With the recent round of tariffs dominating the headlines, I believe business leaders on both sides of the border desire a fast and mutually satisfactory resolution. Regardless of how it all unfolds, recent events have served as a wake-up call that Canadians have heard loud and clear: we need to diversify our trading relationships and move away from an unhealthy dependence on a single trading partner. L&D drives export success and will be key to meeting this challenge.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney clearly defined the mission: “We will need to do things previously thought impossible at speeds we haven’t seen in generations.”  If you are in the Learning & Development industry, that call to action couldn’t help but resonate. It certainly did with me. Wherever this new world takes us, L&D will lead the way.

As a learning company, we have collaborated with businesses and governments to develop several trade-focused training programs. We recognize the importance of L&D departments in responding effectively to trade challenges. Canadian companies can compete with the world’s best by building globally competent teams! 

So how do we get there? I believe that learning professionals must embrace a two-fold strategy.

First, to strengthen our labour force through better and more widely available training. Specifically, we must develop timely, agile, relevant, and cost-effective training. For example, human skills are essential if the Canadian workforce is to narrow the productivity gap. Yet, many emergent workers graduate with little or no training in these fundamental skills.

For several years, a key Redwood focus has been helping graduates acquire the human skills they need to succeed. The recent launch of CareerForce now makes the process fast and efficient. The program is an online workplace simulation that helps young professionals learn and apply the essential human skills most valued by employers. To ensure widespread awareness and access, Redwood partnered with the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE). Strategic partnerships that maximize reach and L&D synergy help accelerate program awareness and delivery.

Second, we must produce training that helps clients leverage offshore opportunities. For example, one of the most attractive markets for Canadian exporters is the European Union (EU). The EU is one of the world’s largest economies and Canada’s second-largest trading partner. Nonetheless, Canadians looking to take advantage of this opportunity must do their homework.  

Here again, Redwood has plenty of expertise. We have previously partnered with the Ontario government to produce training resources, ensuring that new exporters put their best foot forward. The project included modules covering essential legal and cultural information for major global markets and several interviews documenting success stories.

Here are six additional strategies to help ensure success:

Use a Modular Approach to Maximize Training Efficiency

To maximize your potential, your team must learn as much as possible about offshore markets. However, avoid information overload. An adept training consultant will use a modular approach to ensure you prioritize the essential skills you need. Potential upskilling objectives include offshore market demand, consumer behaviour, regulatory environment, and competitors.

Lost in Translation? Not Anymore!

The last thing any new exporter needs is confusion stemming from poor translation. Your sales team must be confident that potential buyers will receive your pitch as intended. At Redwood, we’ve produced several programs that required translation, often in ten or more languages. Believe me, this is one area you need to get right! To maximize efficiency, Redwood leverages cutting-edge AI and other productivity tools. The result: solutions that are faster, smarter, and more cost-effective. 

Understand Cultural Nuances

You can’t overstate the importance of cultural nuances. For example, in France, titles matter. Be sure to use “Monsieur” or “Madame”, unless invited to use first names. The French also respect well-thought-out strategies and critical thinking. Be sure to demonstrate technical knowledge and avoid sounding overly salesy.  An investment in training on business etiquette, communication styles, and cultural norms will ensure customers know you mean business.​

Privacy Pays: Earning Trust Across Borders

When exporting to offshore markets, strict privacy and security standards aren’t just best practices—they’re business essentials. Canada and the European Union have put regulations in place to protect privacy: the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Although both frameworks have similar goals, they differ in their features and approaches.   

Agility is Everything: Exporters Must Move at Market Speed 

From learning local customs to trade agreement details to leveraging productive offshore partnerships, new exporters need to know the ropes fast! Conditions constantly change, and costly cultural or legal
missteps must be avoided. For Canadian exporters, fast, focused learning is the key to success.     

CanExport: A Great Place to Get Started

CanExport is a funding program the Canadian government offers to support Canadian small- and medium-sized organizations to expand their international presence. Organizations can apply online for up to $50,000 in funding to reimburse eligible expenses when breaking into international markets.