The Canada-Florida Business Council, Connecting Florida and Canada Business

The CFBC collaborates with industry leaders and policymakers to drive growth, shape strategy, and remove barriers to the prosperity of the Canada-Florida relationship.

The Canada Florida Business Council is an exclusive peer-to-peer network of executives who operate at the highest levels of the private and public sectors. The CFBC believes in inclusion and diversity and strives to exemplify best practices and lead by example.

We are a transaction-oriented group where results are valued and members help each other obtain their business goals. This philosophy assures each member of one degree of separation with decision makers in any field on either side of the border. Membership lists are not published or sold to anyone. If you are an engaged industry player, and would like to inquire if any of our limited membership seats are open, please contact us.

Drive results for Floridian and Canadian businesses that will impact their future growth.

Advocate for, and increase awareness of, the Canada-Florida relationship in policy and business circles in the U.S. and Canada.

The CFBC's Objectives

The Canada-Florida Business Council aims strengthen and promote the $14 billion Canada-Florida economic partnership by:

Providing a Forum to facilitate strategic discussions between Canada and Florida business.

Promoting Networking at high decision-maker levels, on both sides of the border.

Helping to Shape policy to promote greater cross-border trade and investment opportunities.

Helping Represent industry to leading policy-makers on both sides of the border.

Being Part of an Exclusive Network of leaders driving bilateral growth and creating strategic opportunities.

Join CFBC and help advocate for, and shape, this vital partnership that drives economic prosperity for Canada and Florida.

Strengthening a Strategic Partnership

What Makes Canada-Florida Relationship Important?

Strategic

Canada is Florida’s 1st export market, worth over $5.2 billion.

Florida is Canada’s 3rd export market, worth over $5.8 billion.

Canadian exports to Florida grew by 32.5% over the last 5 years.

Floridian exports to Canada grew by 46.9% over the last 5 years.

Vibrant Business Environments

Canadian subsidiaries in Florida employ 62,500 Floridians, comprising 17% of Florida’s FDI jobs.

Over 567 Canadian firms operate in Florida.

Real Estate Investment

In 2023, Canadians invested $2.1 billion.

Canada is Florida’s top foreign investor.

Canadian-owned real estate stock in Florida exceeds $60 billion.

Tourism

Canada is Florida’s largest source of tourism.

In 2022, Canadians contributed $4.6 billion to Florida’s economy.

In 2023, 3.2 million Canadian visited Florida, approximately 10% of the country’s population.

The Canada-Florida Relationship in Numbers

Florida,
A Dynamic Economic Hub

Economic Powerhouse

17th largest economy globally and 4th in the U.S.
$1.65 trillion GDP.
Real GDP grew by 6.1% in Q3 2023.

Aerospace, Space and Defense

Our support system ensures you're never alone on your journey, offering guidance, resources, and solutions when you need them.

Tax Advantages

State Sales Tax: 6%.
Corporate Tax: 5.5%.
No State Income Tax.

Population Hub

3rd most populous U.S. state (22.6 million).
Population grew by 5.1% from 2020 to 2023.

Strategic Gateway to South America

40% of U.S. exports to Central and South America pass-through Florida.

Canada,
A Global Economic Leader

Economic Strength

10th largest economy globally.
$2.24 trillion GDP.

Highly Skilled Workforce

76% of the population holds a college degree or higher—it is the most educated labor market worldwide.

Global Leader in EVs

The only nation capable of producing an entire electric vehicle, with the ability to recycle over 98% of EV batteries.

Aerospace Excellence

Montreal is one of the world’s three global aerospace hub.
All aircraft components available within a 30-mile radius.

Strategic Gateway to Europe

Since 2016, Canada signed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Canada-Florida Relationship is worth approximately $14 billion a year in trade and investment.

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A Support of Experts.

Expert in the financial services industry, with an illustrious career spanning over 25 years, Sophie Lalonde is
a certified financial planner, portfolio manager & entrepreneur, and dedicated to enhancing trade and investment between entrepreneurs and businesses in both regions, advocating for policies that bolster cross-border trade.

Sophie Lalonde, cfp, cco, iqpf, cim, ciwm

FOUNDING PRESIDENT

International management professional with over 20 years of experience in diplomacy and business. Seasoned in leading international programs in complex environments, she keeps a relentless focus on strategy and driving results. As an executive, Gina led teams & implemented strategies in terms of business deals and transactions.

Gina Rebelo Bento

FOUNDING DIRECTOR, VICE CHAIR

Practicing law in the immigrant investor field since 2010 and spending over a third of each year travelling the world to promote investor programs, Marc-André has personally developed business relations with professionals in over 20 countries and is a frequent speaker on Canadian investment immigration issues.

Marc-André Séguin

FOUNDING DIRECTOR

Completing her law degree at the Université du Québec à Montréal simultaneously with her bachelor’s degree in communication and political science at the University of Ottawa, Florence promotes the growth of business relations between Canada and Florida. Florence is fluent in French, English and Spanish.

Florence Beaulieu-Lavoie

DIRECTOR

Charles Boudreault is a lawyer and industry leader specializing in maritime coatings and nanotechnology. He has held key roles at Nanophyll, focusing on innovation, business development, and strategic partnerships. Actively involved in volunteer work, he also serves on various boards, contributing legal and industry expertise. His work drives sustainable advancements in maritime infrastructure and surface protection.

Charles Boudreault, ll.b.

DIRECTOR AND CORPORATE SECRETARY

Amir is an entrepreneur and business strategist specializing in innovation, technology, and international market expansion. With experience leading technology companies and building strategic partnerships, he takes a forward-thinking approach to driving growth and scaling businesses in competitive markets.

Amir Metwally

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Helping to shape the Future of the
Canada-Florida Partnership.

The Canada-Florida Business Council, Connecting Florida and Canada Business

The CFBC's Objectives

~60K

Canadians in Florida

567

Canadian Firms in Florida (2023)

$2.1B

Canadian Investments (2023)

3.2M

Canadian Visitors in Florida (2023)

Strengthening a Strategic Partnership