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Feb 08

The Automotive Industry in 2018: Potholes or Smooth Sailing?

Toronto ON, C.D. Howe Institute, 67 Yonge Street, Suite 300

Roundtable Luncheon with Dennis DesRosiers and Jon Johnson

The NAFTA re-negotiations have raised alarm bells for many sectors, but the automotive industry has attracted a considerable amount of attention and concern. Come hear from two seasoned experts on the North American automotive landscape, and what these tumultuous times mean for this critical industry.

Dennis DesRosiers, President, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants
 


Since starting his consulting company in 1985, Dennis has become literally the “go-to-guy” for interpretive insights into the North American automotive industry and is considered one of North America’s leading auto sector analysts. His thinking is sought not only by executives throughout the  automotive sector but also by government policy makers and the media. 

He has been a leading innovator in discovering the internal algorithms that drive all elements of the North American automotive industries be it manufacturing, distribution or retail. Through his ability to identify, analyze and interpret the paradigms within the automotive sector, he has become a leader in identifying emerging trends. 

He is known in the industry for introducing an element of excitement and controversy into North American automotive analysis. 

In an industry that knows how to spin things almost as well as politicians he steps back from the popular view and deep dives into the issues to develop a fact based point of view which is quite often different from the ‘spin’ …. And this is why he is considered controversial.

Jon Johnson, Senior Fellow, C.D. Howe Institute 
 

Jon R. Johnson is a Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute.

A former partner of Goodmans LLP, Mr. Johnson has had extensive experience with international trade law.  Mr. Johnson was a legal advisor in Canada’s Trade Negotiation Office respecting the automotive provisions of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and he advised Canada’s Office of the Trilateral Trade Negotiations during the negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”). 

Mr. Johnson has advised industry associations and other clients, both in the public and private sectors, on matters involving international trade arising under the WTO and NAFTA. These have included: advising industry stakeholders in respect of WTO challenges brought against Canada regarding automotive duty remission programs and pharmaceutical patent issues and in respect of WTO challenges brought by Canada against the United States in respect of the last softwood lumber dispute ending in 2006; and advising the Federal Government in respect of a several claims brought by U.S. investors against the Federal Government under the NAFTA investment chapter.  Mr. Johnson has also represented clients in antidumping and countervailing duty actions and has advised clients respecting customs matters, import and export controls and other border measures. 

Mr. Johnson has been a frequent speaker on international trade issues and has organized and has participated in teaching two Masters of Law courses at Osgoode Hall Law School.  Mr. Johnson was the lead trainer in a two day course in 2004 organized by MOFCOM in Beijing on WTO litigation strategy and compliance. 

Mr. Johnson received the Award of Excellence in International Law from the International Section of the Ontario Bar Association on October 20, 2009. 

 

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