​​Session Recordings and Presentations will continue to be added
​in the coming days. Please check back soon!
Electrify the Skies: Advanced Air Mobility in the PNW
Wednesday, November 17 | 3:00-4:00pm PT​
​The Pacific Northwest has long been a hub of aviation, innovation, and environmental appreciation. Given this history, the Cascadia corridor is poised to be an international leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which includes everything from novel urban air mobility systems to electrifying small and medium-sized aircraft already in use. This session explored the current state of AAM in the Cascadia corridor, and what short- to medium-term opportunities exist for growing the industry in our region!
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ModeratorSpeakers
  • David Fleckenstein-Washington State Department of Transportation, Director of Aviation
  • Todd Banks-Kenmore Air, President & General Manager
  • Randy Wright-Harbour Air Group, President
  • Chris Howe-Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium, Lead Operating Officer​
Canadian American Business Council's 27th Annual State of the Relationship Gala
Wednesday, November 17 | 4:00-6:00pm PT
PNWER attendees were invited to participate in the Canadian American Business Council's 27th Annual State of the Relationship Gala, where attendees heard from dignitaries, diplomats, and business leaders from across the two countries celebrating the U.S. - Canada relationship.

The evening was full of surprises such as the appearance of Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister Ng, Minister Joly, and Minister Mendicino as well as the new U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen. In-person remarks in Vancouver were provided by Consul General Brent Hardt, U.S. Consulate in Vancouver, and Consul General Mia Yen, Consulate General of Canada, Seattle.
Cultivating Growth: Tending to the Economic Future of Our Region
Thursday, November 18 | 8:00-9:15am PT
The Opening Keynote Breakfast featured discussion on economic recovery for the region. What's changing in the post-pandemic economy? What are the opportunities for economic growth? What policies should be addressed to create a more equitable economy? 

Opening remarks were provided by PNWER President, Richard Gotfried, MLA, Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
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Moderator
  • Christopher Sands-Wilson Center Canada Institute, Wilson Center Canada Institute Director​
Speakers
Stay Current: A Regional Energy and Climate Policy Discussion
Thursday, November 18 | 9:30-10:30am PT
This session featured a moderated panel discussion among legislators from throughout the PNWER region on recent energy and climate legislation and the opportunities and challenges to implement these policies.
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Moderator
  • David Bennett-FortisBC Energy Inc., Director, Renewable Gas and Low Carbon Fuels​
​Speakers
Charging Forward: Rural-Focused EV Policies and Technologies for an Electrified World
Thursday, November 18 | 10:45-11:45am PT
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most innovative and future-oriented transportation decarbonization strategies in North America. The unique and diverse geography of the region, spanning massive metro areas and vast rural landscapes, presents significant challenges to widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which are a key part of most decarbonization strategies. This panel explored how rural and First Nations communities in B.C. and Oregon are working with government and private companies to address the unique challenges of installing EV infrastructure outside major metro areas.
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ModeratorSpeakers
  • Brent Graham-FortisBC, Senior Manager, Government Relations and Public Policy
  • Meg Rowe-Oregon Dept. of Transportation, Manager, Oregon Innovative Partnerships Program
  • Megan Lohmann-Director of Strategic Initiatives, Community Energy Association
On Back Order: Supply Chain Woes
Thursday, November 18 | 12:15-1:30pm PT
Delegates heard from industry experts on the current crisis facing the global supply chain. What are the factors contributing to the supply chain disruptions? What are the implications for our cross-border region? In anticipation of the largest U.S. federal infrastructure package in history, are there measures that can be taken to address the challenges in the supply chain? All this and more at this keynote plenary luncheon!

Moderator Speakers
Setting our Itinerary: A Dialogue on Regional Tourism Recovery and Resilience
Thursday, November 18 | 1:45-2:45pm PT
With the U.S. land border open again to Canadian travelers, it is now time to turn our attention to restoring our regional tourism economy. This session addressed several thought-provoking questions around consumer confidence and public trust, biosecurity and resiliency, and the importance of harmonizing policies across borders and modes of travel. 
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Moderator
Speakers
Help Wanted: Pandemic Workforce Challenges
Thursday, November 18 | 3:00-4:00pm
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the labor landscape in unique and unexpected ways. As our economies open up, many employers across the region are struggling to hire and retain their workforce. What are some of the complex issues influencing this labor shortage, and what programs are working to fill the gap? Expert speakers from the region chimed in for this timely discussion on filling job vacancies. 
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Moderator
Speakers
  • Phil Davis-Electrical Joint Training Committee, Managing Director
  • Ron Hetrick-Emsi Burning Glass, Senior Labor Economist & Director of Staffing Products
  • Eleni Papadakis-Washington Workforce Training and Education Board, Executive Director​