About

The Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum (AusCan Forum) is a Canadian non-profit corporation headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors as well as an Organizing Committee. The AusCan Forum was formed in 2010, and since that time, has brought together 150+ leaders from government and public and private sectors for high-level discussions every 18 months. On issues such as investment and trade, climate change, finance, technology, natural resources and Indigenous economic engagement, the Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum provides a regular platform on which leaders from both countries can discuss ways to address domestic, bilateral and regional challenges and opportunities. Business priorities and government policies are at the centre of discussions intended to advance ongoing collaboration.

Mission

The mission of the Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum is to strengthen the relationships between economic leaders in the Australian and Canadian private and public sectors with a view to sharing knowledge and networks. The exchange of best practices and lessons learned is designed to reinforce bilateral and regional economic cooperation in the mutual interest.

Vision

Australia and Canada are charter members of the Commonwealth as well as the G20 and have a common heritage of language and democratic freedoms. Both countries regularly consult with one another to advance common interests ranging from defense and security to Indigenous, social, cultural, academic and regional issues. A strong, diversified commercial relationship between Australia and Canada is also present. In 2022, bilateral trade between Australia and Canada totaled CAD 5.8 billion. The ABS reported that in 2022 total bilateral investment both ways totalled CAD 185 billion.

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DFAT

A Vision for the Future: Insights from Our Forum Co-Chairs

2025 AusCan Leadership Forum Media Op Ed

2025 Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum Program

2025 AusCan Leadership Forum Program

Our theme for the 2025 Forum, “Trusted Partners: Navigating the Future Together,” highlighted the importance of collaboration in an evolving global landscape. Key discussions focused on timely and critical issues, including geopolitical risks, critical minerals and metals, AI and cybersecurity, and infrastructure. The Forum also emphasized the vital role of Indigenous economic inclusion in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.

Celebrating a Milestone: The 10th Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum

We are pleased to announce that the 10th edition of the Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum will be held in Vancouver, May 2026. This exclusive, invitation-only gathering will bring together senior business leaders, policymakers, and innovators from both countries for high-level dialogue and collaboration.

As we mark this significant milestone, the 2026 Forum promises to be our most dynamic and impactful yet.

🗓️ The Forum theme and panel session topics will be officially announced in Fall 2025.

Stay tuned for exciting updates as we unveil the vision, agenda, and distinguished speakers shaping the next chapter of bilateral leadership and innovation.

2025 Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum Rapporteur's Report

Rapporteurs Report

2025 AusCan Awards: Exceptional Leaders Under 40 – Meet This Year’s Trailblazers!

We are proud to announce the 2025 AusCan Under Forty Exceptional Leaders Award winners, celebrated during the 9th Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum held in Sydney.

Please join us in congratulating:

🏆 Amanda Brain – Creative Destruction Lab, Melbourne A bold innovator accelerating entrepreneurship and impact through deep tech and mentorship.

🏆 Jahanzaib Ansari – CEO & Co-founder, Knockri A trailblazing tech leader driving inclusive hiring through AI-powered behavioral assessments.

These two outstanding individuals were recognized for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to building a better future for both nations and beyond. The awards were presented by Caitlin Gill of Egon Zehnder, in recognition of the exceptional talent that exemplifies the strength of Australia–Canada collaboration.

The AusCan Awards spotlight the power of collaboration between Australia and Canada. By honouring young changemakers, we invest in a shared future rooted in innovation, inclusion, and global impact.