Event

From Ambition to Action

June 10, 2025, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fairmont Château Laurier
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7

Across Canada, leaders in government, industry, and Indigenous communities are facing a common challenge: how to move beyond inertia and deliver the large-scale projects our economy, people, and future depend on. Whether it’s building more housing, unlocking our energy potential, or transforming how we trade and move goods, the imperative is clear—Canada must get big things done.

Ambition alone won’t deliver results. In a country marked by regulatory delays, fractured jurisdictions, capital constraints, and risk aversion—execution is everything. Now is the time to learn from those who’ve broken through the gridlock and chart a path for what comes next.

On June 10, 2025, join Canada 2020 in Ottawa for “From Ambition to Action: Getting Big Things Done”, a one-day summit dedicated to the practical realities of delivering transformational projects in Canada. This event will bring together top-level doers—developers, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and industry builders—from housing and infrastructure to energy, Indigenous economic partnerships, and trade. They will share real-world lessons, tackle barriers, and forge actionable strategies for national-scale progress.

This is not a summit for theorizing—it’s for decision-makers focused on action.

From Ambition to Action: Getting Big Things Done

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Fairmont Château Laurier
Ottawa, ON

General Admission: $360
Full Table (8 Tickets): $2,735

SOLD OUT

AGENDA

Featured Participants

Nancy Southern

Chair & CEO, ATCO Ltd.
Biography

Nancy Southern
Nancy Southern, A.O.E., B.E.M., is Chair & Chief Executive Officer of ATCO Ltd., and Executive Chair of Canadian Utilities Limited, an ATCO Company. Reporting to the Boards of Directors, she is responsible for the vision, strategic direction, and ongoing operational success of both companies. She also serves as Executive Vice President of Spruce Meadows Ltd. and is a founding Director of AKITA Drilling Ltd., a Director of Sentgraf Enterprises Limited, an Honorary Director of BMO Financial Group, and a Director Emeritus of the Rideau Hall Foundation. Ms. Southern has long played a prominent role in advocating on social issues of global importance—most notably, the rights of Indigenous peoples and the role of women in business. She is an Honorary Chief of the Kainai (Blood Tribe of Alberta) who bestowed the name Aksistoowa'paakii, or Brave Woman, upon her in 2012. Over the course of her career, Ms. Southern has served with many respected business and academic organizations. She is a member of the Business Council of Canada, the American Society of Corporate Executives, and is a Canadian member of the Trilateral Commission. She is also a member of the University of Calgary School of Public Policy Advisory Council. Ms. Southern is the recipient of numerous honours for her community leadership and commitment to democratic principles and free enterprise. In 2025, Ms. Southern was honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition for her outstanding services to Alberta, Canada, and her fellow citizens, noting her pivotal role in shaping industry and community progress. In 2024, she was honoured as a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence, the highest honour the Province of Alberta can bestow on a citizen. Also in 2024, Canada’s True Patriot Love Foundation awarded Ms. Southern with the Patriot Award for ATCO’s leading role in supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and its Veterans as well as ATCO’s support of the Invictus Games movement. In 2023, Ms. Southern received the Lifetime Business Achievement in the Americas Award from the Canadian Council for the Americas and was named Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada. In 2022, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce honoured her with the Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award. Also in 2022, she was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and, in 2020, she was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to British equestrian, military, and commercial interests in Alberta. In 2018, she received the Canadian Business Leader Award from the University of Alberta and was named a Distinguished Policy Fellow by the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy in recognition of her lifetime commitment to Canadian public policy. She was inducted as a Companion into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2017. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Ms. Southern studied economics and commerce at the University of Calgary, which also awarded her its highest academic honour, an Honorary Doctor of Laws, in 2014. She also holds Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Mount Royal University, the University of Lethbridge, and Western University.
Mike Moffatt

Founding Director, Missing Middle Initiative
Biography

Mike Moffatt
Dr. Mike Moffatt is the founding Director of the University of Ottawa's Missing Middle Initiative (MMI) and co-host of the Missing Middle Podcast. Prior to joining MMI, Mike served as the Chief Innovation Fellow for the Government of Canada, advising Deputy Ministers on innovation policy and emerging trends. Mike has worked with politicians and policymakers of all political stripes in several countries to craft more effective public policy. From 2013 to 2015, Mike served as an economic advisor to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau.
Ana Bailão

Head of Affordable Housing and Public Affairs, Dream Unlimited
Biography

Ana Bailão
Ana Bailão is the head of affordable housing and public affairs for Dream Unlimited Corp. She is a municipal leader and housing expert, former Deputy Mayor of Toronto, long-time City Councillor, and former candidate for mayor. After establishing a successful career in the private sector Ana was first elected to City Council in 2010. In her 12 year tenure at Toronto City Hall she served on multiple committees, and represented Toronto at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, achieving national recognition for her work as one of Canada’s leading voices for city-building and housing. As the city’s inaugural Chair of Housing and Planning Ana secured unprecedented billions in investment from other governments for housing, and championed innovative solutions including historic planning and zoning changes, and established CreateTO to manage city real estate. In 2023 Ana placed a solid second in the largest by-election in Canada’s history. Today, Ana remains focused on making cities more livable and inclusive, working with partners across all sectors and regions.
Sam Watts

CEO, Welcome Hall Mission
Biography

Sam Watts
Sam joined Welcome Hall Mission as CEO in 2016. He brings with him a wealth of experience in leading teams and coaching leaders in a variety of contexts. He is described by colleagues as a visionary leader who focuses on creating an environment that promotes innovation and implementation.
Mark Sutcliffe

Mayor of Ottawa
Biography

Mark Sutcliffe
Mark Sutcliffe was born at the Riverside Hospital to parents John and Florence, who were both immigrants to Canada. Mark has lived his whole life in Ottawa. He was elected Mayor of Ottawa on October 24, 2022. Prior to entering municipal politics, Mark was an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, volunteer, and community activist. For over 30 years, Mark covered politics and current events as a broadcaster for CFRA, CityNews, Rogers TV, and CPAC, and as executive editor and columnist for the Ottawa Citizen. Mark started his first business when he was 19 years old. He co-founded the Ottawa Business Journal in 1995 and founded and led several other small and medium-sized businesses. He has been a coach, mentor, and adviser to more than one hundred CEOs, entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and not-for-profit leaders. Mark has been a passionate volunteer and fundraiser. He served as chair of the board of United Way Ottawa, the Ottawa Board of Trade, OrKidstra, the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Community Housing Foundation, and Run Ottawa. He also served as board member for Algonquin College, Invest Ottawa, Kind Ottawa, the Ottawa International Writers Festival, and the Royal Ottawa Hospital Foundation. His contribution to the city was recognized in 2016 when he was inducted into the Order of Ottawa and named the United Way’s Ambassador of the Year. In 2018, Mark delivered a highly regarded TEDx Talk about the role of luck in his life. Mark is an avid marathon runner who has raised more than $250,000 for Ottawa charities with his fundraising runs. He is the author of four books, including Long Road to Boston, which chronicled his quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which he completed in 2015 and 2018. Mark and his wife Ginny have three children.
Carole Saab

CEO, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Biography

Carole Saab
Carole is a tireless champion for cities and communities, driving an ambitious vision for local government leadership in building a more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive Canada. Carole is an accomplished strategist with a decade of experience in federal and municipal advocacy. High performing and goal oriented, Carole has been a driving force behind watershed achievements for municipalities, securing unprecedented investment and progress for cities and communities. Recognized by peers as tenacious, ambitious and a game-changer and consistently voted as one of the Top 100 Lobbyists in Canada. She is a 2020 recipient of “Canada’s Top 40 Under 40”, and the "Women of Influence in Local Government Award" from Municipal World. Carole’s leadership and effective team-building have positioned FCM as one of the most respected and effective advocacy organizations in Canada.
Martin Imbleau

CEO, ALTO
Biography

Martin Imbleau
Martin Imbleau brings to Alto exceptional leadership skills and vast expertise in the realization of complex infrastructure projects in green zones. His impressive network of contacts, comprised of stakeholders from Indigenous communities, experts, national and international partners, business managers and players from all levels of government, is a precious asset for the Alto project. Before joining Alto, Mr. Imbleau was CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. Under his guidance, the organization built a reputation as an environmental and sustainable development leader. At Hydro-Québec, he was Vice-President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development for Canada and the United States. He also worked for Énergir as vice-president in several important roles, among them as regards renewable energy sources, community relations, security, gas supply and transportation. Martin holds a master’s in law from Université de Montréal and a bachelor’s in law from Université du Québec à Montréal. He has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 1997. While working on the development of major infrastructures, he pursues his commitment to defending human rights around the world and has authored numerous works on international law as it regards human rights, genocide and transitional justice. Mr. Imbleau is chairman of the board of directors of Université du Québec à Montréal’s Raoul Dandurand Chair in Strategic and Diplomatic Studies. He is the cofounder of the Chaire de gestion du secteur de l’énergie at HEC Montréal.
Mark Cameron

Cerulean Global Advisory
Biography

Mark Cameron
Mark Cameron has over three decades of experience in government, business and consulting. He is currently Vice-President, External Relations with the Pathways Alliance. Mark has served in several roles with the Government of Canada, including in Ministers’ offices, the Privy Council Office, and as Director of Policy and Research in the Prime Minister’s Office. Mark has also served as Deputy Minister of the Policy Coordination Office in the Government of Alberta. He has worked in executive roles with Ontario Power Generation, BlackBerry, and Hill + Knowlton Strategies. He served as the Executive Director of Canadians for Clean Prosperity. Mark has also served in board or advisory roles with the Banff Forum, Canadian-American Business Council, Canada-India Business Council, Canada 2020, Cardus, the Energy Futures Lab and Smart Prosperity. Mark holds a BA and MA in political science from the University of British Columbia. Mark first joined PPF as a Fellow from 2017 to 2019, and again in 2024.
Terence Hubbard

President, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Biography

Terence Hubbard
Terence Hubbard was appointed President of the Impact Assessment Agency (IAAC) on November 28, 2021. In his role, he is responsible for leading all reviews of major projects under the Impact Assessment Act, in cooperation with other Government of Canada regulatory agencies, as well as provinces and territories and Indigenous groups. Prior to joining IAAC in 2018, Terence was Director General of the Petroleum Resources Branch with Natural Resources Canada. In this role, he had responsibility for Canada's oil and gas policy, including overseeing the development and implementation of Canada's pipeline safety and offshore oil and gas regulatory regimes as well as serving as Canada's representative on the Governing Board of the International Energy Agency. He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in economics and now lives in Ottawa.
Byng Giraud

President, Sedgwick Strategies
Biography

Byng Giraud
Byng is the President of Sedgwick Strategies. He specializes in obtaining approvals for major projects in the industrial, natural resources and infrastructure sectors. Byng has been using his experience to help client’s de-risk large scale projects at early stages to allow for construction. Byng founded Sedgwick Strategies in early 2019. Previously, Byng was with Woodfibre LNG Limited as the company’s first North American employee. During the development stages of the project Byng served as Vice President of Corporate Affairs and then led the project locally as Country Manager. Byng concurrently served five years as Chairman of Ridley Terminals Inc. a Canadian government owned bulk export terminal in Prince Rupert, BC.
Stephen Crozier

Vice President, Sustainability, Wyloo
Valerie Helbronner

Partner, Torys LLP
Biography

Valerie Helbronner
Valerie has been at the forefront of the development and financing of renewable energy projects across Canada. She worked on some of the earliest and most innovative renewable projects, including Erie Shores Wind Farm, Grand Renewables Solar and Henvey Inlet Wind Farm, as well as PPAs in connection with Emera’s proposed Atlantic Link Project. Valerie acts for the spectrum of clients involved in project development and financing, including Indigenous groups, project proponents, lenders, investors, contractors and governmental authorities. Trusted counsel to Indigenous and non-Indigenous project participants, Valerie often advises on complex infrastructure projects impacting Indigenous interests and parties, where she brings a robust perspective on different parties’ interests and priorities. She is the co-head of Torys’ Indigenous practice and her recent project work related to Indigenous involvement notably includes acting as co-counsel to CDEV in conjunction with the Federal Department of Finance, on the possible economic participation by over 100 Indigenous groups in British Columbia and Alberta in Trans Mountain Corporation, the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project in northwestern Ontario and working with The Honorable Frank Iacobucci in advising the Government of Canada in its re-initiated consultation process with Indigenous groups on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project. Valerie has held various industry appointments in the power sector, including serving as a board member of the Canadian Wind Energy Association, past Chair of the Ontario Waterpower Association, and past member of the Independent Electricity System Operator Stakeholder Advisory Committee.
Elizabeth Wademan

President & CEO, Canada Development Investment Corporation
Biography

Elizabeth Wademan
Elizabeth Wademan is the CEO of Canada Development Investment Corp (CDEV) and is recognized as a mobilizing leader with a strong strategic focus and action-oriented, ambitious vision. Elizabeth brings deep private sector expertise from an established career in financial services and natural resources. Elizabeth is driven to continue to position CDEV as a results-oriented organization to further increase its impact and create value for Canadians from the Government’s most complex commercial interests . CDEV is a federal crown corporation that provides expert financial advisory to Government and acts as an active asset manager to over $75 billion through the CDEV Group of Companies, which includes Trans Mountain, Hibernia, Canada Growth Fund, Canada Large Enterprise Emergency Funding Corp., Telesat Loan Co., and the newly launched $10 bn Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corp. Prior to joining CDEV, Elizabeth was a senior investment banker and capital markets executive, including a long career in investment banking, as Managing Director for BMO Capital Markets, one of Canada’s largest investment banks. She was one of the firm's most senior capital markets professionals and was Head, Global Metals & Mining Equity Capital Markets, where she advised on many of the most formative and transformational transactions in the resource sector on the continent. Elizabeth is also an experienced corporate director with extensive public company board experience. She has also been deeply involved in her community and with various not-for-profit organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & International Business) from McGill University and CFA & ICD.D designations.
Tiara Folkes

Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy
Biography

Tiara Folkes
Tiara Folkes is a proud member of the Piikani Nation, raised on the coast of Newfoundland and now based in Ottawa. With over a decade of experience in Indigenous relations, policy, and government affairs, she has worked across federal government and industry to advance reconciliation and Indigenous economic empowerment. Now leading Indigenous public policy at TC Energy, Tiara brings a strong voice to national conversations on equity, energy, and sovereignty. She is also a mother of two and a passionate advocate for Indigenous women in leadership.
Stacey McDonald

Independent Director, Board of Directors, Birchcliff Energy
Biography

Stacey McDonald
Ms. McDonald is a corporate director and an independent businessperson. She is the Chair of Birchcliff’s Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee and is also a member of the Corporation’s Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Reserves Evaluation Committees. Ms. McDonald has over 19 years of experience in the energy and financial sectors. From September 2016 to July 2018, Ms. McDonald was Managing Director – Institutional Equity Research (Energy) at GMP FirstEnergy and its predecessor, GMP Securities, each of which was an independent global investment bank. She joined GMP Securities in February 2006 as a research associate and began publishing independently as an Equity Analyst in 2009. She is also currently a director of Bonterra Energy Corp., a publicly traded oil and natural gas company, where she is the Chair of the Audit Committee and is also a member of the Reserves and Governance and Nominating Committees. Ms. McDonald holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from the University of Alberta. She is also a holder of the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Director designation.
Steve Robins

Group Head, Strategy, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Biography

Steve Robins
Steven Robins has been the Head of Strategy at the Canada Infrastructure Bank (“CIB”) since December 2020. In this capacity, Steven leads the strategy team and is responsible for impact measurement, our Investment Framework, our overall portfolio strategy and the identification of new opportunities to achieve the CIB’s priority outcomes. Before joining the CIB, Steven was the Commercial Program Director for the Ontario Subway expansion at Infrastructure Ontario, where he stood up the commercial team to structure and deliver four planned subway extensions in Toronto and led the team to commence procurements on-schedule. Prior to joining Infrastructure Ontario, Steven was a consultant, leading client engagements for electric and gas utilities, and infrastructure clients on energy transition strategy and capital program delivery. Steven also holds an MBA and a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University, where he graduated as a Baker Scholar. He also received an Honours Degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario.
The Hon. Christy Clark

former Premier of British Columbia (2011-2017)
Hillary Thatcher

Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Biography

Hillary Thatcher
Hillary Thatcher leads the CIB’s Indigenous and Northern Infrastructure investments team. She is part of the CIB’s senior team that provides advice to Indigenous and northern leaders, and structures investments that are consistent with the CIB’s focus on infrastructure in priority sectors – clean power, green infrastructure, transit, trade and transportation and broadband. Hillary joined the CIB from her role as the head of Innovation at Indigenous Services Canada. Prior to joining ISC, Hillary spent 15 years with the Ontario Public Service in senior roles across Indigenous Affairs, Energy and Infrastructure and Natural Resources. With significant experience in Indigenous relations, public policy and program delivery, Hillary has a proven track record of building linkages among government, industry and Indigenous interests. Hillary’s Métis heritage is from northern Alberta and has been an active member of the urban Indigenous community of Toronto through her volunteer roles at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Red Sky Performance and the Downie Wenjak Fund. Hillary graduated from Concordia University in Montreal and attended the Indigenous Governance graduate studies program at the University of Victoria.
Robert Johnston

School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
Biography

Robert Johnston
Robert (“RJ”) Johnston is Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. RJ was previously the founder and Managing Director of the Eurasia Group’s Energy, Climate, and Resources practice, and served as the firm’s CEO from 2013 to 2018. RJ is an independent advisor to the First Nations Climate Initiative and serves as an advisor on North American energy policy to a New York-based diversified investment management firm. Recent notable achievements include serving as a counselor for the Canada-US Trade Council. He also served as Project Director for the Aspen Institute Task Force on US Critical Minerals Policy. RJ is a member of the Trilateral Commission and co-chairs the Open Minds Next Generation initiative on the dual energy/climate policy challenge. He was a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center from 2017 to 2021. RJ holds a doctorate in international relations from American University, a master’s degree in political science from McMaster University, and a bachelor’s degree in political studies from Bishop’s University.
Naheed Nenshi

Leader, the Alberta New Democrats
Biography

Naheed Nenshi
On June 22, 2024, Naheed Nenshi was selected as leader of the Alberta New Democrats During his three terms as mayor between 2010-2021, Calgary was named the third best city to live in globally. His leadership in Calgary saw an unprecedented investment in quality of life including transit, roads, recreation centers and libraries. He also saw the City of Calgary through four states of emergency, including devastating floods in 2013 and the COVID-19 pandemic and was named the best mayor in the world in 2014. Naheed is focused on what is truly important to all Albertans, today and into the future, because better is possible. In 2024, Naheed reentered political life to run for the Alberta NDP leadership. He sees the potential for the province and for the party and that by working together we can do better for Alberta. He was elected with 86% of the vote to become the next leader of the Alberta NDP and is proud to usher the party into its next era.
Corey Hogan

Member of Parliament (Calgary Confederation)
Simon Kennedy

former Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science & Economic Development
Sean Boyd

Chair of the Board, Agnico Eagle
Biography

Sean Boyd
Mr. Boyd serves as the Chair of the Board of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Prior to this role, he was the Executive Chair of the Board from February 2022 until his retirement in December 2023, and Vice Chairman and Agnico Eagle's CEO from 1998 to 2022. Before his appointment as CEO, Mr. Boyd served as the Chief Financial Officer from 1990 to 1998 and Comptroller from 1985 to 1990. During Mr. Boyd's tenure as CEO, Agnico Eagle grew from a small, single mine gold producer to a multi-mine international gold mining company. In December 2020, the Globe and Mail ROB Magazine recognized him as its Global Visionary of the Year CEO. He was recognized as The Northern Miner's Mining Person of the Year in 2007 and 2017, and appeared on the list of The Best-Performing CEOs in the World in the Harvard Business Review in 2010, 2016 and 2017. In 2019, Mr. Boyd was recognized by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario) as a Fellow, the highest honour bestowed upon a CPA within the accounting profession. In 2021, he received the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa, from St. Francis Xavier University (Nova Scotia). Mr. Boyd served on the Board of Directors of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (2013-2022). He has also served on the Boards of the World Gold Council and the St. Francis Xavier University Board of Governors. Prior to joining Agnico Eagle in 1985, Mr. Boyd was an accountant with Clarkson Gordon (Ernst & Young). He is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA, FCA) and a graduate of the University of Toronto (B.Comm.).
The Hon. Gregor Robertson

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
Martha Hall Findlay

Director of the School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, and Palmer Chair in Public Policy
Biography

Martha Hall Findlay
Martha is the School of Public Policy’s Director and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy. She is excited to be ‘back’ at the SPP, having been an Executive Fellow at the School in its early years, authoring a major report on supply management which continues to be cited. Martha Hall Findlay recently retired as Chief Sustainability and Chief Climate Officer for Suncor Energy. She led Suncor’s efforts to address the nexus of climate and energy, plus all other aspects of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance), including indigenous and other community relations, government and public relations and communications, working to build a future for sustainable Canadian energy. Martha was instrumental in the development of the multi-company Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero by 2050 initiative. She was named a Canadian Climate Champion in 2021 by the British High Commission and the Canada Climate Law Initiative; she was named as one of Canada’s Clean50 for 2022; she was named by the Energy Council as a top global female oil and gas executive and one of the top 275 women influencers. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023. Prior to joining Suncor, Martha was the President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation, one of Canada’s most important public policy think tanks, where her focus was on strong public policy recommendations for the economic and social prosperity of western Canada, and by extension Canada as a whole. She has written dozens of essays, articles and op eds for national publications in both official languages, most recently the ‘Energy and Climate Change’ chapter of “The Indo-Pacific – new strategies for Canadian engagement with a critical region” (2022, Fen Osler Hampson, Goldy Hyder and Tina Park, eds). She has frequently appeared as a thought leader in national print and broadcast media. As a twice-elected Member of Parliament, she served in the Official Opposition shadow cabinet for International Trade; Finance; Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; and Public Works and Government Services, and she served on the House of Commons Standing Committees for all of those portfolios. She has many years of experience as a corporate lawyer, international trade expert, senior executive and successful entrepreneur, supporting major multinationals as well as start-ups – primarily in wireless telecommunications and mobile payments before diving into energy, both in Canada and in Europe. Martha’s community engagement has included serving as an advisory council member, board director and executive for a variety of policy, environmental, community and cultural organizations including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Energy Futures Lab, Positive Energy (University of Ottawa), Protein Industries Canada, the Glenbow Museum, the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs; Georgian Bay Association and CKUA Radio Network. She is currently a member of the Deputy Minister of International Trade’s Trade Expert Advisory Council; of the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council (ABLAC); of the Steering Committee of the Canada-Korea Forum; and serves on the Energy Advisory Board for MaRS. She was Canadian Championships silver medalist in alpine skiing (1976), coached several young skiers who went on to compete in the Olympics, and more recently served six years of the Board of Alpine Canada, her last two as Chair.
Dakota Kochie

Director of Government and External Relations, Nuclear Waste Management Organization
Biography

Dakota Kochie
Dakota Kochie (he/him) is currently the Director of Government and External Affairs at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. Dakota previously served as Chief of Staff for the Assembly of First Nations, Canada’s largest Indigenous advocacy organization. Dakota is an advocate for First Nations issues and advancing Canada’s climate goals. Dakota is a board member of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and an Indigenous Advisory Council Member at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. Dakota is a proud Anishinaabe citizen from Pinaymootang First Nation (Treaty Two).
Michael D. Penner

Advisory Partner and Chairman, Partners Group; Former Chairman of the Board, Hydro Quebec
Biography

Michael D. Penner
Michael Penner has served as Chairman, CEO, and a Board Director in both the corporate and public sectors, in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Since 2018, Mr. Penner has been an Operating Partner, an Advisory Partner at Partners Group AG (“PG”). He has also been Chairman of Partners Group Canada. PG is a European based leader in private equity with US$ 135 billion in assets under management in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate and private debt. Mr. Penner acts, or has acted, as Chairman of several portfolio companies including United States Infrastructure Corporation and Enfragen Renewable Energy. Mr. Penner has also acted as a Senior Global Advisor to Partners Group AG by focusing on Infrastructure, Renewable Energy and ESG. Additionally, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of Scotia Bank, a Toronto headquartered financial services company. Mr. Penner was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hydro-Quebec from 2014 to 2018. He was also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Peds Legwear prior to selling his company to Gildan Activewear Inc. in 2016. Mr. Penner has been active in the community, on the Board of ICD Quebec and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal and Selwyn House School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University and a Juris Doctor from Hofstra University in New York.
The Hon. Evan Solomon

Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario

June 10, 2025, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fairmont Château Laurier
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7

AGENDA Event Sold Out

Summit Featured Partner

Summit Partner

Presenting Partner: Pre-Summit Dinner

Summit Session Partner

Event

The Net-Zero Leadership Summit

April 19, 2023, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Shaw Centre
55 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J2

As we undergo shared global health and environmental challenges, along with major geopolitical and economic shifts, we must look to how markets, governments, and people can forge a new and better path forward. Canadians know that we have to act with urgency to ensure the sustainability of the communities in which we live, and embrace the new opportunities that come with Canadian global leadership in the drive for a net-zero future.

On April 19, Canada 2020 will bring together leading experts and innovators from across Canada and beyond to explore the challenges and opportunities of achieving a net-zero economy.

Join featured speakers to learn about new priorities, developments, and cutting-edge approaches in the drive toward the green transition.

Share ideas and insights, and hear from policymakers, leading advocates and innovators, cross-sector industry leaders, and experts about their visions and commitments for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 | 8:30 to 17:00 ET

The Shaw Centre

Ottawa, ON

$160 for individuals | $950 for tables of six

Lunch and light breakfast included | Non-profit/educator/student price available

Announced Speakers

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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
The Hon. Gregor Robertson

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.