BC Chapter Update
CIRI BC held a virtual event on February 7 on 2024 Commodities Outlook. Our presenter was Bart Melek, Global Head of Commodity Strategy, TD Securities. The event was moderated by Cindy Broad, Executive Vice President, Business Development, BTV-Business Television. Melek provided insights into the 2024 commodities market outlook and its intrinsic connection to the broader economic landscape. Economic weaknesses in China and the Western world, compounded by the highest interest rates in over two decades, present challenges for the commodities market. Despite these pressures, mitigating factors like lean inventories and geopolitical tensions are expected to prevent a significant downturn. In addition, anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate actions, resurging Western demand and China's stimulus suggest a potential upturn in commodity prices. Melek took us through these dynamics at play, with the intention of facilitating informed decision-making. There was a live Q&A at the end. This was a well-attended event that provided insight and new knowledge to CIRI members.
Quebec Chapter Update
CIRI Québec held its most recent masterclass on February 22; it dealt with Charting the Future: A Masterclass in Investor Relations Best Practices. This immersive experience, held at the Lumi Experience room in Montreal, was designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of investor relations. The members heard from experienced IROs Isabelle Adjahi, Vice President, Investor Relations and Sustainable Development, Lion Electric; Andrew Arnowitz, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Enterprise Risk Management, CAE; Paul Butcher, Lead for the Investor Relations Practice at the Humphrey Group and previously Vice President of Investor Relations, CN; and Valerie Durand, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability, Air Canada.
The session was well attended and engaging, with various topics addressed, such as perception studies, ESG, retail shareholders, IR programs, and third-party IR consultancies. Ultimately, IR priorities and approaches do vary, reinforcing the importance of IROs adapting rapidly. A networking event was held after the panel discussion.