On November 16, Economic Development Regina, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Economics Association, will host Economic Outlook 2027: Agriculture, Energy & Trade.
The afternoon will bring together business leaders, economists and industry experts to explore the economic forces shaping Regina, Saskatchewan, and Canada heading into 2027.
Through an economic outlook presentation and two moderated panel discussions, the forum will examine changing trade conditions, opportunities and challenges across agriculture and agri-food, and the evolving energy and nuclear landscape in Saskatchewan.
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 1:00–1:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 1:30–1:45 p.m. | Opening Remarks — John Bailey, President & CEO, Economic Development Regina; Bruce Crouter, President, Saskatchewan Economics Association |
| 1:45–2:15 p.m. | Economic Outlook Presentation – Presented by Christopher Hajzler, Director, Canadian Economic Studies Division, Bank of Canada |
| 2:15–3:15 p.m. | Panel 1: Agriculture & Agri-food Outlook |
| 3:15–3:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30–4:30 p.m. | Panel 2: Energy & Nuclear Outlook |
| 4:30–5:15 p.m. | Keynote & Closing Remarks |
| 5:15–6:00 p.m. | Reception & Networking |
Presented by Christopher Hajzler, Director of the Canadian Economic Studies Division at the Bank of Canada, this presentation will set the stage for the conference with an overview of the global and Canadian economic outlooks, with a particular focus on the key trends shaping Saskatchewan’s economy.
About Christopher
Christopher Hajzler is the director of the Canadian Economic Studies Division at the Bank of Canada, where his team is responsible for analyzing long term labour market trends and Canadian potential output growth. His primary research interests include the study of the effects of political risk on international capital flows, expropriation of foreign direct investments, and Law-of-One-Price deviations within and across countries. Prior to joining the Bank of Canada in 2014, he obtained a PhD in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, and was Assistant Professor at the University of Otago, New Zealand.
Explore how Saskatchewan’s agriculture and agri-food sector is navigating changing trade conditions, access to capital, shifting global demand and the opportunities ahead in 2027.
About Leigh
Leigh is a Senior Economist at FCC. His focus areas include farm equipment and crop input analysis. Having grown up on a mixed grain and cattle farm in Saskatchewan, he also provides insights and monitoring of Canada’s grain, oilseed and livestock sectors. Leigh came to FCC in 2015, joining the Economics team. Previously, he worked in the policy branch of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. He holds a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Saskatchewan.
About Tristan
Tristan Culham co-leads the agribusiness and food industry group at MLT Aikins. His practice focuses on agricultural and agribusiness disputes, intellectual property claims, particularly in life sciences and insurance litigation. He has extensive experience representing clients in disputes involving plant breeders’ rights, patent enforcement, pipelines and insurance claims. Tristan has conducted trials, chambers applications and appellate hearings, appearing before the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, Court of King’s Bench and various administrative tribunals. He regularly represents insurers in complex claims involving personal injury, property damage and professional liability. With a strong understanding of the agricultural and seed industries, Tristan also advises life sciences companies on protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights.
About Tyler
Tyler Groeneveld is the Chief Executive Officer of Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters focused on advancing the food production, ingredient manufacturing and agriculture sectors. With over 31 years of leadership experience in Canada’s agriculture and food industry, Tyler has focused on driving innovation, sustainability and growth across the agri-food value chain. Before joining Protein Industries Canada, he held senior leadership roles at Corteva Agriscience, most recently serving as Commercial Lead for North America. Tyler previously chaired Protein Industries Canada’s Board of Directors and held board positions with CropLife Canada, the Canola Council of Canada and Cereals Canada, helping strengthen Canada’s agricultural competitiveness and global leadership.
About Kristjan
Kristjan Hebert is President of The Hebert Group and Managing Partner of Hebert Grain Ventures, a 40,000+ acre grain and oilseed operation in southeast Saskatchewan. Raised on a family farm in Fairlight, Kristjan earned a commerce degree and CPA designation before returning to agriculture. Known for his innovative approach to farm management, financial efficiency and soil health, Kristjan has received numerous industry honours, including the 2020 Top Producer Award and 2022 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Prairies). He also co-founded Maverick Ag & Farmer Coach, hosts The Truth About Ag podcast and is a general partner in Emmertech Agtech Fund, supporting innovation and growth in agriculture.
About Chad
Chad Ross is a fourth-generation cattle producer and co-owner of L7 Land and Cattle alongside his wife, Crystal, near Estevan, Saskatchewan. Established in 1906, the family ranch combines generations of stewardship with progressive cattle production and business management practices. As Chair of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, Chad represents producers across the province, advocating for policies and initiatives that support a sustainable, competitive and profitable beef industry. At L7 Land and Cattle, Chad focuses on long-term sustainability, operational efficiency and adapting to changing market conditions. He is passionate about strengthening connections between producers and consumers, advancing industry innovation and ensuring future generations have opportunities to succeed in Saskatchewan’s cattle industry.
A conversation about Saskatchewan’s evolving energy landscape, from nuclear development and supply chain readiness to new energy opportunities and the infrastructure needed to support future growth.
About Grant
Grant Cherkas is the Nuclear Specialist at the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA), bringing over 30 years of experience in the nuclear industry. His expertise spans nuclear engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain development, regulatory affairs and licensing. Previously, Grant served as Vice-President of Market Development and Chief Engineer at Westinghouse Electric Canada, where he supported innovation, technology and solutions for Canadian clients. He has also held positions with Ontario Power Generation and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. A registered Professional Engineer, Grant focuses on maximizing Saskatchewan’s participation in nuclear development, supporting local suppliers and strengthening the province’s nuclear industry through technical expertise, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
About Ranjith
Ran is the CEO of MAX Power Mining Corp., a Saskatchewan-based leader in natural hydrogen exploration. With over 20 years of senior leadership experience, he brings expertise in engineering, energy development, Indigenous partnerships and business transformation. Under his leadership, MAX Power drilled Canada’s first natural hydrogen well, advancing opportunities in the emerging clean-energy sector. Previously, Ran served as President and CEO of PTRC, leading innovation in carbon capture, geothermal energy, hydrogen and energy storage. A registered Professional Engineer, Ran has also helped generate over $360 million in economic opportunities for Indigenous communities through partnerships at SaskPower. He remains focused on advancing sustainable energy solutions and industry innovation.
Hear from economists and industry leaders about the trends, risks, and opportunities expected to shape Saskatchewan’s economy in 2027.
Explore what changing trade conditions and developments across agriculture, energy, and nuclear could mean for Saskatchewan businesses and investment.
Connect with business leaders, investors, and industry experts from across Regina and Saskatchewan.
This land is Treaty 4 Territory—the ancestral lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda and homeland of the Métis. We acknowledge the harms of the past and are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and gratitude—respecting and honouring the treaties that were made on all territories.
Economic Development Regina is advancing the Calls to Action to foster economic prosperity for all in the Greater Regina Area. We are committed to celebrating the culture, values, and language of Indigenous peoples to preserve the spirit and intent of Treaty 4.