This panel explores how expanding value‑added production can drive economic growth, resilience, and competitiveness across Canada’s agri‑food sector. The panel will examine opportunities to move more production, processing, and innovation up the value chain—keeping more economic activity, jobs, and investment within Canada.
Michael Bourque, President and CEO, Fertilizer Canada – Moderator
Michael Bourque is the Chief Executive Officer at Fertilizer Canada. Prior to joining Fertilizer Canada, he was the CEO of the Canadian Real Estate Association and President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada.
He has also held senior government relations positions with the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada and Bayer Canada Inc where he was responsible for federal public affairs. Michael started his career in government as a political aide and later as an official in federal provincial relations and the Privy Council Office. Michael studied public policy and administration and economics at Toronto’s York University.
Michael is known as a strong advocate for sensible policy that is rooted in facts and data and for finding creative ways to ensure his members are heard and understood.
J.P. Gervais, Executive Vice‑President, Ag Production, Farm Credit Canada
J.P. oversees FCC’s nationwide agricultural producer lending portfolio and customer experience, ensuring farm operations have access to capital solutions and tailored support through all economic cycles. J.P. joined FCC in 2010 as Chief Economist and previously led the deployment of FCC’s strategy to strengthen investment, innovation and sustainability while driving higher productivity and competitiveness for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.
Eric Harvey, President and CEO, Railways Association of Canada
Eric was appointed President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) in February 2025. He has more than 25 years of experience in transportation law, policy, and regulation. Before joining RAC, he served as Assistant General Counsel, Policy and Legislative Affairs, at Canadian National Railway (CN). In this role, he led CN’s work on major legislative and regulatory initiatives, including reviews of the Railway Safety Act and the Canada Transportation Act, while guiding the company’s engagement with federal decision-makers. Prior to this role, he managed the rail regulatory group at CN, providing advice on safety and economic regulation. Earlier in his career, Eric worked in Ottawa for federal transportation regulators and agencies, gaining deep knowledge of public-sector policy development and oversight in rail and other modes. Eric received his law degree from the University of Ottawa and subsequently, a Masters in law from King’s College London. At RAC, Eric advocates for safe, efficient, and sustainable railways, emphasizing supply-chain reliability, investment, and modern regulation to strengthen Canada’s integrated transportation network.
Ron Lemaire, President, Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Ron Lemaire is the President of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), where he has represented the industry since starting in 1998. At CPMA, Ron Lemaire represents the interests of more than 900 Canadian and international member companies, which collectively account for over 90% of fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada.
His extensive 28-year career in not-for-profit associations has equipped him with expertise in vertically integrated supply chains, sustainability initiatives, government relations, advocacy, marketing, public-private partnerships, capacity building, and comprehensive food systems management.
Ron Lemaire has played a pivotal role in advancing the interests of the fresh produce sector during critical periods of trade and regulatory change. He led CPMA’s advocacy for tariff relief, ensuring businesses remained competitive and resilient in the face of international trade pressures. During the NAFTA negotiations, Ron represented the industry’s voice, working closely with government and stakeholders to safeguard the sector’s priorities and facilitate free trade. Today. Ron’s work on coordinated industry input, policy analysis, and strategic engagement positions CPMA members for continued success and market growth during CUSMA review.
Overall, Ron Lemaire’s leadership is pivotal in shaping policies, driving industry growth, and promoting sustainable practices within the fresh produce sector in Canada and globally.