Brampton Manager Earns Certified Trade Professional Designation
Erica Henry-Jackman has earned the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) designation while serving as Manager of Investment Attraction and International Relations for the City of Brampton Economic Development Office. Her career combines diplomatic experience, trade negotiations, and local economic development strategies.
Early diplomatic work and trade law exposure
In 1997, Henry-Jackman participated in the Commonwealth Youth Programme as a delegate, where she engaged with international leaders discussing youth empowerment and sustainable development. That same year, she contributed to a United Nations initiative led by former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Soon after, she joined the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as a youth ambassador, then transitioned to a trade intern role. One of her initial assignments involved supporting the country’s participation in a World Trade Organization dispute with the United States regarding cross-border online gambling services. This case provided her with hands-on experience in trade law, negotiation strategies, and the challenges small economies face in global trade disputes.
She later served as Vice-Consul and Director of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda in Canada, strengthening economic, tourism, and investment connections between the Caribbean and Canada. The position reinforced her understanding that successful economic partnerships depend on both market access and personal relationships.
Applying a global perspective to Brampton’s development
Currently, Henry-Jackman uses her diplomatic background to position Brampton as an attractive destination for foreign investment. She established Canada’s first municipal Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Desk, a platform designed to facilitate market access and commercial partnerships among African, Caribbean, and Canadian businesses.
Her efforts have attracted foreign direct investment projects and encouraged cross-cultural collaborations focused on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth. By leveraging her international networks, she helps local businesses access overseas opportunities.
In an unstable trade environment characterized by fluctuating tariffs and shifting supply chains, professional credentials have become essential. Henry-Jackman states that the CITP® designation serves as a trust indicator, boosting confidence among investors and government partners.
Municipal leaders who act as connectors between global markets and local economies can accelerate regional development, particularly when they apply diplomatic skills developed through international experience. This approach ensures municipal goals align with the demands of an interconnected global economy.
The CITP® certification reflects a career built on technical expertise and the ability to mediate between diverse stakeholders. In Brampton, her work focuses on aligning municipal priorities with global trade demands, particularly in sectors where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face competition challenges. Through the Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Desk, she has arranged direct business matchmaking between Canadian firms and their African and Caribbean counterparts. This addresses persistent obstacles such as financing limitations, regulatory barriers, and cultural differences.
