Agenda

As President and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association Robert  provides overall leadership and direction to an organization that is the authority on wireless issues, developments, and trends in Canada. Robert has served in this role since 2017, helping the Canada Telecoms team represent and promote companies and service providers that collectively contributed more than $70 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2020 alone. Prior to joining the association, Robert had a successful career as a political leader. He was twice elected Premier of Prince Edward Island from 2007 to 2015, succeGhizssfully stewarding the province’s economy through the 2008 global financial collapse and contributing to its record-setting economic growth following the recession. While Premier, Robert also led successful trade missions in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. In addition to his role today with the association, Robert is the Chair of Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, and the Chair of the Medavie Health Foundation. He also serves as an Advisor on numerous Boards including the Prince’s Trust Advisory Council, the True Patriot Love Foundation, and as PEI Representative of the CN Community Board.

As Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at the GSMA, Lara Dewar drives the Association’s global marketing and communications strategy to support and enable business success for the GSMA and its members. Additionally, Lara leads GSMA Membership and is responsible for enhancing member engagement, growth, and satisfaction, ensuring that the GSMA continues to deliver value to its global community. 

In his capacity as Head of Research and Consulting at GSMA Intelligence, Tim Hatt has responsibility for consulting work across a range of topics and clients in the TMT sectors along with published research reports. In an ever-changing industry, this means that change is the only constant. Aside from writing and editing, he is a regular presenter at conferences, public speaking engagements and in the media. 

Eric Smith is Senior Vice-President at the Canadian Telecommunications Association, where he leads the organization’s regulatory, policy, and public affairs work. He brings deep experience at the intersection of law, technology, and public policy, having previously held senior roles at BlackBerry (Divisional General Counsel & Head of Government Relations – Canada), Corel Corporation (as Vice-President and General Counsel), and Fraser Milner Casgrain (now Dentons), where he co-  chaired the Technology Transactions Practice Group and was recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for his work in the field of information technology law.

Lee began his career in the telecommunications industry in 1983. Prior to entering the telecommunications business, he honed his management skills within the Bragg Group of Companies, as maintenance manager of the world’s largest wild blueberry processing facility and plant manager at one of six food-processing facilities. 

From there, Lee brought his operational experience and empowering leadership style to Eastlink where he successfully managed the transition of 12 independent cable operations to one centralized management and operational structure. Supported by a strong executive team and a staff of more than 1,500 across Canada, Lee has nurtured Eastlink’s growth from a small, regional cable company to the largest, family-owned telecommunications company in the country. 

Lee, and the entire Bragg family, play a significant role in supporting charitable and non-profit organizations and activities, enriching the communities where they operate and helping to make a positive difference in the quality of life where their employees and customers live, work, and play. 

He sits on the Board of Directors for Nova Scotia Power and is an Advisory Board Member for the Faculty of Management for Dalhousie University. 

Lee is a sports enthusiast and proud alumnus of Mount Allison University and the University of New Brunswick. Father of three boys and four grandchildren, he lives in Fall River, Nova Scotia, with his wife Amy.

About Eastlink: Recognized for its industry leadership and innovation as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, Eastlink delivers world class internet, mobile, video entertainment, telephone, and enterprise services to residential, business and public sector customers across its footprint, including operations in Bermuda. 

As President and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association Robert  provides overall leadership and direction to an organization that is the authority on wireless issues, developments, and trends in Canada. Robert has served in this role since 2017, helping the Canada Telecoms team represent and promote companies and service providers that collectively contributed more than $70 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2020 alone. Prior to joining the association, Robert had a successful career as a political leader. He was twice elected Premier of Prince Edward Island from 2007 to 2015, succeGhizssfully stewarding the province’s economy through the 2008 global financial collapse and contributing to its record-setting economic growth following the recession. While Premier, Robert also led successful trade missions in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. In addition to his role today with the association, Robert is the Chair of Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, and the Chair of the Medavie Health Foundation. He also serves as an Advisor on numerous Boards including the Prince’s Trust Advisory Council, the True Patriot Love Foundation, and as PEI Representative of the CN Community Board.

Andrew is the CEO and founder of FarrPoint, a leading connectivity and smart technology consultancy firm, with international offices in Toronto, London and Edinburgh (UK). His teams advise on anything from data centres to economic investment cases for new telecoms infrastructure.

In his career, Andrew has worked on many large fixed and wireless connectivity projects, including the UK’s flagship project Gigabit, Scotland’s 4G Infill and the recent CRTC’s cellular data standardization project.

Andrew and FarrPoint currently work with many provincial governments in Canada, including British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador, advising them on improving cellular coverage.

Fiona is a Principal Analyst at Opensignal, responsible for the Americas region. She provides strategic insights into mobile and broadband network and market performance, helping industry stakeholders. Her focus is to unpick the key trends shaping network experience and subscriber growth retention, including convergence, NTN and other market trends. 

Mark Goldberg has more than 35 years of international experience in strategic planning, managing, designing and implementing telecommunications carrier networks. His background includes heading the Network Services organization for one of Canada's largest long distance companies, developing the network architecture for competition in Canada, design of the US Government Voice Network, creating the business plan for Canada's Information Highway initiative, and helping international entrepreneurs launch traditional and enhanced telecommunications services. 

In naming him as one of Canada's top 10 technology bloggers in April 2008, itWorld Canada wrote: No one does a better job of exploring, interpreting or criticizing telecommunications policy in Canada. Period.

Eric Smith is Senior Vice-President at the Canadian Telecommunications Association, where he leads the organization’s regulatory, policy, and public affairs work. He brings deep experience at the intersection of law, technology, and public policy, having previously held senior roles at BlackBerry (Divisional General Counsel & Head of Government Relations – Canada), Corel Corporation (as Vice-President and General Counsel), and Fraser Milner Casgrain (now Dentons), where he co-  chaired the Technology Transactions Practice Group and was recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for his work in the field of information technology law.

Bali Minhas is PwC Canada's National Technology, Media and Telecommunications & Consumer Markets (TMTCM) Leader. With over 25 years of experience advising Canada's leading telecommunications operators, he brings deep expertise spanning the full value chain — from commercial strategy and customer growth to network operations and large-scale capital investments. He’s currently working to shape operators’ strategic direction through large-scale tech transformation initiatives, as well as advancing AI-enabled fraud prevention and cybersecurity capabilities. 

Ms. Lemay has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and is a recognized expert in telecommunications and broadcasting. Her expertise covers development of business plans, valuation, due diligence, spectrum matters and market research. Ms. Lemay has supported clients in the US, Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Canada.

Ms. Lemay is the lead consultant for Private Auctions conducted by LYA for clients disposing of spectrum licenses and other assets.

Ms. Lemay is actively involved in consultations for the development of public policy. She has acted as an Expert Witness in regulatory proceedings and litigations. Recent expert evidence mandates were focused on broadband subsidies in rural and remote areas, wireless siting, mid-band 5G spectrum, national roaming, television and over-the-top services, benchmarking investment in broadband, and the regulatory framework for MVNOs.

She has supported clients in successfully acquiring subsidy funds for broadband deployment in rural areas.

She is co-leader of the development of the LYA Auction Platforms that support Combinatorial Clock Auctions (CCA), Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending (SMRA) Auctions, Sealed Bid Auctions as well as Clock Auctions.

Prior to co-founding LYA, Ms. Lemay held a number of positions in marketing and product management with Nortel Networks. Ms. Lemay holds an Engineering Physics degree from Laval University and an MBA, Executive Option, from Concordia University in Montreal.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanne-lemay-961680a/ 

Dr. Rawat has been consulting for GSMA since 2014 as Senior Spectrum Advisor.

She spent 28 years within the Canadian Government where she held executive positions in managing radio frequency spectrum. During 2004-11, she was President of Communications Research Centre (CRC) of Canada. Between 2011-14, Dr. Rawat worked as Vice President and Ambassador to ITU for BlackBerry. 

She had many trailblazer ‘firsts’ and has a long list of national and international awards. In 2003, she became the first woman to chair the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) of the ITU and received ITU ‘s gold medal for her chairmanship.

In 2014 she was awarded ‘Officer of the Order of Canada’ for her “contributions to telecommunications engineering and for leadership in establishing the global regulatory framework for radio spectrum management”.

Dr. Rawat holds PhD in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University, Canada and Hon Doctorates in Science and Engineering from University of Ottawa and Queens University, Canada.

She is a Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) and of WWRF and member of the External Advisory Board of Spectrum X of NSF, their innovation center for spectrum.

Natasha is the Head of Public Policy and Consumer Affairs at the GSMA, leading the association’s work on responsible approaches to trust and safety including data privacy, security and child online protection.

Natasha has been working in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry for over 20 years within both blue chip international and start up companies. She joined the GSMA in 2006 and built up the association’s advocacy work in consumer affairs, including founding the GSMA’s Mobile Alliance Against Child Sexual Abuse Content and the Mobile Privacy Initiative. She is a board member, and former Chairman, of the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) and sits on the International Advisory Panel of the EU Kids Online research network.

Natasha holds a BA in Economics, qualified with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and is an alumni of the INSEAD Executive Development Programme.

As Director, Human Risk & Fraud Prevention, Connie leads Bell’s human-risk prevention mandate. In this role, she supports the Fraud Detection & Response team and advances initiatives designed to strengthen fraud prevention across the business.

With more than 20 years at Bell, Connie has built broad experience across finance, network, IT, and enterprise transformation. She has held progressively senior roles spanning program management, strategic advisory, and finance leadership, and is known for delivering measurable results through strategic planning, financial governance, large-scale transformation programs, and executive decision support.

A Concordia University economics graduate, Connie is committed to continuous leadership development, bringing a collaborative approach to leading complex, cross-functional initiatives.

I began my public service career in 2008 with Communication Security Establishment and moved to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) when it was stood up in 2018. Since then, I’ve worked with all service lines across the Cyber Centre to support Government of Canada departments, programs, and projects, bridging policy, operations, and technical teams to advance secure, resilient capabilities. My focus includes coordinating enterprise engagements, aligning security controls to GC requirements, and enabling mission delivery through pragmatic, risk-informed guidance. I hope we can go through the questions that will be talk about in the panel soon to ensure proper alignment with the topic. 

Deborah Evans is the Chief Privacy Officer at Rogers Communications, where she is responsible for privacy across all lines of business, including management of CASL and the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules. Deborah has managed Rogers’ privacy accountabilities since 2014.

Deborah joined Rogers in 2007 and has progressed through various positions within the organization’s Regulatory team, including representing Rogers at numerous proceedings and government hearings. As well, she managed Rogers Office of the Ombudsperson for 18 months. 

She is the current chair of both the Canadian Telecommunications Association Privacy and Security Committee and the Canadian Marketing Association’s Privacy Committee and sits on the Canadian Advisory Board of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Michaela leads the GSMA’s Policy and Regulation team, driving the development of industry-wide positions on critical issues such as connectivity, taxation, competition, security, and privacy, and orchestrating policy advocacy to enhance global connectivity and innovation. The team closely collaborates with all regional teams and commissions research to guide effective policymaking. She directly oversees policy work in North America. 

Juan Ramos is Vice President, Wireline Networks at Vidéotron, the 2nd largest Cable Provider in Canada and new National Operator. In his current role, he is responsible to expand Vidéotron's networks across Canada, powering affiliate brands like Vidéotron, Freedom, Fizz, VMEDIA, and Fibrenoire.

Mr. Ramos has been responsible for major network investments in Canada throughout his 30-year career and has led various engineering, technology and marketing organizations at Bell Canada and Videotron. He is known as an expert and trusted advisor on a vast array of information and communications disciplines including technology and business development, product life cycle management, IP migration, digital transformation, and lean six sigma operations.

Fluent in French, English and Spanish, Mr. Ramos has won the President’s award at both Vidéotron and Bell. In addition, Telephony Magazine granted him the 2007 innovation award for his creativity in product development. He was a member of the Advisory Board at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business (JMSB) from 2006 to 2019 and served as the President of JMSB’s Alumni Association from 2006 to 2008. He currently co-chairs the Canadian Telecommunications Network Resiliency group (CTNR), a consultative expert organization contributing to the Telecommunications Resiliency Agenda of Canada’s Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Industry.

A member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ), Mr. Ramos holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico, a Master of Science (M. Sc) degree in Telecommunications from the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) in Montreal and an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from Concordia University.

David Peaker is Associate General Counsel at TELUS, where he leads regulatory and public policy initiatives across the telecommunications sector. He provides strategic counsel on complex policy matters, oversees regulatory submissions to government and public bodies, and works closely with federal, provincial, and municipal officials on issues that shape Canada’s digital infrastructure.

David has particular expertise in access policy, including the legal, regulatory, and practical conditions required to build and expand telecommunications networks. His team works with public bodies to support TELUS infrastructure deployment while balancing regulatory requirements, public interests, and the need for continued private investment in connectivity.

Through this work, David brings a valuable perspective on the intersection of law, regulation, government relations, infrastructure development, and public policy. He is committed to constructive dialogue and to policy frameworks that enable innovation, investment, and the continued expansion of Canada’s digital networks. 

Wen Kwan is a licensed Professional Engineer in the telecom/ICT domain. He has worked in the private sector for over a decade developing wireline and wireless products before joining the public sector. He currently leads the Engineering, Planning and Standards (EPS) branch within the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) in enabling industry access to radiofrequency spectrum for terrestrial and satellite deployments by minimizing interference through technical standards for coexistence of services, certifying radio equipment against safety standards, and securing Canada’s access to spectrum through international agreements.

Alongside telco experts, Wen also co-chairs the Canadian Telecom Network Resiliency (CTNR) Working Group which regularly evaluates network resiliency challenges to drive consensus on recommendations for both government and industry. The first deliverable was the implementation of a Canadian national Emergency Roaming Protocol in 2023 which provides mobile connectivity during network outages caused by a variety of reasons including vandalism and natural disasters.

Jay Wilson is the Director of Energy Security at Electricity Canada. Jay brings over 15 years of experience working in energy systems, government relations and policy. He has worked with and advised governments and industry on environmental regulation, sustainability, climate adaptation, health and safety, supply chains and physical and cyber security. Jay has a Master's degree in Applied Environmental Science and an EMBA.

Ross Bateson is a long-term special adviser to the GSMA on government affairs across a number of issues affecting mobile broadband growth. He fulfils this role through his consultancy business RB Communications. Prior to this Ross worked at Access Partnership where he served as a director charged with government affairs and as a financial analyst for the mobile and satellite industries at TelecomFinance.

Jeff Maddox is the President of Nokia Canada, where he leads the commercial strategy and market operations for the company’s end-to-end telecommunications portfolio. A graduate of McMaster University’s Electrical Engineering program in 1995, Jeff’s career began in R&D at Bell Northern Research and Nortel before he spent two decades in executive leadership roles with Cisco Systems across North America.

Now approaching his sixth year at the helm of Nokia Canada, Jeff brings over 30 years of experience to navigating the challenges of modern connectivity and the current AI supercycle.

Outside of his role at Nokia, he is a prominent voice in the Canadian tech ecosystem, serving as Board Chair for the Canadian Telecommunications Association and a Director for NPower Canada.

Based in Oakville, Ontario, Jeff is an active mentor to young professionals and a dedicated supporter of his son’s competitive hockey career.

As CTO of Ericsson Canada, Ahmad Husseini steers Ericsson’s technology vision and innovation agenda across Canada - advancing next-generation network evolution, deepening strategic partnerships, and driving customer-centric transformation initiatives – strengthening technology leadership across the Canadian market.

Over his almost 20 year journey with Ericsson, Ahmad has held several critical leadership positions, including most recently as Account Chief Technology Officer for Rogers Communications, where he led strategic technology engagement for one of Canada’s largest telecom operators. 

Ahmad also served as Head of Network Solutions in South Africa, overseeing large-scale network deployments and modernization programs. His career reflects deep expertise in telecom innovation, solution architecture, and enterprise-scale network transformation across global markets.

David has spent 35 years of working in the telecom industry working in a variety of executive and technical leadership positions across the public and private sectors. Most recently as Group Director Spectrum at Ofcom, President of the Communications Research Centre (Canada), and Senior Director for Spectrum Engineering at Innovation Science and Economic Development (Canada).  Prior to that David held significant product leadership roles in BlackBerry’s handset business and Nortel’s Optical and Network Management business units.

Matthew Kellison is the Director General of Spectrum Policy at Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED) Canada. In this role he is responsible for ISED’s overall planning and allocation of wireless spectrum, as well as administering spectrum auctions. Prior to joining ISED, Matthew held senior positions at Canada’s Competition Bureau and its Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, and has extensive experience in price regulation, marketplace policy, and antitrust law. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Queen’s University.

Eric Smith is Senior Vice-President at the Canadian Telecommunications Association, where he leads the organization’s regulatory, policy, and public affairs work. He brings deep experience at the intersection of law, technology, and public policy, having previously held senior roles at BlackBerry (Divisional General Counsel & Head of Government Relations – Canada), Corel Corporation (as Vice-President and General Counsel), and Fraser Milner Casgrain (now Dentons), where he co-  chaired the Technology Transactions Practice Group and was recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for his work in the field of information technology law.

Michaela leads the GSMA’s Policy and Regulation team, driving the development of industry-wide positions on critical issues such as connectivity, taxation, competition, security, and privacy, and orchestrating policy advocacy to enhance global connectivity and innovation. The team closely collaborates with all regional teams and commissions research to guide effective policymaking. She directly oversees policy work in North America.