Presenter: 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.

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

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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?

On 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

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Featured Participants

  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    The Hon. Rebecca Chartrand

    Member of Parliament, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, Manitoba and Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs

  • $person->name

    The Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty

    Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, Quebec, Minister of Indigenous Services

  • $person->name

    The Hon. Anna Gainey

    Member of Parliament, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, Quebec and Secretary of State (Children and Youth)

  • $person->name

    The Hon. Terry Duguid

    Member of Parliament, Winnipeg South, Manitoba

  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    Kristan Straub

    CEO, Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corp.

  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    Emily Black

    Vice President Corporate Strategy & Power, Enbridge

  • $person->name

    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).
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    Ranj Pillai

    Former Premier of Yukon

  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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

Register NowAgenda

Summit Partners

  • Canadian Medical Association
  • Nuclear Waste Management Organization
Event

From Ambition to Action

October 23, 2025, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Westin Ottawa
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

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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 October 23, 2025, join Canada 2020 in Ottawa for the second instalment of “From Ambition to Action: Getting Big Things Done”—a one-day summit focused on the realities of delivering transformational projects in Canada.

Building on the momentum of the inaugural June edition, this follow-up event will once again convene top-level doers—developers, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and industry builders—from across housing, infrastructure, energy, economic development, and trade. Together, they’ll share real-world insights, address persistent and emerging barriers, and shape actionable strategies to achieve national-scale progress.

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

Featured Participants

  • $person->name

    Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin

    CEO, Nukik Corporation

    Biography

    Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin

    Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin is the Chief Executive Officer of Nukik Corporation, where she leads a team dedicated to advancing renewable energy development, Arctic infrastructure, and economic reconciliation through community-led, clean energy projects. With over 15 years of experience in the natural resources and infrastructure sectors, she specializes in shaping innovative, large-scale initiatives that support Indigenous leadership and sustainable regional development. At Nukik, she is spearheading groundbreaking work, including the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link — a first-of-its-kind project delivering renewable electricity and broadband to Nunavut — while building cross-jurisdictional partnerships and securing federal, provincial, and Inuit support. Previously, Anne-Raphaëlle served as President and CEO of WaterPower Canada, where she strengthened the organization’s influence, grew its membership, and helped position hydropower as a key pillar of Canada’s clean energy future. A recognized thought leader, she is frequently featured in national media and policy forums, and contributes to several boards and think tanks focused on sustainability, Indigenous partnerships, and energy transition. She was appointed by the Government of Canada to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation – Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC), and elected Chair in 2025, where she promotes trilateral collaboration on climate and environmental protection between Mexico, Canada and the United States.
  • $person->name

    Ehren Cory

    Chief Executive Officer, Canada Infrastructure Bank

    Biography

    Ehren Cory

    Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), is a leader in sustainable finance and infrastructure investing in Canada. He joined the CIB in 2020 with a focus on accelerating new infrastructure investment through partnerships with the private and public sectors. Previously, he was the CEO of Infrastructure Ontario, one of North America’s largest public infrastructure developers, and a partner at McKinsey & Company advising project clients in both the private and public sectors. Ehren also serves on the Boards of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships and Unity Health Toronto, and is involved in a number of leading sustainable investment organizations including the Institute for Sustainable Finance at Queen’s University. He received an MBA from INSEAD and an Honours BA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.
  • $person->name

    Leona Aqlukkaq

    Director, West Kitikmeot Resources Corp

    Biography

    Leona Aqlukkaq

    The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq is an experienced politician and government administrator from the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. First elected as a Member of Parliament in 2008, in 2009 she became the first Inuk in Canadian history to be appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Health. Ms. Aglukkaq is also a respected business leader, serving as a Director of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.
  • $person->name

    Debbie Gamble

    Group Head, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Interac Corp

    Biography

    Debbie Gamble

    Debbie is a visionary technology leader with a passion for leveraging digital innovations to improve people’s lives. With over 35 years of experience in payment and secure transaction technologies, she has led ground-breaking initiatives in digital ID, crypto currencies, contactless and mobile commerce, AI and micro-finance on an international scale. Debbie champions collaboration and diversity of thought, inspiring her staff to achieve award-winning success in their fields. Her leadership and expertise have been recognized through numerous industry awards, including Top 50 Canadian Executives, FemTech Leader of the Year, Top 50 Women in FinTech and Most Influential Women in Payments. Through her work, Debbie is driving the success of the digital economy and transforming the way we think about technology leadership.
  • $person->name

    Joshua Jeffery

    Founder, Bellwether

    Biography

    Joshua Jeffery

    Joshua Jeffery is a technologist and designer in the California Bay Area. With roots in entertainment technology, he has built a career of fostering and growing teams and projects at the intersection of wildly different disciplines. As an original member and current Senior Program Manager of Bellwether at X, the moonshot factory (formerly Google X), Josh oversees the operations of the project’s Climate Risk and Resilience Platform. This ‘moonshot’ aims to understand and anticipate changes across our planet by harnessing AI and Earth information data to understand the probability of severe weather and predict its impact on communities, landscapes, and the built environment. Bellwether partners with the public and private sector to help with disaster planning, response, and recovery. Prior to X, Josh spent 7 years leading the design and build of high-profile real estate locations across Google’s global portfolio. He also served for 5 years as the founding Director of Technology for The Andy Warhol Museum. Joshua holds a Master of Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.F.A. in theatrical scenic design. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast, a proud resident of the Santa Cruz mountains, a licensed paragliding pilot, and serves on various grant committees across the arts and cultural sector.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    Stéphan Déry

    President & CEO, Canada Lands Company

    Biography

    Stéphan Déry

    Stéphan Déry, President and CEO of Canada Lands Company. In this role, Mr Déry leads a national organization of hundreds of employees responsible for the development and management of major real estate holdings and the operation of some of Canada’s most cherished attractions. Canada Lands Company’s attractions include the CN Tower and Downsview Park in Toronto, the Montréal Science Centre and the Old Port of Montréal. He is a seasoned real estate professional having served in the Government of Canada as Assistant Deputy Minister of Real Property Services at Public Services and Procurement Canada, an organization with over 4,000 employees. In this role, Stéphan was responsible for the delivery of the entire suite of real property services to federal departments and agencies. Over his 30-year career in the public service, he also held several other executive positions in the areas of acquisitions and corporate services. Stéphan is a chartered professional accountant and holds a master’s degree in public administration.
  • $person->name

    Vern Yu

    President & Chief Executive Officer, Alta Gas

    Biography

    Vern Yu

    As President and Chief Executive Officer, Vern Yu leads the development and execution of AltaGas’ strategy, oversees operations and manages the business and affairs of AltaGas. Vern is an experienced executive with a proven track record of success across the energy infrastructure value chain including within North American Midstream and Utilities markets being AltaGas’ core focus areas. Vern joins AltaGas after a successful three-decade career at Enbridge Inc., most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, Chief Financial Officer and President, New Energy Technologies. Prior to that, Vern held various commercial, operational, and financial roles including serving as Executive Vice President, President Liquids Pipelines and as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, where he played a leading role in securing more than $30 billion in new growth projects, completion of major pipe replacement projects, leading entry into new markets, and various acquisitions. Vern holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science from Queen’s University. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Board of Trustees and served on the Boards of DCP Midstream, Énergir Inc. and Calgary Economic Development.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    Marko Dekovic

    Vice President of Public Affairs, Global Container Terminals (GCT)

    Biography

    Marko Dekovic

    Marko is the Vice President of Public Affairs at GCT Global Container Terminals, overseeing government relations, regulatory affairs, communications, media relations, Indigenous and stakeholder engagement, as well as GCT’s ESG and decarbonization initiatives. Previously, he contributed to transformative strategies at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, including a major public awareness campaign promoting diversified trade infrastructure and managing communications during key events. As a senior advisor to the Minister of International Trade and Foreign Affairs, Marko played a key role in stakeholder engagement and project prioritization for the Asia Pacific Gateway. He currently serves as Chair of the BC Marine Terminal Operators Association (BCMTOA) and is an active member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILTNA). He previously served as Board Secretary and member of the National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE) in the U.S. A University of British Columbia graduate and proud father of three, Marko actively supports his community through initiatives like the VGH-UBC Hospital Foundation Vitality Gala and the “What Really Matters” YMCA campaign in Coquitlam. Marko was named one of Business in Vancouver’s Top Forty under 40 in 2017 and received King Charles III’s Coronation Medal in 2025.
  • $person->name

    Clint Davis

    CEO, Cedar Leaf

    Biography

    Clint Davis

    Clint is the CEO of Cedar Leaf Capital Inc., the first Indigenous majority-owned investment dealer in Canada that will act as a bridge for greater participation of Indigenous people, businesses, and communities in capital markets. Clint’s career path has certainly not been linear. He was a lawyer in his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was a federal public servant and advisor to two different cabinet ministers. Clint also led Indigenous banking at two financial institutions: first at the Bank of Montreal and later at TD. He was the CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, the preeminent Indigenous business association, and later set up the advisory firm North35, where he attempted to establish an Indigenous Infrastructure Fund, a first-of-its-kind fund aimed at furthering investment into Indigenous communities. Frequently turned to for insights into Indigenous business and economics, Clint has been a featured expert in major media such as APTN, CBC, BNN, and the Globe and Mail, and he’s a former blogger for the Financial Post. He was recognized for his contribution to Indigenous business with the Indspire Award in the Business and Commerce category, the highest honour awarded to an individual by the Indigenous community. He was installed as an Hon. Lt. Col of the Queen’s York Rangers, an Army Primary Reserve Canadian Armoured Corps regiment based in Toronto and Aurora. A graduate of Harvard University, Clint holds a master’s of public administration degree in business and government policy. He was also a Canada–U.S. Fulbright Scholar. Before earning his master’s degree, Clint completed his Bachelor of Laws in Indigenous, business, and criminal law from Dalhousie University and his Bachelor of Business Administration from Acadia University. In 2015, Clint was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Acadia University. Clint is an Inuk from Nunatsiavut, Labrador, born and raised in Goose Ba
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    The Hon. Gregor Robertson

    Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

  • $person->name

    Sonia Kastner

    Co-Founder & CEO, Pano AI

    Biography

    Sonia Kastner

    Sonia Kastner is co-founder and CEO of Pano AI, a company that provides advanced tools for wildfire detection and intelligence. Founded in 2020, Pano AI monitors over 16 million hectares of land across 13 U.S. states, five states in Australia and B.C. Canada. Previously, Sonia spent over ten years building and leading supply chain and manufacturing organizations within fast-growing, mission-driven start-ups. Her experience spans Nest Thermostats, multiple solar energy companies, and extensive work across the IoT ecosystem. Prior to starting her career in technology, she worked in economic development for New York City under Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Sonia was included in the BBC 100 Women list in 2023 and Entrepreneur Media’s list of 100 Women of Influence in 2022. Pano AI was also included in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in Artificial Intelligence list in 2023, and TIME's 100 Most Influential Companies in 2025.
  • $person->name

    Dan Myerson

    CEO & Executive Chairman, Foran Mining Corporation

    Biography

    Dan Myerson

    Mr. Myerson, previously head of Glencore’s Canadian zinc business, has vast global experience in the metals and mining sector; including refined metal and concentrates trading, mining and smelting operations, and capital markets. Before joining Glencore, Mr. Myerson worked for Morgan Stanley in their Equity Capital Markets team based out of Sydney, Australia. He holds a Master of Finance degree from the Queensland University of Technology.
  • $person->name

    The Hon. David McGuinty

    Minister of National Defence

  • $person->name

    Hannah Thibedeau

    Executive Communications Officer, Global Public Affairs

    Biography

    Hannah Thibedeau

    Hannah Thibedeau is the Executive Communications Officer at Global Public Affairs, where she supports clients across Canada with communications strategy, media relations, and public affairs. An award-winning journalist and broadcaster with more than 20 years of experience covering Parliament Hill, she has reported on seven federal elections, four Prime Ministers, and many of the defining moments in Canadian politics and media. A Canadian Screen Award winner for her coverage of the Ottawa convoy protests, Hannah now brings her deep political insight, on-camera experience, and storytelling expertise to help Global’s clients communicate with impact and ensure their messages resonate with key audiences and decision-makers.
  • $person->name

    Premier David Eby

    Premier of British Columbia

    Biography

    Premier David Eby

    David Eby is a determined problem-solver who has spent a lifetime taking on powerful interests to get things done for people. As Premier of B.C., David is taking action on the biggest challenges facing British Columbians. He’s standing up to wealthy speculators and investors to deliver more homes middle-class people can afford. He’s working to ease the pressure of everyday costs, from reducing car insurance and childcare bills to making prescription birth control free. And he’s strengthening health care by building hospitals and hiring more family doctors. Under David’s leadership, B.C. is an economic leader in Canada—creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs to deliver the lowest unemployment rate and some of the fastest growing wages in the country. Alongside John Horgan, David got the influence of big money out of B.C.’s elections and cracked down on money laundering in casinos and real estate. He took on opioid manufacturers and delivered a first-of-its-kind settlement to hold corporations accountable for the overdose crisis. He stood up to the trial lawyers and removed legal costs from ICBC process to reduce car insurance rates by an average of $500 a year for drivers. He even went after organized crime—closing down Hells Angels clubhouses and targeting the proceeds of crime to make our communities safer. Before being elected as the MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey, David was an award-winning lawyer and legal scholar. He started his career on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, defending the homes of low-income people from big developers and slum lords. His work on human rights and democratic freedoms has been recognized by the United Nations Association in Canada and the B.C. Human Rights Coalition. David was an adjunct professor of law at the University of British Columbia, president of the HIV-AIDS Legal Network, and served on the Vancouver Foundation’s Health and Social Development Committee. From 2009 to 2013, David ran the B.C. Civil Liberties Association as executive director. David was raised in a suburban middle-class home. The son of a schoolteacher and a lawyer, he remains grounded in the values he grew up with – commitment to family, community, and helping the less fortunate. He is now a proud husband and father with three children of his own, Ezra, Iva, and baby Gwen. He loves playing with his kids, practising yoga and hanging out with his wife Cailey, a family doctor in Vancouver. As B.C.’s 37th premier, David is working hard to build a better, stronger future for everyone. Because he believes his kids and all British Columbians deserve the same opportunities to build a good life.
  • $person->name

    Reva Seth

    Board Member, Canada 2020

    Biography

    Reva Seth

    Reva, a global storyteller, best-selling author, and communications strategist, builds campaigns and content platforms that transform, disrupt, connect, and persuade. She works with leaders and teams to increase their impact and influence, and her specialty is building timely and purpose-driven narratives to leverage public and industry moments. Reva is a former international trade and competition lawyer (Dentons), the best-selling author of two non-fiction books, and the co-founder and former C.E.O. of a leading cannabis media company. Her ideas on the future of work and leadership have been in Fast Company, The Atlantic, Rotmans Management Magazine, The Huffington Post, and The Globe and Mail, among others. She holds an L.L.M. in international trade & competition law from Osgoode Law School, an L.L.B. from The University of Western Ontario, and studied International Relations at the University of British Columbia. She lives in San Francisco with her three boys and partner, Rana Sarkar, Canada’s Consul General, Northern California & Silicon Valley, San Francisco & Hawaii.
  • $person->name

    Trevor Ebl

    President, Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines, TC Energy

    Biography

    Trevor Ebl

    As President, Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines, Trevor Ebl has overall accountability for the growth, operation and profitability of TC Energy’s federally and provincially regulated natural gas pipeline assets in Canada. Since joining TC Energy in 2020, Trevor has held senior roles in Safety, Operations, Engineering and Projects. In his previous role as Senior Vice-President, Safety and Technical Services, he was responsible for safety and technical services across the Canada, US and Mexico natural gas transmission and storage businesses. As Senior Vice-President of Operations, Engineering and Project Execution, Trevor was accountable for the safe, reliable and efficient operations of our Canadian Natural Gas Pipeline assets. Prior to joining TC Energy, Trevor spent 19 years in the power generation industry at AGL Energy and TransAlta Corporation. At AGL Energy in Australia Trevor was the Head of Engineering Services for a portfolio of generation assets and responsible for engineering services, asset management and improving portfolio integrated planning. Prior to AGL, Trevor worked at TransAlta Corporation for 17 years in a variety of leadership positions in Canada and the U.S. across Engineering, Commercial and Operations. Trevor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta and a Master of Engineering Management from Saint Martins University. He is a registered professional engineer in Alberta and a registered chartered engineer and engineering executive with Engineers Australia.
  • $person->name

    Sahir Khan

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

    Biography

    Sahir Khan

    As a co-founder and executive vice-president of IFSD, Sahir Khan focuses on IFSD’s strategic direction, business development and engagement management. Professionally, Sahir was a turnaround and restructuring specialist with New York-based RKG Osnos Partners LLC and with Deloitte Consulting’s New York office. In 2004, Sahir was recruited to the Canadian federal public service to manage problem files and emerging fiscal pressures by serving as the Director of Oversight and Expenditure Management at the Treasury Board Secretariat. At the Privy Council Office (PCO), he provided the prime minister with analysis and advice on budget, economic, tax and expenditure management issues and then joined the PBO as the Assistant Parliamentary Budget Officer. This mix of private and public sector experience has enabled him to get a better understanding of decision support in complex environments while running and reforming organizations. Sahir is a regular commentator with national and regional media on budgetary matters. Sahir has a B.Com. (Hons) from Queen’s University and an MBA in finance from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. He also serves on the Board of Governors at Ottawa’s Ashbury College.
  • $person->name

    Alexandre Guilbault

    Vice-president, AI Business Enablement, TELUS

    Biography

    Alexandre Guilbault

    Alexandre Guilbault is the Vice-president, AI Business Enablement, and Founder of the TELUS AI Accelerator, leading the company’s AI transformation efforts since 2020. His team, comprising over 120 specialized AI professionals, acts as strategic consultants to drive the transformation of core business processes, leveraging applied, generative, and agentic AI to deliver measurable business value.
  • $person->name

    Christina Smith

    Mayor of Westmount

    Biography

    Christina Smith

    Christina M. Smith was elected to Westmount City Council on November 3, 2013, as the Councillor for District 5. She was also the Commissioner of Administration during that mandate. In April 2017, Christina Smith was named interim mayor by her fellow Council members when Peter Trent retired as Mayor of Westmount. On November 5, 2017, Christina Smith was elected the Mayor of the City of Westmount. During the 2017-2021 mandate, she was a member of the Finance Commission with the Agglomeration of Montreal as well as the Economic Development Commission and the Audit Committee. In November 2021, she was elected mayor of Westmount for a second term and is the Vice-President of the Public Security Commission with the Agglomeration of Montreal. Mayor Smith is also a member of the executive of the Association of Suburban Municipalities. Prior to entering municipal politics, Christina was the Director of Industry and Government Affairs for Coca-Cola. Christina was also the Policy Advisor to the Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Involved in many community organizations, Christina believes in civic engagement to ensure our community is one where all residents benefit from our many programmes and services. Christina has a Bachelor of Political Science from Bishop’s University. Christina and her husband have three young children who enjoy many of Westmount’s sports programmes and activities.
  • $person->name

    Photinie Koutsavlis

    Vice President, Economic Affairs and Climate Change Mining Association of Canada

    Biography

    Photinie Koutsavlis

    Ms. Koutsavlis is dedicated to advancing the mining industry's comprehension of critical economic matters, encompassing taxation, international trade, investment, infrastructure, and innovation. Additionally, she guides the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) and its members in supporting an orderly transition towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future. Her leadership positions MAC as a constructive partner in the fight against climate change.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.).
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    Patrick Lortie

    Senior Vice-President and Chief Strategy Officer, CN

    Biography

    Patrick Lortie

    Patrick Lortie was appointed Senior Vice-President and Chief Strategy Officer of CN in February 2023. In this role, he leads the development and implementation of CN’s corporate strategy, including an enhanced focus on network strategies and interline relationships. Patrick is a recognized expert in designing growth strategies and leading business transformations in the transportation industry. He has advised Boards and Executive Teams on a global basis for more than two decades. Before joining CN, he was at Oliver Wyman, where he led the firm’s global Transportation and Services Practice and oversaw the firm’s activities in Canada. He was also a member of the firm’s Global Leadership Council. Prior to that, he worked for regional airlines in France and Argentina, and for Virgin Trains, a leading passenger train operator in the United Kingdom. Patrick sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Club of Montréal, and is a member of the Business Advisory Committee of the Northwestern University Transportation Center, a leading interdisciplinary education and research institution serving the transportation industry. Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the École Polytechnique de Montréal, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, and a certificate in Strategies for Sustainable Business from MIT Sloan School of Management.
  • $person->name

    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.

October 23, 2025, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Westin Ottawa
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

Register NowAGENDA

Summit Featured Partner

  • Global Container Terminals

Summit Partner

  • AltaGas
  • Canada Lands Company
  • TC Energy

Session Partner

  • Pathways Alliance
  • Seaspan
  • Shell
  • KPMG
  • Canada Infrastructure Bank
  • WPC Energy Canada
  • OMERS
Event

From Ambition to Action

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

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

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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

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    Stephen Crozier

    Vice President, Sustainability, Wyloo

  • $person->name

    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.
  • $person->name

    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    The Hon. Christy Clark

    former Premier of British Columbia (2011-2017)

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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    Corey Hogan

    Member of Parliament (Calgary Confederation)

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    Simon Kennedy

    former Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science & Economic Development

    Biography

    Simon Kennedy

    Simon Kennedy recently concluded a 34-year career at the highest levels of the Canadian government and is now beginning to take on strategic advisory and board roles. From 2019 to 2024, Kennedy served as the Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). He played a central role in mobilizing Canadian industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, playing a lead role in efforts to secure vaccines and rebuild Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity. He also advanced strategies to position Canada as a leader in emerging sectors—most notably electric-vehicle batteries— and frontier technologies that include artificial intelligence and quantum computing and materials. Previously, as the Deputy Minister of Health (2015–2019), Kennedy led Health Canada’s response to the opioid crisis, negotiated federal-provincial health funding agreements, and advanced reforms in pharmaceutical pricing, nutrition labelling, vaping, and tobacco control. He also oversaw the legalization and regulation of cannabis, including development of the Cannabis Act. Beginning his public service career in 1990, Kennedy held senior roles in seven organizations, including six deputy minister–level positions in the Privy Council Office, Industry Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Health Canada, and ISED. He saw the Trade portfolio through one of Canada’s most productive periods for trade negotiations, concluding negotiations for trade deals with the EU and South Korea. As the Prime Minister’s lead negotiator, he co-chaired talks with the White House on the 2011 Canada–U.S. Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. From 2012 to 2014, he served as the Prime Minister’s G20 "Sherpa." Beyond strategic advisory work, Kennedy now serves on the boards of Finchley Pharmaceuticals, Quantum Valley Ideas Lab, and the Ottawa Community Foundation. During his civil-service career, he served on multiple public-sector and non-profit boards, including the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the International Economic Forum of the Americas. He is a former co-chair of the National Capital Region chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors.
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    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.).
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    The Hon. Gregor Robertson

    Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

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    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.
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    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).
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    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.
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    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

AGENDAEvent Sold Out

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
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