Mr. Abdullatif Alshaikh Attends Empire Club of Canada Event Featuring Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne

Mr. Abdullatif Al-Shaikh, Chair and President of the Canada Arab Congress on Middle East and North Africa Relations (CACMR), attended a distinguished policy and economic leadership event hosted by The Empire Club of Canada in downtown Toronto on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The event, titled *“Canada Strong for All: United in Time of Uncertainty,”* featured François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, in a fireside conversation moderated by David Herle, Co-founder of Air Quotes Media and Partner at Rubicon Strategy.

The discussion took place one week following the Government of Canada’s Spring Economic Statement and focused on Canada’s fiscal direction, economic resilience, global trade dynamics, and long-term growth priorities amid an increasingly complex international landscape.

During the event, Mr. Al-Shaikh had the opportunity to meet and engage with Minister Champagne, discussing the importance of strengthening economic partnerships, fostering international cooperation, and advancing dialogue between Canada and countries across the Middle East and North Africa region.

Mr. Al-Shaikh also met with Seamus O’Regan, former Minister of Labour and former Minister of Natural Resources of Canada, where discussions touched on leadership, economic development, and Canada’s evolving role in global partnerships and energy transition initiatives.

“As Canada navigates a rapidly changing global environment, constructive dialogue between government, business leaders, and international partners remains essential to building sustainable prosperity and long-term economic resilience,” said Mr. Al-Shaikh following the event.

CACMR continues to actively engage with Canadian and international leaders to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations between Canada and the Middle East and North Africa region through dialogue, partnerships, and policy engagement initiatives.