Event

From Ambition to Action

View Agenda Here

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

  • $person->name

    Nancy Southern

    Chair & CEO, ATCO Ltd.

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Mike Moffatt

    Founding Director, Missing Middle Initiative

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Ana Bailão

    Head of Affordable Housing and Public Affairs, Dream Unlimited

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Sam Watts

    CEO, Welcome Hall Mission

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Mark Sutcliffe

    Mayor of Ottawa

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Carole Saab

    CEO, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Martin Imbleau

    CEO, ALTO

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Mark Cameron

    Cerulean Global Advisory

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Terence Hubbard

    President, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Byng Giraud

    President, Sedgwick Strategies

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Stephen Crozier

    Vice President, Sustainability, Wyloo

  • $person->name

    Valerie Helbronner

    Partner, Torys LLP

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Elizabeth Wademan

    President & CEO, Canada Development Investment Corporation

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Tiara Folkes

    Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Stacey McDonald

    Independent Director, Board of Directors, Birchcliff Energy

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Steve Robins

    Group Head, Strategy, Canada Infrastructure Bank

    Biography
  • $person->name

    The Hon. Christy Clark

    former Premier of British Columbia (2011-2017)

  • $person->name

    Hillary Thatcher

    Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Robert Johnston

    School of Public Policy, University of Calgary

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Naheed Nenshi

    Leader, the Alberta New Democrats

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Corey Hogan

    Member of Parliament (Calgary Confederation)

  • $person->name

    Simon Kennedy

    former Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science & Economic Development

  • $person->name

    Sean Boyd

    Chair of the Board, Agnico Eagle

    Biography
  • $person->name

    The Hon. Gregor Robertson

    Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

  • $person->name

    Martha Hall Findlay

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

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Dakota Kochie

    Director of Government and External Relations, Nuclear Waste Management Organization

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Michael D. Penner

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

    Biography
  • $person->name

    The Hon. Evan Solomon

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

Summit Featured Partner

  • Nuclear Waste Management Organization

Summit Partner

  • CN

Presenting Partner: Pre-Summit Dinner

  • Amazon

Summit Session Partner

  • Seaspan Shipyards
  • TORYS LLP
  • Agnico Eagle
  • Canada Infrastructure Bank
  • Pathways Alliance
Event

The Indigenous-Led Economy

Indigenous communities are blazing the trail for the sustainable economic growth, partnership-building and innovative leadership essential to reaching our shared goals for the future. But amid the fast and sweeping transformations of today’s economy, we know that equity, capital, and own-source revenue are indispensable to the sustainability of nations and communities. Removing barriers to access is the next major hurdle in our national project of reconciliation.

One year after the introduction of the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, and as provincial and other programs move deeper into implementation, where do Indigenous communities stand on accessing capital? What challenges persist in building equity and attracting investment? And what partnerships and projects are on the cutting edge of building true economic self-determination? 

Canada2020 – Indigenous-Led Economy Summit. May 30, 2024

On April 1, 2025, join Canada 2020 at The Indigenous-led Economy: 2025 Economic Reconciliation Summit, our annual summit bringing together industry innovators, community leaders, and Indigenous innovators exploring best practices in trade, security, and economic development, building social and political solidarity, and leading the way on thoughtful policy-making toward economic reconciliation. 

The Indigenous-Led Economy: 2025 Economic Reconciliation Summit

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
The Westin Ottawa
Ottawa, ON

General Admission: $239
 Full Table (7 Tickets): $1,575

→ Register Now

 

Past speakers at this important annual gathering have included National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations  Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, former National Chief Phil Fontaine,  President of the Métis National Council Cassidy Caron, Haisla Nation Chief Crystal Smith,  Fort Nelson Chief Sharleen Gale, past President of the Canadian Medical Association Alika Lafontaine, Chair of the Squamish Nation Council Khelsilem, Ministers Dan Vandal, Marc Miller, Patty Hajdu, and Seamus O’Regan, Canada 2020 Advisory Board Chair Mark Carney,  along with many more leading voices.

We look forward to seeing you in Ottawa for the next steps in these vital conversations and action.

For summit sponsorship opportunities please email Carolyn Smith at [email protected]

Canada2020 – Indigenous-Led Economy Summit. May 30, 2024
Canada2020 – Indigenous-Led Economy Summit. May 30, 2024

Featured Participants

  • $person->name

    Victoria Pruden

    President, Métis National Council

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Tabatha Bull

    President & CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Sharleen Gale

    Executive Chair, First Nations Major Projects Coalition

    Biography
  • $person->name

    JP Gladu

    Principal, Mokwateh

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Shannin Metatawabin

    CEO, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Assoc.

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Scott Alanen

    VP, Investments, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC)

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Dallas Smith

    Founder, President and CEO, Nanwakolas Council

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Bill Lomax

    President & CEO, First Nations Bank of Canada

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Tiara Folkes

    Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Misko Kijig McGregor

    Associate Director, Debt Capital Markets, Cedar Leaf Capital Inc.

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Claudette Commanda

    First Nation appointed Elder in Residence for the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Dr. Alika Lafontaine

    Indigenous Advisor in Residence, Canadian Medical Association

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hillary Thatcher

    Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Leo Wilson

    Managing Director, KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. & Partner, Deal Advisory, KPMG

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Michaela Bjorseth

    Operations Director, Western Canada, Enbridge

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Stephan Lidington

    Vice President, Colliers Project Leaders Inc.

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Sahir Khan

    Executive Vice-President, The Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Sébastien Labelle

    Vice President, Canada Development Investment Corporation

    Biography

Summit Featured Partner

  • LiUNA

Pre-Summit Dinner Presenting Partner

  • Canadian Medical Association

Summit Partner

  • TC Energy

Session Partner

  • Rio Tinto
  • Enbridge
  • KPMG

Travel Partner

  • Air Canada
Event

2024 Economic Reconciliation Summit

How do we balance growth and sustainability, and ensure that reconciliation is at the heart of future prosperity for all? There is clear and exciting leadership coming from countless Indigenous communities, organisations, advocates, and governments from coast to coast to coast. The shared work of reconciliation involves enabling these leaders to lead, catalysing essential investment in Indigenous communities while taking apart economic inequality, and deepening our nation-to-nation relationships in a strong and lasting way.

On May 30, join Canada 2020 and Indigenous leaders from across sectors and territories for a vital day of conversation and engagement at our annual economic reconciliation summit. Explore cutting-edge Indigenous-led economic development projects, the unquestionable value of Indigenous leadership and innovation, and solutions for supporting the sovereignty, wealth, and well-being of Indigenous people and communities now and for generations to come.

The Indigenous-Led Economy: 2024 Economic Reconciliation Summit

Thursday, May 30, 2024| 10:00 to 4:30 ET

The Westin Ottawa

Ottawa, ON

 General Admission: $185
Full Table (7 Tickets): $1,250

View Agenda Here

Featured Participants

  • $person->name

    Sharleen Gale

    Executive Chair, First Nations Major Projects Coalition

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Mihskakwan James Harper

    Business Development Manager, NRStor Inc.

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Chief Crystal Smith

    Chief, Haisla Nation

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hon. Patty Hajdu

    Minister of Indigenous Services

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hillary Thatcher

    Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Fred Di Blasio

    Co-Founder, Managing Partner and CEO, Longhouse Capital Partners

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hon. Mary Ng

    Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Heidi Todacheene

    Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Office of the Secretary, US Department of the Interior

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Ernie Daniels

    President & CEO, FNFA; Member of the Bank of Canada’s Board of Directors

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Cassidy Caron

    President, Métis National Council

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Chief Dylan Whiteduck

    Chief, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hon. Dan Vandal

    Minister of Northern Affairs

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Tiara Folkes

    Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy

    Biography
  • $person->name

    National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

    National Chief, Assembly of First Nations

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Katherine Koostachin

    VP, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Sussex Strategy Group; Former Senior Advisor, Indigenous Policy and Litigation, PMO

    Biography
Event

The Indigenous-led Economy

Canada 2020 is looking ahead to a fairer, greener, more prosperous future for Canada. And we know that continued work toward reconciliation must be central to that vision. Key to this ongoing project is a deeper understanding of economic inequality faced by Indigenous communities across Canada, the people and projects that are working toward closing the gap, and the opportunities this shift can foster for the Canadian economy. 

On Tuesday, May 16, join Canada 2020 for our next annual economic reconciliation summit. Building on insights and expertise from last year’s successful summit, this event will bring together Indigenous leaders from across sectors to reflect on the importance of economic reconciliation to their communities, as well as showcase specific projects that demonstrate the unquestionable value of Indigenous leadership, stewardship, creativity, and innovation. Our shared conversations will explore best practices for building wealth and well-being for Indigenous people and communities from coast to coast to coast.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 | 10:00 to 16:45 ET

(*note time adjustment)

The Westin Ottawa | Governor General Ballroom

Ottawa, ON

Event cost: $150 (includes lunch and light breakfast)

Table cost (6 tickets): $900 (includes lunch and light breakfast)

Featured Speakers

  • $person->name

    Mark Podlasly

    Chief Sustainability Officer, First Nations Major Project Coalition

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hon. Marc Miller

    Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hon. Patty Hajdu

    Minister of Indigenous Services

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Shannin Metatawabin

    CEO, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Assoc.

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Dr. Alika Lafontaine

    Indigenous Advisor in Residence, Canadian Medical Association

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Chief Crystal Smith

    Chief, Haisla Nation

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Mihskakwan James Harper

    Business Development Manager, NRStor Inc.

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hillary Thatcher

    Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Khelsilem

    Chairperson, Squamish Nation

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Angel Ransom

    Senior Vice-President, Environmental Services, FNMPC

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Chief Ghislain Picard

    Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Cole Crook

    Vice President, Indigenous Relations, ATCO Group

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Joe Dion

    Former Chief of Kehewin; CEO & Director, Western Indigenous Pipeline Group;, and Former Chairman & CEO of Frog Lake Energy Resources

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Misko Kijig McGregor

    Associate Director, Debt Capital Markets, Cedar Leaf Capital Inc.

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Karen Restoule

    Co-Founder, BOLD Realities; Creator, Whose.Land; Board at Banff Forum & Canadian Club Toronto; & VP, Crestview Strategies

    Biography
Event

The Indigenous-led Economy

On May 17, join Canada 2020 for a day of solutions-oriented conversations on Indigenous-led economic development projects, with an eye to the future.

Reconciliation must be central to any vision for the future of Canada. Key to this ongoing project is a deeper understanding of economic inequality faced by Indigenous communities across Canada, the people and projects that are working toward closing the gap, and the opportunities this shift can foster for the Canadian economy.

The lunchtime keynote will feature The Hon. Marc Miller, Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations in conversation with Mark Podlasly, Director of Economic Policy at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition.

Event cost: $150 (includes breakfast and lunch)

Featured Participants

  • $person->name

    Cherie Brant

    Partner and National Leader, Indigenous Law, BLG

  • $person->name

    Derek Nepinak

    Chief, Pine Creek First Nation

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Margaret Kenequanash

    CEO, Wataynikaneyap Power

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hon. Jeanie McLean

    Yukon MLA, Minister of Education, Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate

  • $person->name

    Chief Crystal Smith

    Chief, Haisla Nation

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hillary Thatcher

    Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Mark Podlasly

    Chief Sustainability Officer, First Nations Major Project Coalition

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Thomas Benjoe

    President & CEO, FHQ Developments

  • $person->name

    Corey Ellis

    Co-founder & CEO, Growcer

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Hon. Marc Miller

    Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations

    Biography
  • $person->name

    Tabatha Bull

    President & CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business

    Biography

Presenting Partners

  • RBC Royal Bank
  • LiUNA!

Event Partners

  • CN
  • Alar Strategy Group
  • Pembina
  • Cedar LNG
  • Microsoft