture Research Branch before joining BASF’s agricultural marketing group. After six years at BASF, Bill returned to the Ministry as the Executive Director of the Crops and Irrigation Branch and later as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Regulatory and Innovation. In 2018, Bill became the first CEO of Protein Industries Canada, where he remained until his appointment as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Saskatchewan in August 2024. Bill is the Chair of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation board and Agricultural Credit Corporation of Saskatchewan board and is on the boards of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership and the Global Institute for Food Security.

Bill and his partner have three children, two of which are attending the University of Regina and one attending the University of Ottawa.

Arnold Drung is President and CEO of Conestoga Meats, located in Breslau, Ontario. He joined Conestoga in 2002 as General Manager and has been in his current position since 2009.  Prior to joining Conestoga, he held positions with J.M. Schneider Inc., McNeil Consumer Products and Maple Leaf Consumer Foods, primarily in the marketing and business unit management areas, and he also worked in the consulting field. 

Raised in the Kitchener area, he holds Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Arnold is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Meat Council,  Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation, and Enova Energy Corporation, along with a number of other non-profit boards.

The Honourable Scott Brison joined BMO as Vice-Chair, Investment & Corporate Banking in 2019. As an elected Member of Parliament, Mr. Brison served the constituency of Kings-Hants (Nova Scotia) who elected him to Canada’s House of Commons seven consecutive times over 21 years. During that time, he served in government for seven years holding key roles, most recently as President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government from 2015 to 2019, Minister of Public Works and Government Services from 2004 to 2006, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister with special emphasis on Canada-U.S. relations from 2003 to 2004.

In June 2020, Mr. Brison became Dalhousie University’s eighth chancellor.

Mr. Brison is a member of the Trilateral Commission and was named by the World Economic Forum of Davos, Switzerland, as one of its “Young Global Leaders.” In August 2010, he was awarded the Order of San Carlos by Colombian President Álvaro Uribe in recognition of his contributions to the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Mr. Brison has formerly served as a board member for both Universal Rail Systems and the MacDonald Stewart Foundation. He also previously served as Chairman of SeaFort Capital Inc. Presently, he holds active positions on the boards of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC), the advisory board of the Canadian American Business Council (CABC), Power Sustainable and High Liner Foods Inc.

Mr. Brison earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University. He has completed the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century Executive Education Program at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

The Honourable Kent Smith’s vision & determination have proven successful in the small business, real estate and housing sectors, and are assets as he leads & works to help bring long-awaited positive results to the communities along the Eastern Shore.

Kent brings the same established leadership & dedication to constituents of the Eastern Shore that he has offered to local community groups.  Kent’s passion for serving residents and families is reflected in his active volunteer coaching on the ballfield.   He is also a founding member & Past President of the Musquodoboit Harbour & Area Chamber of Commerce & Civic Affairs.

Kent was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Eastern Shore in August 2021 and was subsequently appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture September 14th, 2023, and reappointed on Dec 12, 2024.

He resides in Porters Lake with his partner Kelly and their children; Maia, Alex and Beckett and their 3 dogs (Zeke, Beau and Norman).

Bill Greuel was raised on a mixed grain and livestock farm near Bruno, Saskatchewan. After attending the College of Agriculture at the U of S, Bill began his career with Zeneca / Advanta Seeds. He first joined the Ministry of Agriculture as the Oilseed Specialist and also worked in the Agriculture Research Branch before joining BASF’s agricultural marketing group. After six years at BASF, Bill returned to the Ministry as the Executive Director of the Crops and Irrigation Branch and later as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Regulatory and Innovation. In 2018, Bill became the first CEO of Protein Industries Canada, where he remained until his appointment as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Saskatchewan in August 2024. Bill is the Chair of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation board and Agricultural Credit Corporation of Saskatchewan board and is on the boards of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership and the Global Institute for Food Security.

Bill and his partner have three children, two of which are attending the University of Regina and one attending the University of Ottawa.

Arnold Drung is President and CEO of Conestoga Meats, located in Breslau, Ontario. He joined Conestoga in 2002 as General Manager and has been in his current position since 2009.  Prior to joining Conestoga, he held positions with J.M. Schneider Inc., McNeil Consumer Products and Maple Leaf Consumer Foods, primarily in the marketing and business unit management areas, and he also worked in the consulting field. 

Raised in the Kitchener area, he holds Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Arnold is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Meat Council,  Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation, and Enova Energy Corporation, along with a number of other non-profit boards.

Graham Shantz served for over 25 years in Canada’s public service providing advice to Canadian governments, mainly on management of Canada’s relations with Asia. He has lived and worked for over 12 years in Asia, half of that in China. In Ottawa, Mr. Shantz has worked in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada, the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office. In 2000-2001 he served as Canada’s lead negotiator for Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) and in 1996-1997 served as deputy chief negotiator for the Canadian team during China’s WTO accession talks. Over the past decades, Mr. Shantz has been involved in numerous major bilateral visits between Canadian and Chinese leaders.

Mr. Shantz has served on the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation (2013-2016) and on the Board of Directors of the Centre for International Governance Innovation (2006-2009). He served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain (2009-2012) and ended his career in the public service in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada’s Asia Branch.

A Mandarin speaker, Mr. Shantz pursued his interest in China while studying economics at Goshen College in Indiana. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He also pursued language and economics studies in China, including at Beijing University and Xiamen University, under the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program.

Alex Yang is Managing Partner and Head of East Asia for Brookfield’s Private Equity Group. In this capacity, he oversees the origination, execution, and management of the firm’s investments across the region. Prior to joining Brookfield in 2021, Mr. Yang held senior leadership roles at several global private equity firms based in Hong Kong and Beijing, where he was responsible for cross-border transactions and portfolio management across a range of sectors. Earlier in his career, he worked in investment banking in New York and practiced as a private equity attorney in Chicago at a leading international law firm. Mr. Yang holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School, an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a Bachelor of Law from Peking University.

Chris Taves was appointed Head of Asia for BMO Capital Markets in January 2024.

As Head of Asia, Chris is responsible for the strategic oversight, leadership, and governance for our business interests in Asia. His deep experience with global product strategies, client management and the regulatory environment will accelerate our growth and drive operating efficiency in the region. Chris is on the board of BMO China Corp.

Chris joined BMO Capital Markets in 2009 and brings nearly 30 years of customer facing experience covering corporate and institutional clients across a wide range of products, including derivatives, investments, and corporate finance, working closely with I&CB and Global Markets. In his time at BMO, Chris led various groups in Global Markets and ultimately became Head of Global Markets from 2016-2018, managing the sales and trading teams globally, and was Chief Operating Officer of Capital Markets from 2018-2020, overseeing balance sheet and risk management and front office operations. In his most recent role as Special Advisor from 2020-2023, Chris helped the BMOCM Executive Committee drive several strategic initiatives forward and to completion.

Outside of BMO, Chris is actively involved in various advisory roles including as Chair of the Board of MediPharm Labs Corp. (a publicly-listed Canadian company) and Board Member of First Mortgage LP (a Canadian mortgage fund).

Chris holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University in London, Canada, a Mathematics degree from University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Canada, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Graham Shantz served for over 25 years in Canada’s public service providing advice to Canadian governments, mainly on management of Canada’s relations with Asia. He has lived and worked for over 12 years in Asia, half of that in China. In Ottawa, Mr. Shantz has worked in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada, the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office. In 2000-2001 he served as Canada’s lead negotiator for Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) and in 1996-1997 served as deputy chief negotiator for the Canadian team during China’s WTO accession talks. Over the past decades, Mr. Shantz has been involved in numerous major bilateral visits between Canadian and Chinese leaders.

Mr. Shantz has served on the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation (2013-2016) and on the Board of Directors of the Centre for International Governance Innovation (2006-2009). He served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain (2009-2012) and ended his career in the public service in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada’s Asia Branch.

A Mandarin speaker, Mr. Shantz pursued his interest in China while studying economics at Goshen College in Indiana. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He also pursued language and economics studies in China, including at Beijing University and Xiamen University, under the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program.

Alex Yang is Managing Partner and Head of East Asia for Brookfield’s Private Equity Group. In this capacity, he oversees the origination, execution, and management of the firm’s investments across the region. Prior to joining Brookfield in 2021, Mr. Yang held senior leadership roles at several global private equity firms based in Hong Kong and Beijing, where he was responsible for cross-border transactions and portfolio management across a range of sectors. Earlier in his career, he worked in investment banking in New York and practiced as a private equity attorney in Chicago at a leading international law firm. Mr. Yang holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School, an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a Bachelor of Law from Peking University.

Chris Taves was appointed Head of Asia for BMO Capital Markets in January 2024.

As Head of Asia, Chris is responsible for the strategic oversight, leadership, and governance for our business interests in Asia. His deep experience with global product strategies, client management and the regulatory environment will accelerate our growth and drive operating efficiency in the region. Chris is on the board of BMO China Corp.

Chris joined BMO Capital Markets in 2009 and brings nearly 30 years of customer facing experience covering corporate and institutional clients across a wide range of products, including derivatives, investments, and corporate finance, working closely with I&CB and Global Markets. In his time at BMO, Chris led various groups in Global Markets and ultimately became Head of Global Markets from 2016-2018, managing the sales and trading teams globally, and was Chief Operating Officer of Capital Markets from 2018-2020, overseeing balance sheet and risk management and front office operations. In his most recent role as Special Advisor from 2020-2023, Chris helped the BMOCM Executive Committee drive several strategic initiatives forward and to completion.

Outside of BMO, Chris is actively involved in various advisory roles including as Chair of the Board of MediPharm Labs Corp. (a publicly-listed Canadian company) and Board Member of First Mortgage LP (a Canadian mortgage fund).

Chris holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University in London, Canada, a Mathematics degree from University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Canada, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Joyce brings a unique perspective to her practice, skillfully uniting Canadian companies seeking Chinese investors with Chinese companies looking to expand into North America. She also regularly advises corporate executives in the financial sector about taking advantage of opportunities and navigating risk.

Born and raised in Hong Kong and with over 20 years experience working in the North American marketplace, Joyce has both the cultural and business skills necessary to view potential deals from each party’s perspective. Her communication skills – she speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese fluently – smoothly guide Asian companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors; and, the technology, life science and real estates industries.

Providing strategic advice to corporate clients
Leadership teams from across Canada and Asia, including public companies listed on TSX, NYSE, HK Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange asset management companies and investment firms, frequently solicit Joyce’s advice on how to grow their business and make strategic moves in the marketplace, whether within Canada or abroad. She has earned the trust of some of the biggest players in the industry by successfully strategizing with them on:

• structuring and carrying out domestic and cross border mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations;
• advising on securities regulatory issues for registrants, investment dealers and investment advisors;
• advising on take-over bids (for both targets and offerors);
• advising on public offerings and private placements for issuers in various industries, including mining and resources, technology, real estate development, services and education;
• advising on various investment transactions of foreign companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors, automobile sector, forestry sector and technology sector;
• advising on investment transactions of Canadian companies into the Greater China region;
• structuring and advising on executive and employee compensation and incentive plans for Canadian and international companies; and
• advising on going private transactions, corporate governance, continuous disclosure issues and proxy contests.

Following is a select list of mining transactions that Joyce led involving Chinese state-owned enterprises:

• lead counsel to Zijin group in relation to the buy back of the gold stream from Triple Flag;
• lead counsel to SD Gold (Shandong Gold) in its acquisition of TMAC Resources;
• lead counsel to Zijin group in its acquisition of Continental Gold;
• lead counsel to CNIC HK (the investment arm of SASAC) in a preferred shares investment in a State-owned enterprise;
• lead counsel to Maple Red Financial Management Canada in its sale of the Bentall Centre complex in Vancouver to a US-based joint venture of Blackstone Property Partners and Hudson Pacific Properties;
• lead counsel to Baowu group (amalgamated Baosteel and WISCO entity) in strategic divesture of various assets;
• lead counsel to Sinomine (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resources Co. Limited in its US$135 million acquisition of Cabot Corporation’s Specialty Fluids business;
• lead counsel to Aluminum Corporation of China in its C$840 million acquisition of Peru Copper Inc.
• lead counsel to CGN Mining Company Ltd. in its C$82 million strategic investment in Fission Uranium Corp.
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its C$980 million sale by Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation of shares of Consolidated Thompson to Cliffs Natural Resources;
• lead counsel to Can-China Resource Global Fund for strategic investment in acquiring a certain interest in Canadian International Oil Company;
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its C$120 million strategic investment by WISCO in Adriana Resources Inc. and the Lac Otelnuk Project;
• lead counsel to investments by Can-China Resource Fund (mining fund which EXIM as a key investor);
• lead counsel to Hebei Iron & Steel Group in its US$194 million investment by Hebei Iron & Steel Group in Alderon Iron Ore Corp.
• lead counsel to WISCO International Resources in the consolidation transaction of Adriana Resource Inc. and Sprott Resources Holdings Inc.
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its US$240 million completion of all capital investment by WISCO in Consolidated Thompson and the Bloom Lake joint venture;
• lead counsel to Yunnan Chihong Group in it C$150 million total investment by Yunnan Chihong Group in the Selwyn project;
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its US$100 million investment by WISCO as a joint venture partner in the Sunny Lake project with initial project;
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its US$97 million completion of investment by WISCO as a joint venture partner in Atikamagen project with initial project;
• lead counsel to China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd. for various investment transactions with Procon Group;
• lead counsel to CAMCE Holding Inc. and Procon Group for taking private transaction of Golden Band Resources Inc.
• lead counsel to Hebei Iron & Steel Group in its US$120 million investment in KAMI Iron Ore project;
• lead counsel to Jinchuan Group Limited in respect of M&A transaction (undisclosed); and
• provide select advising services to China Gold International Resource Corp.

Following is a select list of transactions that Joyce led involving technology companies:

• advising Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Co. Ltd. on its strategic investments in Ballard Power Systems Inc.;
• advising TP-Link Technologies Col. Ltd. on various business matters;
• advising Ad.Venture Partners in its US$87.63 million acquisition of 180 Connect Inc.; and
• advising BYD on various commercial matters.

Joyce earned her BA (Hons) (Jurisprudence) in 1989 and her MA in 1996 from Oxford University, England. Admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1992 and Hong Kong in 1993, she was called to the British Columbia bar in 1995 and practised in London, England and Hong Kong before joining us in our Vancouver office in 1994. Joyce’s professional affiliations include serving as the Legislative Liaison of the Canadian Bar Association, Securities Law section; the Law Society of England and Wales; the Law Society of Hong Kong; the Law Society of British Columbia; the Canadian Bar Association; the Canada-China Business Council and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association.

As Chair of the firm’s Asia Group and a regular speaker at conferences and seminars focused on business from China and the Asia Pacific region, Joyce has earned an international reputation as an authority in her field.

L. Philippe Rheault assumed the leadership of The China Institute in 2023 following a 25-year career in the Canadian diplomatic service focused on China and East Asia. Over six postings, he served in Beijing, Taipei, Chongqing (twice), Mongolia, and Guangzhou. He led two of Canada’s four diplomatic missions in Mainland China—as the country’s inaugural Consul General to Chongqing (2012–2017) and later as Consul General for South China, based in Guangzhou (2019–2023).

Philippe has witnessed China’s extraordinary transformation firsthand and was directly involved in many of the key milestones shaping Canada-China relations. His extensive network spans government, business, and academia in both countries and beyond, enabling him to nurture and forge strategic relationships for the Institute and provide advice and strategic insights to a wide cross-section of leaders.

As Director of The China Institute, Philippe aims to position the Institute at the confluence of policy and scholarship—deepening Canada’s understanding of China, exploring China’s role in relation to emerging global challenges, and charting paths for informed, productive Canada-China engagement. He also teaches advanced China-focused courses for the Canada School of Public Service and the Canadian Foreign Service Institute.

Philippe holds degrees in Philosophy, Political Science, and Law, is a member of the Québec bar, and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta. Frequently cited in Canadian and international media, he has authored and co-authored several articles on China and is professionally fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, English, and French.

Keith Bradley is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development across various sectors. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Invest Alberta, Keith drives initiatives to diversify Alberta’s economy. Since its inception 5 years ago, Invest Alberta has successfully attracted over 73 deals worth $28 billion in investments, creating more than 37,800 jobs. Previous roles include business consultant focusing on sales and recruitment, Regional Vice President at Kitchen Art Design, and Owner/CEO of Jacobsen Edwards Recruitment, where Keith specialized in candidate recruitment and executive advisory. Furthermore, Keith served as Entrepreneur In Residence at BC Innovation Council, President of Wired Monk Franchise Corporation, and Vice President of Sales at TELUS, demonstrating a robust track record in scaling operations and enhancing profitability.

Joyce brings a unique perspective to her practice, skillfully uniting Canadian companies seeking Chinese investors with Chinese companies looking to expand into North America. She also regularly advises corporate executives in the financial sector about taking advantage of opportunities and navigating risk.

Born and raised in Hong Kong and with over 20 years experience working in the North American marketplace, Joyce has both the cultural and business skills necessary to view potential deals from each party’s perspective. Her communication skills – she speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese fluently – smoothly guide Asian companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors; and, the technology, life science and real estates industries.

Providing strategic advice to corporate clients
Leadership teams from across Canada and Asia, including public companies listed on TSX, NYSE, HK Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange asset management companies and investment firms, frequently solicit Joyce’s advice on how to grow their business and make strategic moves in the marketplace, whether within Canada or abroad. She has earned the trust of some of the biggest players in the industry by successfully strategizing with them on:

• structuring and carrying out domestic and cross border mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations;
• advising on securities regulatory issues for registrants, investment dealers and investment advisors;
• advising on take-over bids (for both targets and offerors);
• advising on public offerings and private placements for issuers in various industries, including mining and resources, technology, real estate development, services and education;
• advising on various investment transactions of foreign companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors, automobile sector, forestry sector and technology sector;
• advising on investment transactions of Canadian companies into the Greater China region;
• structuring and advising on executive and employee compensation and incentive plans for Canadian and international companies; and
• advising on going private transactions, corporate governance, continuous disclosure issues and proxy contests.

Following is a select list of mining transactions that Joyce led involving Chinese state-owned enterprises:

• lead counsel to Zijin group in relation to the buy back of the gold stream from Triple Flag;
• lead counsel to SD Gold (Shandong Gold) in its acquisition of TMAC Resources;
• lead counsel to Zijin group in its acquisition of Continental Gold;
• lead counsel to CNIC HK (the investment arm of SASAC) in a preferred shares investment in a State-owned enterprise;
• lead counsel to Maple Red Financial Management Canada in its sale of the Bentall Centre complex in Vancouver to a US-based joint venture of Blackstone Property Partners and Hudson Pacific Properties;
• lead counsel to Baowu group (amalgamated Baosteel and WISCO entity) in strategic divesture of various assets;
• lead counsel to Sinomine (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resources Co. Limited in its US$135 million acquisition of Cabot Corporation’s Specialty Fluids business;
• lead counsel to Aluminum Corporation of China in its C$840 million acquisition of Peru Copper Inc.
• lead counsel to CGN Mining Company Ltd. in its C$82 million strategic investment in Fission Uranium Corp.
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its C$980 million sale by Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation of shares of Consolidated Thompson to Cliffs Natural Resources;
• lead counsel to Can-China Resource Global Fund for strategic investment in acquiring a certain interest in Canadian International Oil Company;
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its C$120 million strategic investment by WISCO in Adriana Resources Inc. and the Lac Otelnuk Project;
• lead counsel to investments by Can-China Resource Fund (mining fund which EXIM as a key investor);
• lead counsel to Hebei Iron & Steel Group in its US$194 million investment by Hebei Iron & Steel Group in Alderon Iron Ore Corp.
• lead counsel to WISCO International Resources in the consolidation transaction of Adriana Resource Inc. and Sprott Resources Holdings Inc.
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its US$240 million completion of all capital investment by WISCO in Consolidated Thompson and the Bloom Lake joint venture;
• lead counsel to Yunnan Chihong Group in it C$150 million total investment by Yunnan Chihong Group in the Selwyn project;
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its US$100 million investment by WISCO as a joint venture partner in the Sunny Lake project with initial project;
• lead counsel to Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation in its US$97 million completion of investment by WISCO as a joint venture partner in Atikamagen project with initial project;
• lead counsel to China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd. for various investment transactions with Procon Group;
• lead counsel to CAMCE Holding Inc. and Procon Group for taking private transaction of Golden Band Resources Inc.
• lead counsel to Hebei Iron & Steel Group in its US$120 million investment in KAMI Iron Ore project;
• lead counsel to Jinchuan Group Limited in respect of M&A transaction (undisclosed); and
• provide select advising services to China Gold International Resource Corp.

Following is a select list of transactions that Joyce led involving technology companies:

• advising Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Co. Ltd. on its strategic investments in Ballard Power Systems Inc.;
• advising TP-Link Technologies Col. Ltd. on various business matters;
• advising Ad.Venture Partners in its US$87.63 million acquisition of 180 Connect Inc.; and
• advising BYD on various commercial matters.

Joyce earned her BA (Hons) (Jurisprudence) in 1989 and her MA in 1996 from Oxford University, England. Admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1992 and Hong Kong in 1993, she was called to the British Columbia bar in 1995 and practised in London, England and Hong Kong before joining us in our Vancouver office in 1994. Joyce’s professional affiliations include serving as the Legislative Liaison of the Canadian Bar Association, Securities Law section; the Law Society of England and Wales; the Law Society of Hong Kong; the Law Society of British Columbia; the Canadian Bar Association; the Canada-China Business Council and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association.

As Chair of the firm’s Asia Group and a regular speaker at conferences and seminars focused on business from China and the Asia Pacific region, Joyce has earned an international reputation as an authority in her field.

L. Philippe Rheault assumed the leadership of The China Institute in 2023 following a 25-year career in the Canadian diplomatic service focused on China and East Asia. Over six postings, he served in Beijing, Taipei, Chongqing (twice), Mongolia, and Guangzhou. He led two of Canada’s four diplomatic missions in Mainland China—as the country’s inaugural Consul General to Chongqing (2012–2017) and later as Consul General for South China, based in Guangzhou (2019–2023).

Philippe has witnessed China’s extraordinary transformation firsthand and was directly involved in many of the key milestones shaping Canada-China relations. His extensive network spans government, business, and academia in both countries and beyond, enabling him to nurture and forge strategic relationships for the Institute and provide advice and strategic insights to a wide cross-section of leaders.

As Director of The China Institute, Philippe aims to position the Institute at the confluence of policy and scholarship—deepening Canada’s understanding of China, exploring China’s role in relation to emerging global challenges, and charting paths for informed, productive Canada-China engagement. He also teaches advanced China-focused courses for the Canada School of Public Service and the Canadian Foreign Service Institute.

Philippe holds degrees in Philosophy, Political Science, and Law, is a member of the Québec bar, and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta. Frequently cited in Canadian and international media, he has authored and co-authored several articles on China and is professionally fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, English, and French.

Keith Bradley is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development across various sectors. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Invest Alberta, Keith drives initiatives to diversify Alberta’s economy. Since its inception 5 years ago, Invest Alberta has successfully attracted over 73 deals worth $28 billion in investments, creating more than 37,800 jobs. Previous roles include business consultant focusing on sales and recruitment, Regional Vice President at Kitchen Art Design, and Owner/CEO of Jacobsen Edwards Recruitment, where Keith specialized in candidate recruitment and executive advisory. Furthermore, Keith served as Entrepreneur In Residence at BC Innovation Council, President of Wired Monk Franchise Corporation, and Vice President of Sales at TELUS, demonstrating a robust track record in scaling operations and enhancing profitability.