The Net-Zero Leadership Summit

Announced Speakers

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  Mark Carney

  Canada 2020 Advisory Board Chair

  Biography

  Mark Carney

  Canada 2020 Advisory Board Chair, United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Change and Finance, Chair of Brookfield Asset Management and Head of Transition Investing, and former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England
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  Hon. Steven Guilbeault

  Minister of Environment and Climate Change

  Biography

  Hon. Steven Guilbeault

  The Hon. Steven Guilbeault is the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. He has been an activist for change and progress for over 30 years in the environmental field. The son of a butcher from La Tuque Quebec, his environmental activism started at age five, when he squatted in a tree to prevent the clear-cut of a beloved forest behind his home. He co-founded Equiterre, now the largest environmental organization in Quebec. In 2001, while working at Greenpeace, he scaled the CN tower to push the federal government to commit to more ambitious climate goals. He worked as a consultant with companies like Deloitte, advising businesses on their sustainability plans. Being an activist has prepared Steven to be a strong cabinet Minister. He knows how to build a campaign of broad support and make things happen. Always looking for common ground, he describes himself as a “radical pragmatist” but he is not afraid to take a strong stand when needed. His biggest priorities are tackling the climate crisis, conserving nature and eliminating plastic waste. As a father to four kids, he aims to instil them with the values of hope and kindness, and wants to see them to grow up in a world filled with empathy. Steven is an avid exercise trainer and advocate for active transportation. His favourite escape is working on his cottage in the Quebec Laurentians.
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  Premier Caroline Cochrane

  Premier, Northwest Territories

  Biography

  Premier Caroline Cochrane

  Caroline Cochrane was elected Premier of the Northwest Territories in 2019, and is only the second female Premier in the territory’s history. She is a two-term MLA, and served as a Minister in the previous governments’ Cabinet, holding a variety of portfolios, including Housing, Infrastructure, Education, Culture and Employment, Municipal and Community Affairs, Workers’ Safety and Compensation Comission, and Status of Women. She currently holds the portfolio of Executive and Indigenous Affairs. Of Métis descent, Premier Cochrane holds a degree in Social Work, and has twenty years experience in administration and direct service provision within accredited agencies that support high risk families.
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  Heather Chalmers

  President and Chief Executive Officer, GE Canada

  Biography

  Heather Chalmers

  Heather Chalmers is the President and Chief Executive Officer for GE Canada and leads International Advocacy for GE’s suite of technology and products across power, renewables, and digital for the newly announced GE Vernova, GE’s portfolio of energy businesses. A recognized Canadian thought leader, she is co-chair of the Canadian Chamber's Net-Zero Council (2021-22; 2022-23) and is frequently solicited by national organisations to provide advisory and participation in forums on business, economy and sustainability. In 2023, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce named Heather its Business Leader of the Year. Heather joined GE Plastics in 1995 and held both engineering and commercial roles. Following that she moved to GE Healthcare and was promoted to President in 2014. She’s had the pleasure of leading the GE Canada team since 2018. She holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Queens University, an MBA from the Rotman School of Business and is a director on the C.D. Howe Institute Board, Business Council of Canada Board, Ontario Brain Institute Board and St. Elizabeth Health Foundation Board.
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  Alex Pourbaix

  President & Chief Executive Officer, Cenovus Energy

  Biography

  Alex Pourbaix

  As President & Chief Executive Officer of Cenovus Energy, Alex is responsible for establishing the strategic direction for the company and delivering strong financial, operational and sustainability performance. Alex took on the leadership role in November 2017. He is also a Director of the company. Prior to joining Cenovus, Alex spent 27 years with TC Energy and its affiliates in a broad range of leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer, where he was responsible for the company’s commercial activity and overseeing major energy infrastructure projects and operations. He also has experience in corporate strategy, business development, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as stakeholder relations. Alex currently serves on the boards of Canadian Utilities Limited, the Business Council of Canada, and the Board of Governors at the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) as Past Chair. He is Board Chair at Mount Royal University and a member of the Business Council of Alberta. Alex also serves on the Alberta Regional Board of Nature Conservancy Canada. He was previously Board Chair for the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association and a board member at Trican Well Service Ltd. Alex is active in the community, having served on the boards of several local charities, including many years as a dedicated volunteer for the United Way. Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Alberta.
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  Anne McLellan

  Co-Chair, Coalition for A Better Future

  Biography

  Anne McLellan

  Canadian and International Strategic Planning Advisor, Bennett Jones LLP and former federal Cabinet minister (including as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources)
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  Lisa Raitt

  Co-Chair, Coalition for A Better Future

  Biography

  Lisa Raitt

  Vice Chair of Global Investment Banking, CIBC and former federal Cabinet minister (including as Minister of Transport, Minister of Natural Resources, and Minister of Labour)
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  Gregor Robertson

  Executive VP, Nexii

  Biography

  Gregor Robertson

  Gregor is a leader and entrepreneur in business and politics, focused on building a healthy, biodiverse world with vibrant, inclusive cities. He is Executive Vice President of Nexii Building Solutions, a green construction company that designs and manufactures green buildings across North America. Nexii is the fastest Canadian company ever to reach “unicorn” status (>$1bn valuation) and was named to Fast Company’s 2022 World’s Most Innovative Companies list. Gregor is also the Global Ambassador of the Global Covenant of Mayors, helping over 12,000 cities in the world’s largest city network solve climate and energy challenges. As Vancouver’s longest serving mayor, he led the city through record-setting years for new housing, job growth and the lowest carbon emissions per person for any major city in North America. The city consistently ranks among the top five green and livable cities in the world. Before his three terms as mayor, Gregor served in the BC Legislature, was an organic farmer, and co-founded/led Happy Planet Foods, Canada’s leading fresh juice, smoothie and soup brand.
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  Dale Beugin

  Executive Vice President, Canadian Climate Institute

  Biography

  Dale Beugin

  Dale Beugin the Executive Vice President at the Canadian Climate Institute. An expert in climate policy and environmental economics, he oversees all of the research and analysis produced by the Institute. Dale has previously worked as both Executive Director and Research Director of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, as an independent consultant providing analysis and advice to governments and organizations across Canada and internationally, and as policy advisor with the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy.
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  Ben Greenhouse

  Chief Executive Officer Potentia Renewables Inc

  Biography

  Ben Greenhouse

  Mr. Greenhouse was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Potentia Renewables Inc. in January 2023. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served as Senior Vice President of Growth for PRI, Mr. Greenhouse leads the team responsible for originating, developing, and constructing projects. Mr. Greenhouse has led his team to the successful procurement of over 1 GW of contracted assets during his time at PRI. Formerly the Executive Director of Development at NextEra Energy Canada, Mr. Greenhouse led NextEra Energy’s Canadian team as they created a Canadian presence for North America’s largest renewable energy owner and operator. When Mr. Greenhouse left NextEra Energy Canada to join PRI, NextEra Energy Canada had grown to over 900 MW of operating renewable energy facilities across four provinces. Mr. Greenhouse has broad‐spectrum experience on over 2 GW of renewable energy projects, with experience ranging from early-stage development to the construction of over 800 MW of wind energy projects. He has negotiated benefit agreements with 14 First Nations and numerous road use and community benefit agreements with counties and municipalities hosting wind energy facilities, including the first Community Benefit Agreement in Ontario. Mr. Greenhouse also negotiated an industry‐first mitigation agreement with NAV CANADA to address concerns regarding the impact of the Summerhaven Wind Project on NAV CANADA’s air traffic control radar at Hamilton Airport.
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  Gilbert Bennett

  Interim President, WaterPower Canada

  Biography

  Gilbert Bennett

  Gilbert Bennett is a recognized leader and expert in renewable electricity, energy transition and the broader energy sector, with two decades of experience in the sector. As the Interim President at WaterPower Canada, Gilbert serves as the spokesperson for the hydropower sector at the national level, and advances the contribution that hydroelectricity makes to our economy and energy security. Gilbert worked with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro from 2005 to 2022, and as Vice President of Power Development, was responsible for the development of the Muskrat Falls project. Previously, he served in senior engineering and operations roles in the telecommunications sector. Gilbert served on the Board of Directors of WaterPower Canada from 2010 through 2022. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from Memorial University and is registered as a Professional Engineer in Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
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  John Gorman

  President & CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association

  Biography

  John Gorman

  John Gorman is President & CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) and past President & CEO of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President—Empower Energies Inc., a global integrator of energy systems. John has served as a director on the boards of numerous community and corporate organizations, including one of the nation’s largest electric utilities. He was Canada’s Designate to the International Energy Agency’s Executive Committee (PVPS) and a founding member of Electricity Alliance Canada and the Emerging Technologies Coalition. He’s a member of the board of the Energy Council of Canada (ECC).
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  Delia Cristea

  Partner and General Counsel, Power Sustainable

  Biography

  Delia Cristea

  Delia Cristea joined Power Sustainable at its inception in 2019. She oversees the firm’s legal, compliance and culture functions. She is also responsible for deepening the firm’s community impact and ecosystem building activities in the sustainable finance space. Prior to Power Sustainable, Delia worked as counsel for Power Corporation of Canada, where she most recently served as Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Prior to that, she was Associate at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in the Montreal and Toronto offices and served as in-house counsel with BCE Inc. Delia graduated with a gold medal from McGill Faculty of Law and holds a license in law and a Masters in European law from Sorbonne University in Paris. She also chairs the board and the governance committee of Lawyers without Borders Canada. She is passionate about supporting the growth of the sustainability ecosystem both in Canada and abroad. As such acts as board member or advisor to a number of organizations in this space, including Cycle Momentum, the McGill Sustainable Growth Initiative and the Green Finance Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
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  Nicolle Butcher

  Chief Operations Officer, Ontario Power Generation

  Biography

  Nicolle Butcher

  Nicolle Butcher is OPG’s Chief Operations Officer. Nicolle is responsible for all of OPG's generating fleet with a capacity of over 15,600 MW consisting of 10 nuclear units, 66 hydro stations, 2 thermal stations and a solar facility. She is also responsible for the engineering function, integrated fleet management and the energy-related commercial business functions including energy trading, commercial contracting, and market affairs at OPG.
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  Sarah Petrevan

  Vice President, Sustainability, Cement Association of Canada

  Biography

  Sarah Petrevan

  With more than 15 years’ experience as a public policy advocate and advisor, Sarah is a regular spokesperson to media and advisor to policymakers on climate mitigation policy. As Vice President of Sustainability with the Cement Association of Canada, Sarah works collaboratively with government, industry, environmental and other civil society groups to enhance the cement industry’s contribution to sustainability, with emphasis on procurement, life-cycle approaches, and policies to support industrial decarbonization. Before joining CAC, Sarah served as Policy Director for Clean Energy Canada, a climate and energy think-thank based out of Simon Fraser University, as well as several senior positions within the Government of Ontario. Sarah serves on several advisory boards and committees and was the recipient of the 2018 Clean 50 Emerging Leader Award, in recognition for her leadership in clean capitalism.
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  François Bélanger

  Head of Sustainability, CN

  Biography

  François Bélanger

  François is the Head of Sustainability at CN, a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. In his role, he leads the development and implementation of CN’s carbon transition strategy and roadmap. The Sustainability Team is also in charge of CN’s sustainability reporting and disclosures, the company’s climate change-related initiatives, and embedding sustainability across the organization. That includes EcoConnexions, an internal employee engagement program focusing on saving energy, reducing waste, and improving housekeeping. Since he joined CN more than 15 years ago, François has held senior positions of increasing responsibility within the company. François is a Professional Engineer and has an MBA from HEC Montreal. He lives in Montreal with his wife Cindy and his two boys who are 11 and 14.
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  Heather Scoffield

  Senior Vice-President, Strategy, Business Council of Canada

  Biography

  Heather Scoffield

  Heather Scoffield is senior vice-president of strategy at the Business Council of Canada, focused on collaborating with business leaders and policymakers to find practical solutions to the economic challenges of our time: climate, competitiveness and the constantly changing workforce. Previously, Heather was the Ottawa bureau chief and economics columnist at the Toronto Star where her writing focused on political economy and its effect on people. She was also the Ottawa bureau chief for The Canadian Press, leading an award-winning team of 15 journalists focused on politics, public policy and the nation’s capital. Over the course of her 30-year career in journalism, she covered monetary and fiscal policy, economics, trade policy, social policy, aboriginal affairs, environment and energy, and several different political parties. Before joining CP in 2009, she spent 12 years at the Globe and Mail. She and her team won several National Newspaper Awards for their work, among other recognitions. Heather has a Master’s degree in journalism from the University of Western Ontario and a BA in international relations from York University. She lives in Gatineau, QC.
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  Catherine Cobden

  President & CEO, Canadian Steel Producers Association

  Biography

  Catherine Cobden

  Catherine Cobden is the President & CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association representing Canada’s primary steel and pipe and tube industry. CSPA member companies produce 13 million tonnes of steel, pipe and tube products and support over 123,000 jobs in Canada. Since joining the CSPA in January of 2019, Catherine has supported the industry during the disruptive 232 tariff period, spearheaded the development of a leadership climate strategy for the association, secured critical changes to Canada’s trade remedy regime and expanded the voice of the association to represent 100% of Canada’s steel production as well as key Pipe and Tube producers. Catherine has over 25 years of experience in Canada’s national capital of Ottawa. Prior to taking the helm of the CSPA, Catherine ran a consultancy where she provided strategic advice to many private and public sector clients in the areas of manufacturing, mining, construction, and the forest sector. Catherine also spent 13 years at the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) where, as Executive Vice President of FPAC, she played a key role in developing the sector’s long-term transformation strategy in response to changing market dynamics and the evolving expectations of civil society. In 2021 & 2022, Catherine was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Lobbyists by The Hill Times. She also serves on the Premier’s Council on US Trade and Industry Competitiveness in Ontario. She is on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Institute of Climate Choices, an organization dedicated to climate analysis and COREM, a world recognized innovation organization for Canada’s mining sector. She is a Chemical Engineer from the University of Toronto. Catherine lives in Ottawa with her husband and two children.
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  Brendan Marshall

  Principal Advisor External Affairs Canada, Rio Tinto

  Biography

  Brendan Marshall

  Brendan Marshall is Principal Advisor External Affairs Canada at Rio Tinto – the second largest mining company globally and the largest diversified mining and metal manufacturing company operating in Canada. Bringing more than 15 years of public and private sector experience to the role, Brendan leads federal government engagement providing advice to the business on government affairs, regulatory issues, and policy, including in the climate change, energy, critical minerals, tax, trade and fiscal spaces. He partners closely with Rio Tinto’s product groups, communications, legal, and strategy teams to advance Rio Tinto’s key projects and growth opportunities in Canada and globally. Brendan also currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Canadian Manufactures and Exporters and is a founding member of Canada’s Battery Task Force. Prior to joining Rio Tinto, Brendan served as Vice President Economic Affairs and Climate Change at the Mining Association of Canada where he led the industry’s critical minerals engagement federally in support of Canada’s first Critical Minerals Strategy. Brendan also led engagement in the climate change, energy, tax, trade, infrastructure, and transportation areas in addition to the association’s work in mining policy and regulation in Canada’s North. Previously, Brendan held several federal government appointments. Brendan holds two Masters degrees in Political Philosophy and Energy Management.
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  Alex Lau

  Co-founder & Board Chair, Carbon America; Vice President, Golden Properties Ltd

  Biography

  Alex Lau

  Alex Lau works as a systems analyzer, problem solver, investor, and entrepreneur in designing, testing, and scaling solutions to global warming. He is Co-founder and Board Chair of Carbon America, the first carbon capture superdeveloper, funded partly by the Canada Pension Plan. He is Board Chair of Inventwood, a materials science company which turns wood into a supermaterial outperforming steel and concrete. Alex serves as Director, and previously as Executive Chairman of Terramera, a leading Canadian ag biotech company. As VP of Golden Properties Ltd, a second-generation family-owned real estate company, Alex led the retrofit of the second largest certified Zero Carbon building in Canada, and is working on a 100 unit, mass timber affordable housing project in Vancouver’s downtown east side. After starting his career in working in software development and artificial intelligence in Silicon Valley in the 90’s, Alex Lau has been working at the intersection of business and climate for last 25 years. He helped start the first forum on business and sustainability for Fortune 500 leaders in 1998, and served on Gregor Robertson’s Greenest City Action Team.
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  Gerald Butts

  Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor, Eurasia Group

  Biography

  Gerald Butts

  As vice chairman and a senior advisor at Eurasia Group, Gerald works closely with CEO Maziar Minovi and President Ian Bremmer on strategic initiatives across all areas of the firm. With experience on a multitude of public policy and geopolitical issues, he has developed deep expertise on climate change, trade, energy, sustainable finance, and artificial intelligence and advises Eurasia Group clients across these areas. Gerald has successfully led Canadian and global organizations in the public and private sectors for 20 years. As the principal secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from 2015–2019, Gerald was responsible for providing executive direction on the development, implementation, and communication of the government's agenda. This work included overseeing economic policy, the negotiation of the Paris climate accord, and the creation of Canada's first national climate change plan—which included an economy-wide price on carbon. Gerald played a major role in managing relations with the US administrations of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as in the renegotiation of NAFTA. Prior to his work with the prime minister, Gerald served as policy secretary and principal secretary to the premier of the province of Ontario, where he led the implementation of the government's $100 billion core agenda. Gerald was also the CEO of WWF-Canada, where he was responsible for international engagement and global projects to decarbonize the supply chains of multinational companies. A successful leader in politics as well as public policy, Gerald designed the strategies for the Liberal Party's 2015 and 2019 national election campaigns, as well as Trudeau's bid to win the party's leadership in 2013. The 2015 campaign, widely recognized as one of Canada's most innovative and successful, allowed the Liberal Party to move from third place in parliament to forming a majority government. Its gain of 148 new seats was the largest in Canadian history. In addition to his work with Eurasia Group, Gerald leads New Climate Group, a private consultancy that advises global financial firms, educational institutions, and philanthropists on strategic investments in climate mitigation and resilience, and artificial intelligence. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from McGill University.
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  Diana Fox Carney

  Senior Adviser, Eurasia Group; Strategic Advisory Board Member, Terramera

  Biography

  Diana Fox Carney

  Diana Fox Carney has many years of experience with climate policy work at think tanks in Canada and the UK. Most recently, she served as the executive director of Pi Capital, the leading content-based membership organization in the UK. Her professional experience prior to Pi Capital ranges from agricultural research in Africa to assessing new and advanced energy technologies. In particular, Diana has helped develop frameworks for thinking about getting to “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions, the role negative emissions will play in this effort, and how capital can be channeled to the right companies. She is a Senior Adviser at Eurasia Group, a trustee of the Shell Foundation and ClientEarth (US) and a member of the advisory boards of technology metals company, Techmet, and BeyondNetZero, a new growth equity fund in the emissions reduction space.
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  Sandrine Tremblay

  Co-President and CTO, Kolostat & Krome

  Biography

  Sandrine Tremblay

  Sandrine Tremblay is the Co-President and Chief of Technology and Innovation Officer of Kolostat & Krome*, a sustainable construction engineering firm specializing in decarbonization and energy efficiency. With more than a decade of experience in building energy efficiency and a passion for sustainability, Sandrine is a recognized thought leader in the industry. Sandrine is dedicated to helping her clients maximize the profitability of their real estate assets while also reducing GHGs. She founded Krome in 2016, intending to increase the impact of her expertise and vision tenfold. She has since developed a unique approach to rethinking ventilation and heating systems from the ground up. This innovative approach has helped Krome stand out in a crowded field and attract top talent. As a respected leader in the industry, Sandrine has been recognized as part of the prestigious EY Women Entrepreneurs Program in Canada. As an Advisor at Idealist Capital, she brings her passion for sustainability and her expertise in energy efficiency in buildings. She advises the fund on its investments in companies that are acting in the building environment, driving climate change solutions, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in all investment decisions. In addition to her work with Kolostat & Krome, Sandrine is also involved in agriculture through a sustainable development-oriented cider mill.