Key Insights for U.S. Exporters: Understanding Canada's Natural Disaster Resiliency and Preparedness

01/22/2025
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
(GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada)

About

Opportunities for U.S. Companies in Canada's Flood, Wildfire, and Emergency Management Sectors

There are significant opportunities for US companies in Canada's flood, wildfire, and emergency management sectors, driven by increasing natural disaster risks, government initiatives, and the growing demand for innovative solutions. Canada faces recurring issues related to flooding and wildfires and is also keen to enhance its emergency response and management capabilities.

  • Flood Management: Demand for flood risk mapping, early warning systems, and flood-resistant infrastructure presents opportunities for US companies offering GIS, remote sensing, and water management technologies.

  • Wildfire Management: With rising wildfire incidents, there is a need for advanced detection systems, firefighting equipment, fire-resistant materials, and training programs. US firms specializing in satellite monitoring, drones, and fire-resistant products can expand into this market.

  • Emergency Management: The growing need for emergency preparedness drives demand for software solutions for communication, coordination, and disaster recovery. IoT-based monitoring systems and community engagement tools are also in demand.


US companies can tap into the growing Canadian market for flood, wildfire, and emergency management solutions, driven by an increasing focus on disaster resilience, and technological innovation. By aligning their offerings with government initiatives, building partnerships with local stakeholders, and navigating regulatory requirements, US companies can unlock significant opportunities for growth in this dynamic and critical sector.

Agenda:

2:00 p.m. – 2:02 p.m.                   Welcome and House Keeping Guidance

Speaker: Paul Matino, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service

2:02 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.                   Opening Remarks

                                                          Speaker: Shakir Farsakh, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service Canada

2:05 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.                     An Outlook of Weather Disasters in Canada

Speaker: David Phillips, Climatologist Emeritus, Environment and Climate Change Canada

2:15 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.                   The State of Canada’s Wildfire Response

Speaker: Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre/Fire Smart Canada (TBC)

2:25 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.                   An Outlook of Canada’s Response to Severe Storms

Speaker: Dr. Chris Fogarty, Program Manager (Meteorologist), Canadian Hurricane Centre

2:35 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.                   The State of Canada’s Flood Preparedness

Speaker: Dr. Anabela Bonada, Managing Director, Climate Science, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation

2:45 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.                     Overview of the Canadian Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention, Edmonton, AB, September 9-11, 2025

Speaker: Nick Samain, Senior Vice President, dmg events North America; David Ghoris, Senior Director Strategy & Content, dmg events North America (confirmed)

2:50 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.                     Overview of the Disaster Expo, Miami, FL, March 5-6, 2025

                                                                Speaker: Jack Moss, Fortem International

2:55 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.                   Q&A

Moderator: Paul Matino, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service

3:00 p.m.                                             Closing remarks. End of program.

Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | Location: MS Teams Webinar | Cost: $35


Questions: Contact: Anthony.Sargis@trade.gov or Paul.Matino@trade.gov

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Speakers

David Phillips Speaker image

David Phillips

Climatologist Emeritus, Environment and Climate Change Canada

David was employed with Environment Canada's weather service for over 57 years. In 2024, he transitioned from Senior Climatologist to Climatologist Emeritus. (He says dropping Senior from his title immediately made him feel younger.) His work activities relate to the study of the climate of Canada and to promote awareness and understanding of meteorology. He authored several books, papers and reports, including a book on The Climates of Canada, and two bestsellers: The Day Niagara Falls Ran Dry and Blame It On The Weather.  He was the originator and author of the Canadian Weather Trivia Calendar. David frequently appears on national radio and television as a commentator on weather and climate matters.  He has been awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and has twice received the Public Service Merit Award.  David is the recipient of three honorary doctorates from the universities of Waterloo and Windsor and Nipissing University.  In 2001, David was named to the Order of Canada.

Dr. Anabela Bonada Speaker image

Dr. Anabela Bonada

Managing Director, Climate Science, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation

Dr. Anabela Bonada leads innovative research at the intersection of science, risk assessment, policy, and knowledge mobilization to help communities adapt to a changing climate. With a focus on wildfire and flood protection strategies, she works closely with scientists, government officials, and community stakeholders to implement practical solutions to pressing climate challenges. Dr. Bonada also develops and delivers training materials to support home and community wildfire, flood and extreme heat protection. 

 

Dr. Bonada holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Guelph, where her research explored the impacts of climate change on tree growth, shedding light on the effects of droughts and wildfires on forest ecosystems. She also earned a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of Waterloo and a Diploma in Ecosystem Management from Fleming College. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Bonada serves on the National Research Council of Canada’s Resilient Residential Retrofit Advisory Committee and is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Professionals in Climate Change (CAPCC). 

 

A recognized authority on climate adaptation measures, Dr. Bonada frequently provides expert commentary for major Canadian and international media outlets.

Dr. Chris Fogarty Speaker image

Dr. Chris Fogarty

Program Manager (Meteorologist), Canadian Hurricane Centre

Chris has been studying been studying the extratropical transition of tropical cyclones for his entire career which began at McGill University in the late 1990s where he completed his Masters degree – A Climatology of Extratropical Transition in the North Atlantic Ocean.  He was then hired by Environment Canada, first working as a forecaster in Newfoundland then joining the Canadian Hurricane Centre team in 2002.  Chris obtained a PhD in numerical modelling of extratropical transition at Dalhousie University in 2006 and became manager of the CHC in 2010.
Jack Moss Speaker image

Jack Moss

Commercial Director, Disasters Expo USA

Jack Moss serves as the Commercial Director for Disasters Expo USA, one of the foremost events dedicated to disaster management, preparedness, and recovery. With a proven track record in commercial strategy and event leadership, Jack has been instrumental in shaping the expo into a premier platform that unites industry leaders, innovators, and organizations to address global challenges and advance resilience initiatives.

In his role, Jack oversees the strategic planning, business development, and execution of the event, ensuring it delivers exceptional value to exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees. His ability to foster impactful partnerships and cultivate opportunities for innovation has solidified Disasters Expo USA's reputation as a must-attend event for professionals and organizations in the field of disaster response and mitigation.

With a deep passion for empowering communities and driving meaningful collaboration, Jack is committed to ensuring that Disasters Expo USA not only highlights cutting-edge solutions but also creates a space for actionable dialogue that drives progress. His dedication to excellence and his innovative approach to event management make him a key figure in advancing the critical work of disaster preparedness and recovery on a global scale.

Philipp Fortin Speaker image

Philipp Fortin

Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy Ottawa, Canada

Philipp Fortin is a Commercial Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada. In his daily work, Philipp assists U.S. companies in growing their business in Canada and helps Canadian companies identify U.S. suppliers. He covers the safety & security, Arctic engagement activities, and sporting goods sectors nationally; and education, power generation and energy, chemicals, franchising, hospitality equipment, and laboratory and scientific instruments for Eastern Ontario.

 

He joined the U.S. Commercial Service in December 2020 after completing a double-master’s degree in international business from the University of Queensland and Queen’s University. In addition, Philipp holds a BA in international development from the University in Ottawa. He previously interned with the U.S. Commercial Service in 2015, and has held other internship positions with Global Affairs Canada and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.