Event

The Indigenous-Led Economy

April 14, 2026, 8:20 AM - 2:30 PM

The Westin Ottawa, Governor General Ballroom
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J1

Since our last Economic Reconciliation Summit, the landscape has continued to shift rapidly. Canada is operating under a new federal government, navigating a more fragmented global trade environment, and advancing a clear national objective to expand global markets and significantly grow non-US exports.

Indigenous communities are not participants on the margins of this transformation—they are leading it. Across the country, Indigenous governments and enterprises are driving sustainable economic growth, forging durable partnerships, and demonstrating innovative leadership in sectors critical to Canada’s future. Yet as the pace of economic change accelerates, one reality remains clear: access to equity, capital, and own-source revenue is foundational to long-term self-determination. Removing structural barriers to capital access remains one of the most consequential challenges in Canada’s ongoing project of economic reconciliation.

Two years into the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, and as provincial, territorial, and private-sector financing tools mature, the focus has shifted from policy design to outcomes. Where do Indigenous communities now stand in accessing capital at scale? What challenges continue to constrain equity participation and investment readiness? And which partnerships, projects, and financing models are demonstrating what true Indigenous economic sovereignty looks like in practice?

O n April 14, join Canada 2020 in Ottawa for The Indigenous-Led Economy—our annual Economic Reconciliation Summit bringing together Indigenous leaders, industry innovators, investors, and policy-makers. The summit will examine leading practices in trade, economic security, and development; highlight projects at the forefront of Indigenous ownership and control; and advance thoughtful, solutions-oriented policy conversations that move economic reconciliation from commitment to execution.

2026 Economic Reconciliation Summit: The Indigenous-Led Economy

Tuesday, April 14, 2026
The Westin Ottawa
Ottawa, ON

General Admission: $239
Full Table (8 Tickets): $1,720

Register Now

Featured Participants

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

National Chief, Assembly of First Nations
Biography

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak was born and raised in Pinaymootang First Nation, Manitoba. Her ancestor, Chief Richard Woodhouse, was an original signatory of Treaty No.2. She began her term as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations on December 7, 2023, becoming the youngest woman and mother to hold the position. National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg and has completed Harvard Business School’s Tribal Leaders program. In 2021, she was elected as the Regional Chief for the AFN Manitoba Region. During her tenure, she was the lead negotiator for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle class action lawsuit, which resulted in over $40 billion compensation for First Nations children and families. Throughout her career, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak has accumulated a wealth of experience lobbying the Senate, House of Commons, Cabinet Ministers, and the Prime Minister’s Office to fulfill mandates from Chiefs. She continues to advocate for First Nations priorities, as directed by the First Nations-in-Assembly collaboratively with First Nations leadership, to protect collective rights–Treaty, inherent rights, title and jurisdiction, the right to self-determination, and all human rights.
The Hon. Rebecca Chartrand

Member of Parliament, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, Manitoba and Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
The Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty

Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, Quebec, Minister of Indigenous Services
The Hon. Anna Gainey

Member of Parliament, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, Quebec and Secretary of State (Children and Youth)
The Hon. Terry Duguid

Member of Parliament, Winnipeg South, Manitoba
Chief David Jimmie

Chief & CEO of Squiala First Nation
Biography

Chief David Jimmie
Chief Jimmie currently serves as Chief & CEO of Squiala First Nation located in Chilliwack, B.C. He is the President of Sto:lo Nation, representing 9 Sto:lo communities; and President of the Ts’elxweyeqw Tribe, representing seven communities. He is the former co-chair alongside the National Chief for the National Chief’s Committee on Fiscal Relations and currently sits on the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation Board and the Sts’ailes Economic Development Board. David also owns and operates DJimmie Construction (DJC), which has built 224 homes and 175 apartment units in Chilliwack and Westbank, B.C. DJC is currently building a 330-unit townhome development in Chilliwack B.C. and 103-townhome development in Westbank B.C.
Kristan Straub

CEO, Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corp.
Jennifer Podmore Russell

Chief Development Officer, Nch’ḵaỷ Development Corporation
Biography

Jennifer Podmore Russell
Jenn Podmore Russell has more than 20 years of experience in real estate strategy, portfolio planning, and development advisory. She is an established authority on development in British Columbia with an in-depth understanding of how to translate informed visions into successful places. She was the founder and managing partner of MPC Intelligence, a research and analytics solution for the new home development industry in Western Canada. She has held senior roles at both rennie and Deloitte where she brought strategies in development, operation, and portfolio to life through execution. In addition to her contributions to strategic real estate growth, Jennifer is passionate about creating meaningful change in her community. She serves on the board of the Urban Development Institute and the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, and as director of the Arrowleaf Real Estate Holdings Board, and is a former Vice-Chair of the Vancouver Economic Commission.
Katherine Koostachin

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

Katherine Koostachin
Katherine Koostachin is a senior Indigenous relations and public policy leader with over 20 years of experience across government, law, and Indigenous relations, including senior roles at the centre of federal decision-making on Indigenous rights, major projects, and economic reconciliation. Her work has focused on complex files involving regulatory approvals, Indigenous partnerships, and multi-billion-dollar settlements and investments. As Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister on Indigenous Policy and Litigation, she advised on Cabinet-level decisions related to Indigenous litigation, settlements, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA), translating complex legal and policy considerations into executable decisions. She previously held senior advisory roles to federal Ministers responsible for Environment and Climate Change, Indigenous Services, and Natural Resources Canada, shaping major project decisions, regulatory approvals, and Indigenous partnerships. Now Vice President of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation at Sussex Strategy Group, Katherine advises boards, executives, investors, and Indigenous governments on mining, energy, and infrastructure projects. Her work focuses on structuring Indigenous partnerships, including equity participation and benefit-sharing, and aligning regulatory processes, government decisions, and community priorities to support project advancement and long-term economic outcomes. She brings a commitment to responsible development that advances economic opportunity while supporting Indigenous governance and stewardship. A trained lawyer and a proud Mushkegowuk Cree from Attawapiskat First Nation, Katherine brings both lived experience and senior leadership to Indigenous participation in major projects and long-term community prosperity.
Sharon Singh

Partner, Environment | Indigenous, McMillan LLP
Biography

Sharon Singh
Sharon Singh is recognized for advising clients on complex, high-stakes regulatory, environmental, Indigenous, and commercial matters across the mining, infrastructure, energy, and renewable sectors. She excels at providing integrated legal and strategic counsel on projects where competing stakeholder interests intersect with regulatory and policy uncertainty. Sharon advises on a broad range of interrelated matters, including regulatory approvals and environmental and impact assessments through the development of permitting, environmental review, and compliance strategies for complex projects. She regularly supports Indigenous community collaboration and agreement structuring, advising on consultations, negotiated agreements, and equity arrangements that provide legal certainty while fostering long‑term relationships. Her practice also includes commercial agreements and governance, with extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex agreements, partnership frameworks, and governance structures aligned with organisational strategy. Sharon also provides counsel on stakeholder, political, and policy risk management, helping clients navigate evolving regulatory frameworks and policy environments to anticipate challenges and protect project outcomes. Sharon’s in-house experience in an international mining company, combined with her public policy and board experience, gives her nuanced understanding of regulatory decision-making and project risk from both operational and oversight perspectives. Known for her pragmatic judgment, technical rigour, and proactive approach to strategy development, Sharon is frequently retained on high-stakes mandates where conventional solutions are insufficient. Her work is consistently recognized in leading legal directories, reflecting her reputation as a trusted advisor on complex, multi-stakeholder and rights-holders, matters. Sharon is also active in the community, including serving on the board of the British Columbia Energy Regulator, Mining Association of British Columbia and CKNW Kids Fund.
Deliah Bernard

Partner, Roots Strategies
Biography

Deliah Bernard
Deliah Bernard is a seasoned advisor on Indigenous Affairs at both the national and local levels, most recently serving as the Senior Indigenous Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A proud Mi’kmaw woman from the We’koqma’q First Nation, Deliah is dedicated to giving back to the community, a commitment that fuels her unwavering drive to advance meaningful reconciliation. She has played a key role on notable public policy advancements such as the Government response to the Final Report of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry, securing support to Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing the visit to Canada by Pope Francis as well as coordinating the Cabinet Committee on Reconciliation, which provided whole-of-government direction on significant Indigenous policy initiatives. At Roots Strategies, Deliah leverages her lived experiences and expertise to craft innovative, culturally responsive approaches. Her strategic counsel and aptitude for fostering robust, collaborative relationships have positioned her as a key influencer – a skill set that enables our team to navigate complex landscapes while ensuring that Indigenous voices remain central to our work. Deliah’s unique insights not only enrich our initiatives but also reinforces our mission to place the priorities of Indigenous communities at the forefront of our work.
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.
Emily Black

Vice President Corporate Strategy & Power, Enbridge
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).
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.
Ranj Pillai

Former Premier of Yukon
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.
Dr. Margot Burnell

President, Canadian Medical Association
Biography

Dr. Margot Burnell
Currently president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Margot Burnell is a medical oncologist who has served the patients of New Brunswick for over three decades. She is an associate professor of medicine at Dalhousie University and was the head of the department of oncology for eight years. She also previously served as chief of staff for Zone 2 of the Horizon Health Network in the province. She has participated in and chaired multiple committees associated with the health authority, the Saint John and New Brunswick medical societies, CMA, pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review and Hospice Greater Saint John. She has participated in many clinical trials. She is co-chair of the supportive care committee for the Canadian Cancer Trials Group. Dr. Burnell has dedicated herself to caring for patients, making a difference in their lives, helping them on an individual basis, participating in system administration and now advancing solutions to patient and physician concerns at decision-making tables. She feels being a physician is a calling and is eager to share her passion for medicine with coworkers and learners, and believes in giving back to her community to make it a stronger, healthier one.
Dr. Alika Lafontaine

Indigenous Advisor in Residence, Canadian Medical Association
Biography

Dr. Alika Lafontaine
Dr. Alika Lafontaine is an award-winning physician, social innovator, and the first Indigenous physician listed by the Medical Post as one of Canada’s 50 Most Powerful Doctors. Grounded in a mixed Indigenous ancestry of Metis, Oji-Cree and Pacific Islander, Dr. Lafontaine has been at the epicentre of healthcare transformation for more than 20 years. He is a Canada’s top 40 under 40 recipient, Maclean’s top Health Care Innovator for 2023, and the youngest recipient of an Indspire award. From 2013-2018, Dr. Lafontaine co-led the Indigenous Health Alliance, one of the most ambitious Indigenous health transformation projects in Canadian history. At its peak, it represented more than 150 First Nations and successfully advocated for $68 million in funding for health transformation across the traditional territories of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. In 2022, Dr. Lafontaine became the first Indigenous and youngest physician to lead the Canadian Medical Association in its 154-year history. That year, the Canadian Medical Association played the lead advocacy role in securing the largest nominal Federal investment in healthcare since 2004, breakthrough advances in physician credential recognition, and renewing commitments to national collaboration in managing health data and health human resources. Dr. Lafontaine also led the internal reconciliation process for the Canadian Medical Association apologizing for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples in the health system. On September 18th, 2024 the CMA delivered this apology in an event which received national and international recognition. Dr. Lafontaine continues to write and speak on the politics of healthcare, implementing and scaling equity, redesigning health systems, and effective advocacy. He continues to practice Anesthesiology in Northern Alberta and support the CMA in its Indigenous Reconciliaction plan as its Indigenous Advisor in Residence.

April 14, 2026, 8:20 AM - 2:30 PM

The Westin Ottawa, Governor General Ballroom
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J1

Summit Partners

Event

Canada’s Energy Future

March 10, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Rogers Centre Ottawa, Trillium Ballroom (Level 4)
55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 9J2

As global demand for reliable, affordable, and lower-emissions energy continues to rise, Canada is uniquely positioned to be a trusted energy superpower. How can Canada modernize its energy infrastructure, attract capital, and accelerate innovation to meet the moment while remaining competitive and environmentally responsible?

On March 10, join Canada 2020 for Building an Energy Superpower: Canada’s Energy Future, a forward-looking policy conference focused on the ideas, investments, and partnerships needed to secure Canada’s energy future. Together, we’ll explore how Canada can responsibly harness its energy resources to drive economic growth, strengthen national security, and lead in a rapidly changing global energy landscape.

Register Now

Building an Energy Superpower: Canada’s Energy Future

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Rogers Centre, Trillium Ballroom (Level 4)
Ottawa, ON

General Admission: $239
Full Table (8 Tickets): $1,720

This conference brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to offer a platform for practical, solutions-oriented dialogue—moving beyond rhetoric to actionable policy pathways. Discussions will examine the policies needed to unlock energy infrastructure, support conventional and emerging energy sources, modernize the grid, and deploy technology to reduce emissions while meeting rising demand. Attendees will gain insights into Canada’s strategic advantages, the barriers holding back development, and the choices that will shape the country’s prosperity for decades to come.

Featured Participants

The Hon. Julie Dabrusin

Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
The Hon. John Zerucelli

Member of Parliament, Etobicoke North; Ontario and Secretary of State (Labour)
The Hon. Kody Blois

Member of Parliament, Kings—Hants, Nova Scotia; Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
The Hon. Marco Mendicino

Senior Counsel and Strategic Advisor, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP.
Biography

The Hon. Marco Mendicino
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino is Senior Counsel and Strategic Advisor at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP. A former federal prosecutor, Cabinet Minister, and Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Mark Carney, he brings over two decades of leadership in the law, government and public policy. Mr. Mendicino led the Prime Minister’s Office through a national election and one of the most significant transitions of government in recent decades, advancing major projects legislation, working with Premiers and Indigenous leaders, and closely advising the Prime Minister while at the White House, NATO, and G7. Elected three times as the Member of Parliament for Eglinton–Lawrence, Mr. Mendicino served in Cabinet as Minister of Immigration and Minister of Public Safety. He chaired the Five Eyes, where he advanced Canada’s national security priorities, and was also the head of delegation at the G7 for Interior and Public Safety Ministers. A Senior Fellow at the University of Toronto’s Munk School, Mr. Mendicino contributes to national conversations on governance, national security and the rule of law, and frequently appears in the media as a commentator.
H.E. Dinesh K Patnaik

High Commissioner of India to Canada
Mark Watton

Lead Commissioner, Canada Energy Regulator (CER)
Biography

Mark Watton
Mark Watton has been the CER’s Lead Commissioner since August 2022. Appointed to the Commission in 2019, Mark has extensive experience in government, public policy, litigation, and regulatory law. He practiced as a litigator at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin in Toronto before relocating to Calgary to join the National Energy Board, as legal counsel, advising on major project applications. Before joining the Commission, he was Senior Legal Counsel with TC Energy. Mark has held executive and policy advisory roles for numerous federal cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister's office. He graduated from Dalhousie University Law School (LL.B.) with specializations in Marine Law and Business Law and completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of Ottawa. Mark is a member of the Alberta Law Society and holds an ICD.D. designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Canadian Association of Federal Tribunal Heads. Mark, his wife Ruth, daughters Beatrix and Madeleine and aging border collie, Quinn, have been happy to call Calgary home since 2013.
Jeff Labonte

Associate Deputy Minister, Natural Resources Canada
Biography

Jeff Labonte
Jeff Labonté was named Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada in July 2023. Formerly at NRCan, Jeff was Special Advisor to the Associate Deputy Minister on Decarbonization; Assistant Deputy Minister, Lands and Minerals Sector; Assistant Deputy Minister, Major Projects Management Office; Director General, Energy Safety and Security Branch and International Energy; and Director General, Petroleum Resources Branch in the Energy Sector. He has also held senior executive positions at the Geological Survey of Canada and the National Mapping Agency. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and political science, as well as a master’s degree in public administration from Carleton University. He has also completed the Public Sector Leadership and Governance program at the University of Ottawa.
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.
László Varró

Vice President Strategy, Insights & Scenarios, Shell International
Biography

László Varró
László has extensive experience in energy economics, policy and strategy. He studied economics at Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary, and the University of Cambridge, UK. He has worked as a regulator in Hungary’s electricity and gas markets and as Strategy Director for MOL Group, an independent oil and gas company. In 2011 he joined the International Energy Agency (IEA) as Head of Gas and Electricity Markets and led the IEA’s work on liquefied natural gas, gas supply security and electricity market design and regulation. He was appointed Chief Economist of the IEA in 2016, where he built a new team for energy investment analysis and was responsible for methodological support for all IEA policy work. László joined Shell in 2021 where he leads the company’s analyses of macroeconomics, energy scenarios, climate policy and geopolitics.
Avik Dey

President and Chief Executive Officer, Capital Power
Biography

Avik Dey
As the President and CEO of Capital Power, Avik leads the company in its growth and expansion across Canada and the U.S. and champions the team in accelerating its current strategic drive to deliver balanced energy solutions. Prior to joining Capital Power, Avik spent over two decades in the energy business in executive, operational, investing, and senior advisory roles. He has invested over $12 billion in growing long-term value for energy and energy transition companies. Avik strongly believes in fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and currently serves as the Director of Enactus Canada, an international non-profit helping university students solve the world’s biggest problems through social innovation.
Delia Cristea

Chief Operating Officer 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.
Chris Prokop

Senior Vice President, Export Development and External Affairs, Midstream, AltaGas
Biography

Chris Prokop
Chris oversees a team dedicated to advancing AltaGas' export opportunities and the external relationships that they are built upon. Prior to this role, Chris has served in several key portfolios including SVP of Business Development, and VP and General Counsel, Midstream and Corporate at AltaGas. Chris has extensive experience in the midstream space and legal private practice, and he holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Juris Doctor, both from the University of Saskatchewan.
Dale Friesen

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Government Affairs Officer, ATCO
Biography

Dale Friesen
Dale Friesen is Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Government Affairs Officer of ATCO. Appointed to the role in 2020, he is responsible for cultivating collaborative relationships with all levels of government and community partners, advancing ATCO’s global advocacy initiatives, and fostering authentic dialogue with constituents to create the conditions for shared, sustainable prosperity. Mr. Friesen has more than 30 years of experience with ATCO, having served in a variety of technical, management, and senior leadership roles in both Canada and Australia. From 2015 to 2020, he served as Vice President, Indigenous and Government Relations & Sustainability, during which time he attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Paris (2015), Marrakech (2016), Bonn (2017), and Katowice (2018) as an industry representative with the Canadian delegation, and in Madrid (2019) as a member of the Canadian delegation. During that same period, he oversaw the modernization of ATCO’s sustainability disclosures to align with best practice established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Mr. Friesen serves as an Executive Officer of the Alberta Chamber of Resources Board and is Chair for the Canadian Electricity Association’s Generation Council. He has also served as a member of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Technical Working Group for the Clean Fuel Standards, the Multi-Stakeholder Committee on GHG Regulatory Measures and Programs, and the Technical Working Group for Natural Gas Greenhouse Gas Regulations. He is also a member of the Delphi Excel Group and of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Mr. Friesen is a member of both the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and of Engineers Australia.
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.
Ian Anderson

Former President & CEO, TransMountain Corporation
JP Gladu

Principal, Mokwateh
Biography

JP Gladu
JP Gladu is currently Principal of Mokwateh and previously served as the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business for approximately eight years. Mr. Gladu has over 30 years of experience in the natural resource sector including working with Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental non-government organizations, industry and governments from across Canada and the globe. Mr. Gladu serves on the boards of Suncor, the Institute of Corporate Directors and BHP’s Forum for Corporate Responsibility. He has completed a forestry technician diploma from Sault College, obtained an undergraduate degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University, holds an Executive MBA from Queens University, an ICD.D from Rotman School of Management University of Toronto and an honorary doctorate in law from Carleton University in 2024. He is a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and served as the Chancellor of St. Paul’s University College Waterloo from 2017 to 2020. JP’s achievements have been recognized by the Public Policy Forum as a prestigious 2024 Honouree.
Kendall Dilling

President, Oil Sands Alliance
Biography

Kendall Dilling
As President, Kendall is responsible for overseeing the organization’s strategic direction, the overall coordination of technology, development and external relations on behalf of the members. Prior to joining Pathways Alliance, Kendall was Cenovus’s Vice President, Environment & Regulatory. With 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Kendall has expertise in environment, regulatory, project development, health and safety, and Indigenous and government relations.
Kristan Straub

CEO, Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corp.
Lisa Baiton

President & CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
Biography

Lisa Baiton
Lisa Baiton is the sixth CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). CAPP represents the Canadian upstream oil and natural gas industry, and CAPP’s member companies operate from coast-to-coast and are responsible for nearly three quarters of Canada’s annual oil and natural gas production and approximately 450,000 jobs in nearly all regions of Canada. Since her appointment in 2022, Lisa has overseen the strategic realignment of CAPP’s priorities and advocacy efforts, re-establishing CAPP as a non-partisan evidence-based research advocacy organization and authoritative resource on energy industrial policy. Prior to joining CAPP, Lisa spent a third of her career through three CEO tenures on the global leadership team of one of the ten largest retirement funds in the world (CPP Investments) as its first Managing Director & Head of Global Public Affairs. Lisa built a new global geopolitical risk management function as the Fund expanded its international footprint, including into emerging markets, and had responsibility for strategy development and program execution covering 56 countries. Lisa has held other leadership roles including as Vice President & Practice Lead at a North American public affairs firm, and within three federal and provincial governments in Canada. She has a BA in Political Science from the University of Saskatchewan, a MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management (Northwestern University) and Schulich School of Business (York University), with global electives completed at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. Lisa has an Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D certification (University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management) and has served 20+ years on various boards of directors.
Alison Nankivell

President & CEO, Export Development Canada
Biography

Alison Nankivell
Alison began her appointment as EDC’s president and CEO in February 2025, returning to lead the organization where she spent 14 years on various teams early in her career. Alison’s work life has spanned businesses and continents, from leading EDC’s Asian private equity investment strategy while based in Beijing, to holding several vice presidencies and a senior leadership role at BDC Capital in Ottawa and Toronto. During her time in Asia, she gained an understanding of the challenges Canadian exporters can face when working to scale their business in markets overseas. Throughout her career in finance, Alison has had the privilege of working with Canadian companies of all sizes and across all sectors. She knows the potential of these businesses is limitless, and that growing their presence in the international marketplace will help ensure prosperity in the Canadian and global economies. Her desire to drive EDC’s raison d’etre – to make Canada and the world better through trade – is a key reason Alison accepted the offer to take on the presidency. She also brings with her a 25-year track record of mentoring and leading high-performing teams, building strategic relationships with businesses, investors, fund managers and a range of stakeholders to drive success. Her profound experience in global trade finance, capital markets, risk management, international business development and the innovation economy will be critical as EDC and its customers continue to navigate today’s complexities, challenges and opportunities. Just prior to returning to EDC, Alison was CEO at MaRS Discovery District, North America’s largest urban innovation hub. Alison earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, in commerce and economics and with Honours, from the University of Toronto, before earning a Master in public administration and public policy from the London School of Economics and her Chartered Financial Analysts Designation. She is a founding member of the Private Equity Women’s Investment Network Canada, sits on the board of Toronto’s Good Shepherd Ministries and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Michael Meredith

Head of Canadian Client Solutions, Partners Group
Michael Rosenfeld

Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments, PSP
Biography

Michael Rosenfeld
Michael Rosenfeld is Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments at PSP Investments. Michael joined PSP Investments in June 2007 as one of the early members of the Infrastructure Investments asset class. With over 20 years of experience in the infrastructure sector, Michael has deep industry knowledge and expertise across M&A, structuring partnerships and a range of private equity investment strategies. In his current role, he oversees the North American High Inflation Correlated Infrastructure (HICI) portfolio as well as all direct investment activities in the Americas. Michael currently sits on the Board of Directors of 407 ETR in Canada and Transelec in Chile, as well as several fund advisory committees. Prior to joining PSP Investments, Michael worked at Desjardins Securities in the equity research group, covering utilities & power. In previous roles, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the infrastructure and project finance group, providing advisory services to corporate and government clients across a range of infrastructure sectors.
Mike Crawley

Executive Chair, Creative Energy
Biography

Mike Crawley
From 2018 to 2024, Mike was President & Chief Executive Officer of Northland Power Inc., a listed global independent power producer with over 5GWs of operating and in construction assets in Europe, Asia and the Americas. As President & CEO, he re-structured the company from a largely Canadian company with a founding shareholder to a global widely held company, substantially growing its cashflow and development pipeline. Prior to that Mike served as Executive Vice-President Development. Previously, Mike was CEO of AIM PowerGen (“AIM”), where he led the company from initial concept to one of the largest independent renewable power developers in Canada at the time. After AIM’s sale to Engie (formerly GDF Suez), Mike continued as the President of GDF Suez Canada. Over the past two decades, he has raised and deployed over $25B CAD into power sector assets. Currently, Mike is the Executive Chair of Creative Energy, a North American district energy company. From 2015 to 2023, Mike served on the Advisory Board of Instar Asset Management, a mid market, North American infrastructure fund. He has also served on the Boards of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario, Clean Energy BC, Canadian Solar Industry Association and was the Chairman of the Ontario Energy Association’s Board. Mike began his private sector career with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Pauline McLean

Senior Vice President, External Relations, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, Capital Power
Biography

Pauline McLean
Pauline leads the legal, regulatory, corporate compliance and external relations functions of Capital Power. She also provides support, risk management, and strategic insights to senior management and the Board of Directors. Prior to joining Capital Power, Pauline spent 14 years working for the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) in senior legal and commercial roles. She led teams through the successful execution of greenfield initiatives, including programs to incent renewable electricity and new business models to procure and finance transmission infrastructure. Before joining the energy industry, Pauline practiced corporate and commercial law after graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws.
Sarah Schwann

Chief Legal, People & Corporate Affairs Officer, Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Biography

Sarah Schwann
Sarah was appointed Chief Legal, People, and Corporate Affairs Officer in 2026. In this role, she leads Pembina’s Legal, Human Resources, External Affairs, and Information Services functions, bringing strategic oversight across enterprise-wide priorities. Sarah joined Pembina in April 2020 as Vice President, External Affairs, where she led communications, government relations, Indigenous engagement, community investment, land, environment, regulatory, and ESG initiatives. She subsequently served as Vice President, Technical Services, overseeing asset management and integrity programs to enhance the safety and reliability of Pembina’s assets. Sarah’s career spans a broad spectrum of North American and international experience, including regulatory, government relations, health & safety, ESG, legal, and commercial leadership. Prior to Pembina, she worked in the upstream oil and gas sector and held multiple senior roles at Nutrien. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta.
Scott Henuset

President and CEO, Energy Alberta
Biography

Scott Henuset
Scott Henuset is President and CEO of Energy Alberta, a proud, Alberta-based company actively working to bring clean, safe, reliable nuclear power to Albertans through the Peace River Nuclear Power Project. Scott is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist recognized for his expansive business acumen and impactful community contributions. With a distinguished career exemplifying a blend of entrepreneurial excellence, strategic leadership and deep community engagement, he has led and transformed multiple successful ventures across diverse industries.
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 Elliott

VP Gas Transmission & Midstream, Enbridge
Biography

Steve Elliott
As VP CGTM, Steve is accountable for all marketing and business development interests of our GTM system in Canada including Woodfibre LNG, Westcoast Pipeline, and the newly acquired Aitken Creek Gas Storage facility. Steve has been with Enbridge for 18 years. Prior to moving into his current role in October 2023, Steve was the VP, Operations, Northwest and Offshore where he was responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operations of Westcoast, Alliance and Vector pipeline systems as well as our offshore assets. Steve’s previous positions include commercial and business development roles spanning both Liquids and Gas Transmission in Calgary, Houston, and Boston. Steve holds a Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University.
Susannah Pierce

Former President & Country Chair, Shell Canada
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.
Susan Smith

Co-Founder, Canada 2020
Biography

Susan Smith
Susan co-founded Bluesky Strategy Group with Tim Barber in 2003 and is recognized as one of The Hill Times’ Top 100 lobbyists. With more than 30 years of experience, she provides private and public sector clients with strategic communications, public affairs and crisis and media relations advice and training. Susan is trusted for her advice to C-Suite leaders, Cabinet Ministers, politicians and leaders of organizations and officials on how to craft and present their messages to achieve their communications and policy goals creatively and effectively. Her client files span the food and agri-food, Indigenous economic development and reconciliation, natural resources and energy/alternative energy sectors, health care, sport, manufacturing, fin-tech, post-secondary, telecom and culture. She provided global media relations advice and support to the Assembly of First Nations delegates for the 2022 Vatican visit and papal visit to Canada. Susan is also one of the co-founders of Canada 2020, a progressive policy think tank, based in Ottawa. Since 2006, Canada 2020 has grown into the “go-to” policy forum for influential discussion, debate, ideas, great thinkers, and VIP speakers for the federal public policy community and beyond. Susan’s networks in government and the national media help clients deliver their messages to the most important audiences, through the most effective channels. As a veteran consultant and one of the leading women in the field, she is a trusted voice, leadership mentor and a sought-after political pundit, public relations commentator, panel moderator and public speaker, appearing regularly on CBC News Network, CTV National News Network, CPAC, as well as radio and print throughout the country. Fluently bilingual, Susan is a graduate of Queen’s University and holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors at the Rotman School. She is an elected member of the Queen’s University Council and an independent director of the PayPal Giving Fund Canada.