President of CACMR Attends Empire Club of Canada Event Featuring Minister Tim Hodgson and Lisa Raitt

President of CACMR Attends Empire Club of Canada Event Featuring Minister Tim Hodgson and Lisa Raitt

Toronto, ON – The President of the Canada Arab Congress on Middle East and North Africa Relations (CACMR), Abdullatif Al-Shaikh, attended a distinguished Empire Club of Canada event on April 24, 2026, featuring The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, alongside The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Office of the CEO at CIBC and former federal Cabinet Minister.

The event, titled *“One Year of Nation Building: Looking Back, Moving Forward,”* brought together leaders from government, finance, diplomacy, infrastructure, and industry for a timely discussion on Canada’s economic future, nation-building priorities, energy security, critical minerals strategy, and Canada–U.S. relations.

During the event, Abdullatif Al-Shaikh had the opportunity to meet and engage with Minister Hodgson and Ms. Raitt on key issues impacting Canada’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and international partnerships, including opportunities for collaboration between Canada and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Minister Hodgson’s keynote address highlighted the federal government’s efforts over the past year to advance major nation-building infrastructure projects through the newly established Major Projects Office, while strengthening Canada’s position amid evolving geopolitical and trade dynamics with the United States and global partners.

The fireside discussion, moderated by The Honourable Lisa Raitt, focused on landmark national initiatives, including the Canada–Alberta Memorandum of Understanding, Canada’s strategic approach to energy and critical minerals, and the importance of long-term investment confidence and economic resilience.

“The conversations taking place around nation-building, energy, infrastructure, and global economic cooperation are critically important not only for Canada’s future, but also for strengthening international partnerships with regions such as the Middle East and North Africa,” said Abdullatif Al-Shaikh, President of CACMR. “It was an honour to attend this important discussion and engage with Minister Hodgson and Ms. Raitt on the opportunities ahead for Canada.”

The Empire Club event underscored the growing importance of strategic infrastructure investment, energy development, and international economic collaboration at a pivotal time for Canada’s future.

The Canada-Arab Congress on Middle East and North Africa Relations (CACMR) continues to play an active role in fostering dialogue, trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement between Canada and the MENA region through high-level events, policy discussions, and strategic partnerships.