Driving into the Future brings together automotive experts to discuss what's new in the automotive industry.
Join us for the final panel of Season 7!
DRIVING INTO THE FUTURE | How do we save Canadian auto manufacturing?
Wednesday May 13, 2026 @ 11AM ET
As Canada hits a defining crossroads, the choices we make on EVs, tariffs, and emissions will set the course for our auto industry for decades to come.
This panel discussion made possible with support from PMAC
Thank you for attending the event! The livestream has ended, but we hope you found the session informative and engaging.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the event organizer. They will be happy to assist you with any inquiries you may have.
We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing you at future events!
For more information, contact the organizer directly through the provided channels.
Andrew McCredie has been reporting on the automotive industry for the past 20 years, from consumer-oriented road tests to new vehicle launches to technological deep dives. For the past decade he has increasingly focused on electric vehicles, and his EV-related Postmedia podcast Plugged In is currently in its sixth season.
David Booth, Driving’s Senior Writer, has a Bachelor’s degree in engineering complemented by decades working as an automotive journalist and commentator. He has a cynic’s view of politics, a child's wonder for anything powerful and an engineer's curiosity about how things work, all crucial for dissecting and disseminating the technology the industry constantly springs on us. And for the record, he thinks hybridization is the future, worships at the altar of supercars and absolutely adores his motorcycles, so his perfect vehicle is a 700-horsepower plug-in with two wheels.
Scott MacKenzie, Director and General Manager of Corporate & External Affairs is responsible for all External Affairs functions for Toyota’s Manufacturing and Sales operations across Canada, as well as several corporate functions specific to our manufacturing operations, including Strategic Planning and Corporate Governance.
Prior to assuming this position, Mr. Mackenzie has held various positions in both technical and administrative roles across both companies.
Scott joined Toyota in 1999, working in Manufacturing Operations before moving to a position in Quality Control. Since then, he has held roles in Technical Purchasing (Supply Chain Development), Corporate Strategy and Planning, and Government Relations.
He is responsible for all External Affairs functions for both TMMC and TCI, including Government Relations, Public Relations, and Corporate Communications. His role in Government Relations has seen him at the frontline of several key policy negotiations, most notably as a trusted advisor to the Federal Government on its successful negotiation of several international trade agreements. In his Strategic Planning role, Scott has helped secure several new product lines for TMMC, including the introduction of RAV4 and Lexus NX to TMMC’s North Plant.
Scott was born and raised in Kitchener, educated at the University of Waterloo, and now resides in Waterloo with his wife and two children.
Hanif Nori is the Manager of Government Relations and Environmental Affairs at Honda Canada, where he leads the company’s engagement with federal, provincial, and municipal governments. In this role, he oversees government relations and lobbying activities, advises on public policy and regulatory matters, and represents Honda across key industry associations to support the company’s strategic and business objectives.
With over 15 years of experience spanning the automotive, legal, and public policy sectors, Hanif brings a strong understanding of government processes and corporate governance. Prior to his current role, he served as Manager of Legal Affairs at Honda Canada, held in-house counsel positions at multiple organizations, practiced as a legal associate at Toronto-based law firms, and worked as a Senior Political Advisor to the Attorney General of Ontario.
Among his notable achievements, Hanif was recognized with Honda’s President Award for his leadership and contributions to government relations efforts that supported a major Honda project in Canada. He is known for his inclusive leadership style, collaborative approach, and a challenging spirit that enables him to anticipate and respond to changes in the political and regulatory environment.
Hanif holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School, and an LL.M. from Columbia University in New York City.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, following his favourite sports teams, and appreciating life’s everyday moments.
Brendan Sweeney is the inaugural President and CEO of the Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada (PMAC). Brendan has nearly two decades of experience working with leading automotive companies in Canada. Prior to joining PMAC Brendan served as the Managing Director of research centres such as the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing at Western University and the Automotive Policy Research Centre (APRC) at McMaster University. He holds graduate degrees (MA & PhD) from Queen’s University and an undergraduate degree from McMaster University.