Workforce Recharged Digital Program 2025

CONFERENCE + EXPO

NOVEMBER 3 & 4, 2025 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM DAILY

PEARSON CONVENTION CENTRE, BRAMPTON

PANELS | KEYNOTES | CHARGE SESSIONS

SME EXPO | NETWORKING | INSIGHTS

EXPO PRESENTED BY:

MEDIA PARTNER:

GOLD SPONSOR:

A/V PARTNER:

INDUSTRY PARTNER SPONSOR:

SILVER SPONSORS:

EVENT PROGRAM DAY ONE

9:00 AM

Welcome Remarks

9:15 AM

Opening Remarks

9:30 AM

Keynote: Future Ready: Building Canada's Workforce of Tomorrow

10:00 AM

Impact Chat: Superhumans: Rebuilding Lives, Rebuilding Work

10:45 AM

Break + Expo Visit

11:05 AM

Charge Session: The Human Face of Trades: Redefining Pride, Purpose, and Progress

11:30 AM

Charge Session: Purpose at Work: Building Cultures That Last

11:55 AM

Charge Session: The Human Advantage: What Machines Will Never Replace

12:15 PM

Lunch Break

EVENT PROGRAM DAY ONE (CONT)

1:15 PM

Panel 1: “Future Ready Pathways: Connecting Learning to Labour Market Demand”

1:15 PM

Panel 2: “Data, Diversity, and Humanity: Reimagining the Future Workforce”

2:15 PM

Break + Expo Visit

2:30 PM

Panel 3: “The Path Forward: Transforming Youth Interest in Trades into Actionable Careers”

2:30 PM

Panel 4: “Blueprints for Equity: Women Building Canada's Future Workforce”

3:40 PM

Closing Remarks

4:00 PM

The Secure Connection: Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst Happy Hour

EVENT PROGRAM DAY TWO

9:00 AM

Doors Open, Registration & Networking Brunch

9:15 AM

Welcome Remarks

9:35 AM

Keynote: From Blueprint to Breakthrough

10:00 AM

Impact Chat: Reskilling Internationally Trained Talent

10:45 AM

Break + Expo Visit

11:05 AM

Charge Session: How to Find the Soft Skills Employers Need

11:30 AM

Charge Session: The Evolving World of Work: Building Agility, Equity, and Resiliency

11:55 AM

Charge Session: Supporting Adaptability for SME's

12:15 PM

Lunch Break

1:15 PM

Panel 1: “Retaining the Visionaries”

1:15 PM

Panel 2: “Micro-Credentials, Macro Impact: Reskilling Across Sectors ”

2:30 PM

Panel 3: “The Future Is Hiring”

2:30 PM

Panel 4: “Better Together: Building Teams in the Age of AI”

2:30 PM

Panel 4: “Better Together: Building Teams in the Age of AI”

4:00 PM

The Secure Connection: Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst Happy Hour

WELCOME

Welcome to Workforce Recharged Jaipaul Massey-Singh CEO, BBOT

Thank you for joining us for the Brampton Board of Trade’s Workforce Recharged 2025 event.

Workforce development remains a critical priority for Brampton and the surrounding region as businesses adapt to new technologies, evolving workforce needs, and a rapidly changing economy. Meeting these challenges requires collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions.

This year’s event brings together business leaders, HR professionals, educators, and solution providers to explore strategies, tools, and programs that support workforce growth and organizational success. Through keynote presentations, panels, and interactive sessions, we will highlight practical solutions, share insights, and foster connections that drive results.

The Brampton Board of Trade is proud to convene this forum and support meaningful dialogue on workforce development.

With your participation and engagement, Workforce Recharged 2025 will help shape the partnerships and strategies needed to strengthen our community and prepare for the future of work.

Together, we can ensure Brampton’s workforce is skilled, resilient, and ready to thrive.

www.bramptonbot.com

ABOUT BBOT

About Brampton Board of Trade Brampton’s Largest Business Association

The Brampton Board of Trade is where businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors convene, collaborate and create solutions to boost regional economic prosperity.

Brampton business leaders are focused on running their businesses cost-effectively and successfully, while handling a myriad of challenges such as technology, competitiveness, job creation and government legislation. The Board of Trade helps members make the right connections and provides solutions to the toughest problems — shaping change and advocating for Brampton. Members of the Board of Trade also have access to countless tools to help grow their business, increase productivity, and control their bottom line.

In order for our city to realize its full potential and to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities ahead, businesses and all levels of government need to be aligned. Brampton’s moment is now.

Brampton Board of Trade 2024: A Year in Highlights

www.bramptonbot.com

THANK YOU SPONSORS

In Collaboration With

Expo Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Media Partner

A/V Partner

Industry Partner

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX YOUR VOICE MATTERS Participate in the 2025 Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey and help us identify the key challenges and opportunities facing the business community. Your insights will guide our advocacy and programs for the year ahead.

PUBLIC POLICY

2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE

COMMUNITY ADVOCACY

www.bramptonbot.com

WELCOME

DAY 1 | 9:00 AM | ROOM E-F

Opening Remarks

Jaipaul Massey-Singh CEO, BBOT

Jaipaul Massey-Singh is a results-driven leader with over 20 years of experience across sectors including cannabis, healthcare, IT, non-profits, retail, and manufacturing. As CEO of the Brampton Board of Trade and Board Chair at Brampton Library, he is committed to fostering innovation, building strong teams, and driving community impact.

Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor Regional Councillor Wards 9 and 10 Gurpartap Singh Toor is the Regional Councillor for Wards 9 and 10 in Brampton, elected in 2022 as the city’s youngest councillor.

He chairs Brampton’s Economic Development, focusing on job creation, investment, and innovation. Outside of council, he supports arts and culture as a board member and enjoys sports including soccer, horseback riding, and basketball.

www.bramptonbot.com

KEYNOTE

DAY 1 | 9:30 AM | ROOM E-F

Keynote: Future Ready: Building Canada’s Workforce of Tomorrow Bradley Loiselle CEO and Founder Skills Council of Canada

Ontario’s workforce future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we build together. In this keynote, Brad Loiselle, CEO of Skills Council of Canada, explores how collaboration between government, industry, and education is transforming access to skills training and employment.

He shares how digital innovation, shared resources, and inclusive partnerships are creating a connected ecosystem that strengthens workforce resilience and opens pathways for all Ontarians to thrive in a sustainable, future-ready economy.

www.bramptonbot.com

IMPACT STORY

DAY 1 | 10:00 AM | ROOM E-F

Impact Story: Superhumans: Rebuilding Lives, Rebuilding Work Olga Rudnieva Chief Executive Officer Superhumans Center

When war destroyed homes and hope, the Superhumans Center in Ukraine emerged as a global symbol of resilience. Olga Rudnieva shares how her team built a world-class hub for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and reintegration—restoring dignity, strength, and purpose to thousands. In conversation with Brad Loiselle, she explores how Ontario’s expertise in skills, trades, and education can help rebuild Ukraine from the ground up, proving that restoring lives is the foundation for rebuilding nations.

www.bramptonbot.com

CHARGE SESSIONS

DAY 1 | 11:05 AM | ROOM E-F Charge Session: The Human Face of Trades: Redefining Pride, Purpose, and Progress

Candice White Chief Executive Officer Skilled Trades Ontario DAY 1 | 11:30 AM | ROOM E-F

Charge Session: Purpose at Work: Building Cultures That Last Tonie Chaltas Chief Executive Officer Achev DAY 1 | 11:55 AM | ROOM E-F

Charge Session: The Hybrid Advantage: Flexibility is Your Super Power Susan Black President and CEO The Conference Board of Canada

www.bramptonbot.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 1 | 1:15 PM | ROOM E-F Panel Discussion: “Data, Diversity, and Humanity: Reimagining the Future Workforce”

Wendy Cukier Academic Director at Diversity Institute

Amandipp Singh Founder Enabled Talent

Veronica Frisch Global Executive Vice President Randstad Enterprise

Alexandra Jolly Partnerships Director 100% Human at Work & Virgin Unite

www.bramptonbot.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 1 | 1:15 PM | ROOM C-D Panel Discussion: “Future Ready Pathways: Connecting Learning to Labour Market Demand”

Jaipaul Massey-Singh CEO Brampton Board of Trade

Rashmi Swarup Director of Education Peel District School Board

Mary Donaghy Director of Education Ottawa Catholic School Board

Lisa Sokoloff Director, Clinical and Experiential Learning, Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies Sheridan College

www.bramptonbot.com

HAPPY HOUR

DAY 1 | 4:00 PM | EXPO Networking - The Secure Connection: Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst Happy Hour

Wrap up each day of Workforce Recharged with great conversations and even better connections.

Join us in the Expo for a relaxed networking hour hosted by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, featuring light snacks, refreshments, and the perfect atmosphere to unwind, collaborate, and spark new opportunities.

PRESENTED BY:

4PM - 5PM Monday & Tuesday www.bramptonbot.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 1 | 2:30 PM | ROOM E-F Panel Discussion: “Blueprints for Equity: Women Building Canada’s Future Workforce”

Kate O'Neil Vice President at Skills Council of Canada | Arctic Freshwater

Angela Coldwell Founder Honour the Work

Ena Chadha Chair of Board of Directors Human Rights Legal Support Centre

Sara Asalya Executive Director Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto

www.bramptonbot.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 1 | 2:30 PM | ROOM C-D Panel Discussion: “The Path Forward: Transforming Youth Interest in Trades into Actionable Careers” Vijai Kumar Singh Policy & Government Relations Manager Brampton Board of Trade

Ian Howcroft Chief Executive Officer Skills Ontario

Elizabeth Fabbroni Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology Sheridan College

Dave Cassidy Skilled Trades Special Advisor of Ontario Ontario Government

www.bramptonbot.com

WELCOME

DAY 2 | 9:00 AM | ROOM E-F

Opening Remarks Bradley Loiselle CEO and Founder Skills Council of Canada

www.bramptonbot.com

KEYNOTE

DAY 2 | 9:35 AM | ROOM E-F

Keynote: From Blueprint to Breakthrough: The Power of Trades

Sherry Holmes Make it Right!

The Holmes Group

Behind every build is a story of perseverance and purpose. Sherry Holmes, contractor and TV personality, shares how craftsmanship, mentorship, and representation are inspiring more women and youth to pursue skilled trades. Drawing from her experience working with her father, Mike Holmes, she highlights how visibility, inclusion, and community can reshape perceptions, strengthen the workforce, and build a more sustainable and inclusive future where every builder’s story matters.

www.bramptonbot.com

KEYNOTE

DAY 2 | 10:00 AM | ROOM E-F Impact Session: Reskilling Internationally Trained Talent: Unlocking Potential, Overcoming Barriers

Anita Stellinga CEO COSTI

Thousands of newcomers arrive in Canada each year with valuable skills, yet many face barriers that limit their potential. Anita Stellinga, CEO of COSTI, shows how partnerships, retraining, and mentorship help internationally trained professionals rebuild their careers. Drawing on COSTI’s experience, she highlights how training, guidance, and community support empower newcomers to succeed and become leaders, strengthening industries and communities across Canada.

www.bramptonbot.com

CHARGE SESSIONS

DAY 2 | 11:05 AM | ROOM E-F

Charge Session: How to Find the Essential Skills Employers Need Ruba Al-Nazer Director, Community Engagement and Impact Toronto Pearson DAY 1 | 11:30 AM | ROOM E-F Charge Session: The Evolving World of Work: Building Agility, Equity, and Resiliency

Larissa Hofmann Vice President Edge Factor DAY 1 | 11:55 AM | ROOM E-F

Charge Session: Supporting Adaptability for SME's Tricia Williams Director, Research, Evaluation and Research Mobilization Future Skills Center

www.bramptonbot.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 2 | 1:15 PM | ROOM E-F Panel Discussion: “Retaining the Visionaries: How to Grow and Sustain Leaders”

Jaipaul Massey-Singh CEO Brampton Board of Trade

Brad Kewalramani Founder Culture Mindful

Sharanjeet Kaur Chief Administrative Officer TMU School of Medicine

Chloé Roussel Vice President of Public Affairs Palette Skills

www.bramptonbot.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 2 | 1:15 PM | ROOM C-D Panel Discussion: “Micro-Credentials, Macro Impact: Reskilling Across Sectors”

Kate O'Neil Vice President at Skills Council of Canada | Arctic Freshwater

Benjamin Palmer Manager, Impact Reporting Riipen

Usha Srinivasan Founder BReady AI

Mike Gallardo President & CEO Merit Ontario

www.bramptonbot.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 2 | 2:30 PM | ROOM E-F Panel Discussion: “The Future Is Hiring: Anticipating the Roles That Will Redefine Our Economy”

Vincent Caron Vice President Policy at Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Vaishnavy Gupta Head of Go-To Market FutureFit AI

Steve McNeil General Manager Workforce Inc.

Jean Pierre Giroux President Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium

www.bramptonbot.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 2 | 2:30 PM | ROOM C-D Panel Discussion: “Better Together: Building Teams in the Age of Emerging Technologies”

Vijai Kumar Singh Policy & Government Relations Manager Brampton Board of Trade

Bradley Loiselle CEO and Founder Skills Council of Canada | Arctic Freshwater

Dave Ellis President FIRST Robotics Canada

Vinay Paramanand Director Centre of Excellence Algoma University

www.bramptonbot.com

HAPPY HOUR

DAY 1 | 4:00 PM | EXPO Networking - The Secure Connection: Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst Happy Hour

Wrap up each day of Workforce Recharged with great conversations and even better connections.

Join us in the Expo for a relaxed networking hour hosted by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, featuring light snacks, refreshments, and the perfect atmosphere to unwind, collaborate, and spark new opportunities.

PRESENTED BY:

4PM - 5PM Monday & Tuesday www.bramptonbot.com

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