DAY 1 • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 6 | CONNECTING IDEAS
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Start the Summit by connecting with delegates from across industry, business, government and communities.
The Networking Café opens for the day, with live music.
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
Opening Ceremony & Cultural Welcome
Remarks from Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation
9:20 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening Keynote
Speaker
The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Western Newfoundland is at a pivotal moment. With abundant natural resources, strategic infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and significant investment on the horizon, the region is uniquely positioned for growth. This opening panel brings together leaders from across sectors to explore what makes the West Coast an attractive place to invest, do business, and build for the future, and why the time to act is now.
Opening Panel: Why the West Coast and Why Now?
Speakers
To Be Announced
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Networking Break
Connect with fellow delegates and enjoy live music.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
The Honourable and the Hack — Live
One of Newfoundland and Labrador's most engaging political podcasts comes to the West Coast Business & Investment Summit for a special live recording.
The Honourable and the Hack brings together political experience, sharp commentary and candid conversation about the issues shaping Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hosts
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, K.C. and journalist Alex Bill
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Keynote Luncheon
A networking luncheon bringing together Summit delegates, speakers and partners.
Speaker
To Be Announced
1:10 PM – 1:20 PM
Keynote Speaker
Speaker
The Honourable Lloyd Parrott, Mnister of Energy and Mines, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
1:20 PM – 2:30 PM
Panel: Building Better Projects: From Consultation to Partnership
Today's most successful projects recognize that technical excellence alone is not enough. Earning and maintaining a social licence to operate requires meaningful engagement, strong environmental and social governance, and genuine partnerships with Indigenous governments, communities, municipalities, regulators, and stakeholders. This panel explores how moving beyond consultation to collaboration can reduce risk, strengthen project outcomes, build public confidence, and create long-term value.
Speakers
To Be Announced
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Networking Break
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Panel: From Project to Approval: Permitting, Policy, and Timelines
In today’s competitive investment landscape, certainty matters. Investors, governments, and communities all benefit from approval processes that are transparent, predictable, and effective. This panel examines how policy, permitting, and regulatory decision-making can support responsible development, reduce uncertainty, and help ensure the right projects move from proposal to reality.
Speakers
To Be Announced
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Closing Remarks
A brief wrap-up of the day's conversations before delegates reconvene at Marble Mountain.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Summit Reception at Marble Mountain
Experience one of Western Newfoundland's signature destinations while connecting with Summit delegates, speakers and partners.
The evening will showcase local cuisine, Newfoundland entertainment and the hospitality of the West Coast.
DAY 2 • WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 7 | FROM CONVERSATION TO ACTION
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Guided Walk or Trail Run
Start the second day of the Summit with a guided outdoor experience celebrating the landscapes and natural beauty that make Western Newfoundland unique.
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Morning Welcome
Speaker
Linda Chaisson, The Mayor of Corner Brook
9:10 AM – 9:20 AM
Morning Keynote
9:20 AM – 9:30 AM
Regional Development
A regional perspective on the opportunities, challenges and partnerships shaping communities across Western Newfoundland.
Speaker
Abdul-Latif Alhassan, PhD, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Panel: Unlocking Growth: Infrastructure, Investment, and Workforce
Opportunity is accelerating across Western Newfoundland, but growth can only happen if the region has the capacity to deliver. From reliable energy and transportation networks to housing, workforce development, skills training, and access to capital, this panel explores the investments and partnerships needed to ensure the region is ready to support the next generation of projects, businesses, and communities.
Speakers
Kelly Smith (Chief Executive Officer, Port of Corner Brook)
Sean Kennedy (Leader, Cenovus Sales and Supply Chain Management Centre of Excellence)
Moderator
Ian Froude (Managing Director & Founder, Pedal & Shift)
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Coffee & Networking Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Project Presentations: The Projects Shaping What's Next
Some of the most significant opportunities in Western Newfoundland are already taking shape.
This session gives delegates the opportunity to hear directly from companies advancing major projects and investments about what they're building, where their projects stand, what comes next and the opportunities these developments could create for businesses, workers, communities and investors.
Featuring
Kruger & Atlas Salt
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Continue the conversation over lunch with delegates, speakers and Summit partners.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Closing Panel: Culture, Land, and Economy: A Living Connection
A strong economy is built on more than investment. It is also rooted in place.
The landscapes, cultures, histories and communities that define Western Newfoundland are not separate from economic development—they are among the region's greatest competitive advantages.
Our closing conversation explores how Western Newfoundland can leverage what makes it distinctive to strengthen tourism, attract people and investment, support local businesses and communities, and create lasting economic opportunities while preserving the qualities that make the region unlike anywhere else.
Speakers
Autumn Gale (Chief Operating Officer, Majors Contracting Ltd. and Hew & Draw)
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing Networking Reception
We'll close the inaugural West Coast Business & Investment Summit by bringing delegates together one final time to recognize our partners, continue the conversations started over the previous two days and look ahead to what's next for Western Newfoundland.
Agenda and speakers are subject to change. Additional speakers and project participants will be announced as they are confirmed.