Join us for this important dialogue on inclusive employment for neurodiverse people and persons with with disabilities, hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

One of five events being held across the country, the Inclusive Growth series aims to mobilize the knowledge and resources of the Chamber Network to be a strong agent for change. As the largest business association in Canada, and with the grassroots strength of over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the nation, we want to empower our Network to influence policy and government decisions and programs, to share and amplify member expertise, and to leverage tools to support the business community in taking action.

Together, let’s strive to create and increase opportunities for underrepresented segments of the population to fully participate and thrive in the economy.

OPENING REMARKS

Ian Faris, Senior Vice President, Chamber Network Relations & Advocacy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Fiona Famulak, President & CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce

Emcee Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce

SPEAKER PANEL

Lisa Beecroft, Co-owner, Gabi & Jules

Yat Li, Senior Accessibility Consultant, President’s Group

Brad Liski, CEO & Co-founder, Tru Earth

Carol Simpson, CEO, Focus Professional Services Inc.

Nate Toevs, Employer Outreach Developer, Neil Squire Society

KEYNOTE

Marco Pasqua is an award-winning Entrepreneur, Accessibility Consultant and Inspirational Speaker. After graduating from the Art Institute of Vancouver, he spent five years in the video game industry.

During the recession of 2010, he lost his job, which turned out to be the biggest blessing in disguise. Marco decided it was time to use his voice to make a positive impact on the world, so he built his own brand as a professional speaker and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, he has remained focused on social impact, keeping a philanthropic approach to the work that he does. Some of his most memorable talks include TEDxStanleyPark, The United Way as an impact speaker and The Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Throughout his life, Marco has also been involved with a number of organizations as a spokesperson, helping to spread advocacy for persons with disabilities across Canada.

As an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant, he has worked with some of BC’s biggest change-driven business leaders who are champions for more accessible, inclusive workplaces. It’s through these experiences that he is helping to pave the way for all Canadians to have universal access to the programs, services and places that they live, work and play.

AGENDA

9:30 am      Registration

10:00 am    Opening Remarks followed by Panel Discussion

12:00 pm    Plated Lunch

12:30 pm    Keynote

1:00 pm      Dialogue Tables

2:30 pm      Closing Remarks, Event Concludes

Optional non-hosted networking at The Taphouse next door following event.