The Voice of Business
The Fraser Valley Business Forum: Policy, Investment & the Road Ahead
An executive conversation on the decisions shaping our region's economic future.
Hosted by the Fraser Valley Business Coalition (FVBC)
Date: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Presented by: Doane Grant Thornton
Tickets $65 for members $95 non members
The Fraser Valley Business Coalition of is hosting the Fraser Valley Business Forum bringing some of B.C.'s leading political journalists, public opinion researchers and policy experts to the Fraser Valley to unpack what’s happened, and what comes next for the Fraser Valley businesses.
This non-partisan discussion will focus on what the changing political and public policy environment could mean for businesses, employers and the provincial economy heading into 2027.
11:30 a.m. - Registration, networking and lunch
12:00 p.m. - Fraser Valley Coalition Welcome
12:05 p.m. - Welcome from Doane Grant Thornton
12:10 p.m. - Setting the Stage: Policy, Investment & the Road Ahead
12:20 p.m. - Moderated panel discussion
1:10 p.m. - Audience Q&A
1:25 p.m. - Closing remarks
1:30 p.m. - Event concludes
Senior Associate, Hilltop Public Affairs
Nicole Brassard is a Senior Associate at Hilltop Public Affairs with expertise in government relations, stakeholder engagement and communications. Her work is informed by nearly 20 years of hands-on political experience, most recently supporting Mark Carney’s leadership campaign and the federal general election.
Nicole has been involved in managing election campaigns, developing platform policy and providing tactical, high-level counsel to political leaders and organizations at the municipal, provincial and federal levels.
She is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and has been recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40. Nicole is also a regular political commentator and currently contributes to CBC Radio One’s The Early Edition political panel.
Chief Executive Officer, Cedar Ridge Developments
Michael de Jong, KC, is the Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Ridge Developments and a lawyer, senior public-policy leader and former British Columbia cabinet minister with extensive experience in government, finance, law, economic development and complex institutional affairs.
During more than 30 years in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Michael represented communities in the Fraser Valley and served in several of the province’s most senior portfolios, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Health, Attorney General, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Minister of Forests, Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services, and Government House Leader.
As Minister of Finance from 2012 to 2017, Michael oversaw the fiscal and economic affairs of one of Canada’s largest provincial governments and delivered five consecutive balanced budgets. His cabinet experience also placed him at the centre of major decisions involving public finance, health care, natural resources, regulatory policy, intergovernmental relations and long-term economic planning.
Michael also brings significant experience working with First Nations leaders, communities and institutions. As Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation from 2006 to 2009, he was responsible for treaty negotiations, consultation and accommodation, economic participation and the advancement of government-to-government relationships.
As Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Ridge Developments, Michael provides executive leadership to the Uplands initiative. His legal, financial and governmental experience supports his work navigating complex regulatory environments, assessing risk, developing credible investment structures and aligning the interests of governments, investors, First Nations and other project partners.
Vice President, Corporate Advisory and General Manager, Western Canada, Burson Global
Carlie Pochynok brings 15 years of communications, campaign and political experience to Burson’s Vancouver office. Her previous senior roles in both the Alberta and British Columbia legislatures provide her with specialized knowledge of government processes, communications and media relations.
Carlie currently leads work with clients across several sectors, including finance, aviation, transportation and resource development.
Prior to joining Burson six years ago, Carlie served as Director of Communications and Media Relations for the Official Opposition in British Columbia. She previously worked as a senior advisor in the BC Government and as Chief of Staff to the Ministers of Indigenous Relations and Municipal Affairs in the Government of Alberta.
$65 for Members
$95 for Non-members
All registrations are final sale, no refunds will be issued.
Dietary requirements must be disclosed at the time of registration.
