“Over the past years, primary metal smelters in Canada have incrementally moved towards digitalisation, focusing on automation and robotisation,” Jean Simard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aluminium Association of Canada

As President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada since 2009, Jean Simard is the industry’s official representative and spokesperson with governments, business associations and the media, as well as with international organisations linked to the industry. He holds a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Barreau du Québec. He possesses extensive professional experience in public and government relations, mainly in sustainable development, energy, and environmental affairs. Prior to joining the AAC, he was Vice-President of Sustainable Development, Public and Governmental Affairs at Gaz Métro, a Quebec-based energy company.

AL Circle: How do you foresee the growth of the aluminium industry in Canada? Which end-user sector do you think will drive the aluminium industry in 2024?

Mr Jean Simard: As a low-carbon primary aluminium producer, Canada is certainly well-positioned to contribute to the decarbonisation of North America over the coming decades. This means maintaining at least our market share, as we produce 80% of the continent's primary metal.