Host: Warrington Ellacott
Guest: David A. Johnston
Published: April 1, 2026
Length: ~20 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

🌍 Adapting to Disruption in a Shifting Trade Landscape

In this episode of Simply Trade [Canada], Warrington Ellacott sits down with Dr. David A. Johnston to explore how geopolitical shifts, infrastructure investments, and evolving trade dynamics are reshaping supply chains.

From Canada’s renewed focus on nation-building infrastructure to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding USMCA negotiations, this conversation highlights the realities businesses face today—and the strategies they need to stay resilient. Dr. Johnston shares insights from his work at the Schulich School of Business, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and long-term planning in an increasingly volatile global trade environment.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🌐 How geopolitical risks and policy shifts are disrupting global supply chains
🏗️ What Canada’s major infrastructure investments mean for importers and exporters
🤝 Why communication with supply chain partners is critical during uncertainty
📦 How to think about transportation flexibility, including shifting modes like air, rail, and ocean
📊 Practical ways to manage short-term risk while planning for long-term change
🌎 Why diversification and global market expansion require new logistics strategies

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Strong communication with suppliers, carriers, and partners is essential during disruption.
Infrastructure investments create long-term opportunities—but won’t solve short-term challenges.
Flexibility in transportation modes can keep goods moving, even at higher costs.
Businesses should balance immediate risk management with longer-term strategic repositioning.
Trade relationships—especially between Canada and the U.S.—remain critical despite uncertainty.
Disruption often creates opportunity, particularly in emerging sectors like infrastructure and defense.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

George Weston Ltd Centre for Sustainable Supply Chains – Schulich School of Business
Master of Supply Chain Management Program – York University
Sloan Management Review (2022) – Preparing for Supply Chain Disruptions
USMCA / CUSMA Trade Agreement
CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)

🎧 Credits

Host:

Warrington Ellacott – https://www.linkedin.com/in/warringtonellacott/

Guest:

David A. Johnston – https://www.schulich.yorku.ca/faculty-research/george-weston

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

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Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com

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