May 2 & 3, 2026: Regina - REAL District

Chris Skelton has been assisting clients with franchise growth, sales, and operations for the past couple of decades. With a wealth of experience in assisting investors and franchisors, Chris has come to quickly identify what business opportunity aligns best with the right candidate.

Melissa is a partner in the firm’s business group and head of the firm’s franchise practice group.  Melissa practices primarily in the areas of business, corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, business combinations, owner-operated enterprises, commercial leasing and commercial financing with a specialization in franchise law, ancillary regulatory matters and a focus on carrying on or operating a business in Manitoba.

Terry has been in his current role with TD Bank as National Manager, Franchise Banking for 10 years.  As National Manager, Terry is one of TD's franchise industry experts and is responsible for growing TD's franchise banking portfolio while ensuring that franchisee customers are provided with legendary customer service.  Terry enjoys collaborating with both franchisors and franchisees to assist them with all of their credit and Banking needs. 

Ahsan has been in his current role with as Regional Manager, Franchise Banking for 2 years at TD Bank, and with franchise industry for over 8 years.  As Regional Manager, Ahsan is one of TD's franchise industry experts and is responsible for growing TD's franchise banking portfolio while ensuring that franchisee customers are provided with legendary customer service.  Ahsan also brings to the table over 15 years of lending experience from Commercial and Small Business at TD. He enjoys collaborating with both franchisors and franchisees to assist them with all of their credit and Banking needs.

Ahmed Malik is a Business Law Partner in the Regina office of MLT Aikins, practicing primarily in the areas of Commercial Real Estate, Corporate and Franchising Law. In the area of Franchise Law, Ahmed has worked with franchisors to develop comprehensive franchise systems in various industries, including hospitality, food and professional services. Ahmed has also advised franchisees on understanding franchise agreements and disclosure, compliance with franchise systems, leasing and franchise-based purchase and sale transactions.