This panel examines how regulatory efficiency can strengthen the competitiveness of Canada’s agri‑food sector. The panel will explore how duplicative, outdated, or slow regulatory processes impact innovation, investment, and market access—from farm operations to processing and export. Panelists will discuss opportunities to modernize regulations, improve coordination across jurisdictions, and reduce administrative burden.
Cam Baker – Senior Director, Global Government and Industry Affairs, Nutrien – Moderator
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Cam grew up on a mixed cattle and grain farm spent his early years working the eastern Alberta oilfields. After obtaining his degree at the University of Saskatchewan in Political Science, Cam embarked on a career in politics, first at the municipal then at the provincial level. Along with managing numerous election campaigns over a 15-year period, he also held the role of Chief of Staff to the Ministers of Energy and Resources, Economy, and Environment before leaving the Government of Saskatchewan in 2015 to join PotashCorp in the Government Relations department. PotashCorp and Agrium merged in 2018 to form what is today Nutrien. Cam was appointed Nutrien’s Senior Director of Government and Industry Affairs for Canada in 2023.
Pierre Petelle, President and CEO, CropLife Canada
Pierre Petelle is the president and CEO of CropLife Canada, the trade association that represents the Canadian manufacturers, developers and distributors of pest control products and plants with novel traits. Pierre joined CropLife Canada in 2008 and is now responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the association. Prior to joining CropLife Canada, Pierre worked in the policy office at Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency where he worked on a wide range of issues relevant to Canada’s plant science industry. Pierre holds degrees from Carleton University and the University of Guelph.
Colin Deacon, Senate of Canada
The Honourable Colin Deacon’s entrepreneurial background brings a unique perspective to Canada’s Upper Chamber. Before his June 2018 appointment to the Senate as an Independent Senator representing Nova Scotia, Senator Deacon spent much of his career turning ideas into organizations, products and services that improve lives.
As part of the Senate, he has been a strong advocate for entrepreneurs, harnessing the digital economy, updating Canada’s privacy legislation, ensuring global competitiveness of Canadian firms, and promoting Canadian leadership on climate change.
Senator Deacon is the Deputy Chair of the Senate Standing Committees on Fisheries and Oceans, and on Audit and Oversight.
Mia Parker, Director Environmental Performance & Certification at Mowi Canada West
Mia Parker, BSc (Hons), MBA is Director of Environmental Performance and Certification at Mowi Canada West. With more than 20 years of experience in fisheries and aquaculture, she specializes in environmental regulatory management, sustainability, and science-based policy development.
At Mowi Canada West, Mia leads environmental monitoring and compliance across marine, freshwater, and processing operations, while advancing innovative monitoring practices and regulatory initiatives. She works closely with communities, researchers, and regulators to support informed, science-driven decision-making.
Before joining Mowi in 2020, Mia held senior roles with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including leading the co-development of Arctic fisheries regulations with Inuit organizations and advising on Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. She also has a background in aquaculture research and science advisory processes.
Mia is known for her practical, collaborative approach to complex environmental and policy challenges.
Panelist TBD, Corteva Agriscience
Bio TBC