Presenter: 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.

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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The Hon. Gregor Robertson

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
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.
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.
The Hon. David McGuinty

Minister of National Defence
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.).
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.
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.
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

Summit Featured Partner

Summit Partner

Session Partner

Event

The Indigenous-Led Economy

April 1, 2025, 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM

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

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

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

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

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

The Indigenous-Led Economy: 2025 Economic Reconciliation Summit

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

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

→ Register Now

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

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

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

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

Featured Participants

Victoria Pruden

President, Métis National Council
Biography

Victoria Pruden
Victoria Pruden is a proud Michif Iskwew (Métis woman) and mother with deep ancestral roots in the Métis Nation. She traces her heritage to influential Métis leaders, including Cuthbert Grant and Pierre Falcon, who were friends, brother-in-laws, and leaders in the Battle of Seven Oaks. Her family was deeply involved in the Batoche Resistance, with plans for the movement taking shape at her ancestor Abraham Montour’s cabin in 1884 where a plan to return Louis Riel to Canada from Montana was launched. Born in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), Victoria is the seventh generation of a large Métis family whose legacy includes her forefather, an HBC Chief Factor who named Edmonton. Victoria has dedicated much of her life and career to advocating for Métis citizens and uplifting her community, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as President of the MNC. Victoria held leadership roles with the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) in Women, Elders, Employment, Child and Family Services, and Veterans ministries, and has served her Métis community in Victoria, British Columbia as President, Vice-President, and Director for over ten years. As a strong matriarch, Victoria served as Women’s Representative of the Métis Provincial Council of MNBC. Most recently, Victoria joined the Métis National Council as Senior Director of Strategic Policy in April 2024 until she was confidently appointed Chief Executive Officer (Interim) in October 2024. In addition to raising her son, Victoria has dedicated her life to championing ethical leadership and elevating the voices of Métis women and Knowledge Holders. She is deeply committed to fostering lateral kindness, trauma-informed practices, and true reconciliation. Her advocacy focuses on ensuring Métis citizens are represented with integrity and in alignment with Métis values as we walk our paths of self-government and treaty rights. Victoria is committed to strengthening the Métis National Council during a time of change in the Métis Nation’s political landscape. “In our old days, we appointed leaders for a period of time, for a specific purpose, to see a hunt, a battle, or a task through. In that spirit, I am proud to let my name stand for this position during this period of challenge at this moment in time, knowing that all of my experiences as a Métis person, a Métis citizen, a Métis leader, and a Métis technician will come into play.” - Victoria Pruden, December 9, 2024 With a strong belief in ethical principles, Victoria is dedicated to reforming the Métis National Council to meet the evolving needs of the Métis Nation. She approaches her role with gratitude, courage, warmth, and a commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and the revitalization of Métis culture and heritage for generations to come. Victoria resides on the unceded lands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, home to the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEĆ nations. She is honoured to serve the Métis Nation and to carry forward the vision of past leaders in the spirit of wâhkôhtowin with respect, dedication, and reform.
Tabatha Bull

President & CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Biography

Tabatha Bull
Tabatha, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation, holds the distinction of being named CEO of the Year for 2022 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023, and named as Top 100 Lobbyist in Canada four years in a row. As the President and CEO of CCIB, she is dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening the path towards reconciliation and fostering a prosperous Indigenous economy for the benefit of all Canadians. With a background in electrical engineering, Tabatha is committed to promoting Indigenous inclusion and diversity in Canada’s energy sector. In her role at CCIB, Tabatha serves the Indigenous community by supporting the Indigenous economy and sits on various boards, including the Dexterra Group, Wigwamen Inc., Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Catalyst CEO Advisory Board in Canada, among others. Tabatha's dedication to diversity extends to her efforts in removing systematic barriers to enhance opportunities for Indigenous businesses and women across all industry sectors. She was awarded an Honorary Diploma from Loyalist College in Applied Arts and Technology in recognition of her leadership and contributions to Indigenous economic growth. Additionally, she has earned her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, further strengthening her expertise in corporate governance and board leadership.
Sharleen Gale

Executive Chair, First Nations Major Projects Coalition
Biography

Sharleen Gale
Sharleen Gale has served as the chair of the board of directors for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) since 2017, overseeing growth of the organization and promoting economic inclusion of First Nations to the regional, national, and international stage. Sharleen was elected to the council of Fort Nelson First Nation, serving 15 years with 8 of those years as Chief. Sharleen’s experience as a community leader is furthered by her corporate experience in the oil and gas, renewable energy, and forestry sectors. During the 2020 global pandemic, Sharleen served the Province of BC as a member of the Premier’s Economic Recovery Task Force. She was also previously appointed to serve on the Canada Electricity Advisory Council and on the International Energy Agency’s Global Commission. Sharleen is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal awarded in recognition for her dedication to public service and leadership in economic development.
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.
Shannin Metatawabin

CEO, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Assoc.
Biography

Shannin Metatawabin
Shannin Metatawabin is Cree/Inninow from the Peetabeck Community of the Mushkegowuk Nation and is the father of four children. He is CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), an organization representing a national network of 58 Indigenous Financial Institutions that spur economic growth through loans to small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses. Informed by his vision of Indigenous self-reliance, Shannin has increased support to the Indigenous lending network by over half a billion dollars during his tenure at NACCA. He is firmly grounded in his Cree worldview and language and has served as an entrepreneur, commercial lender, business/community developer, and management consultant, assisting with well-over 300 Indigenous business start-ups and expansions. Shannin is a tireless advocate for meaningful economic reconciliation, creating investment vehicles such as the Indigenous Growth Fund and Indigenous Prosperity Foundation to connect private and philanthropic investors with Indigenous projects. Prior to joining NACCA, he served as Manager of the Aboriginal Affairs and Sustainability with DeBeers and Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.
Scott Alanen

VP, Investments, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC)
Biography

Scott Alanen
Scott Alanen is the VP, Investments for the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC). Scott brings experience, expertise and leadership capabilities around structuring, financing, and negotiating Indigenous partnerships in Alberta, including several deals directly involving AIOC. Scott’s previous experience positioned him as a principal architect of AIOC's first investment, Cascade Power. Scott has directly supported a large number of Indigenous Communities across Western Canada in the equity ownership of major assets including renewable and non-renewable power generation, energy storage, hydrogen and critical minerals, oil and gas infrastructure, carbon capture utilization and storage and agriculture, in addition to key land acquisitions directly for Alberta Indigenous Communities. Scott’s previous experience spans Alberta economic sectors including energy, oilfield services, real estate, manufacturing, and international trade. Scott holds a CPA designation and is accredited as a Chartered Business Valuator and Chartered Financial Modeller. He is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors education program.
Dallas Smith

Founder, President and CEO, Nanwakolas Council
Biography

Dallas Smith
Dallas Smith is the founder, president and CEO of the Nanwakolas Council - a cutting edge First Nations organization that protects and manages First Nation cultural values while building strategic opportunities and partnerships with both Government and Industry to increase sustainable opportunities and employment for the region. Dallas comes from the Tlowitsis Nation on northern Vancouver Island, where his 30+ year career started in supporting a land-use planning process for his Nation. Today Dallas continues to work representing multiple First Nations interests in navigating complex negotiations with crown governments, building partnerships with industry and environmental groups, and pushing for new large-scale collaborative governance agreements to catalyze land and marine protection and improved management in the Great Bear Rainforest and Sea. Dallas also has served on many boards and committees ranging from the Island Coastal Economic Trust, Coast Sustainability Trust, Coast Funds, and GeoScience BC, as well as advisory committees like the Premiers Council on the Environment and the Ministers Council on Employment for Peoples with Disabilities. Dallas has roots from all four corners of the Kwak̓wala speaking peoples with his mother coming from Haxwa’mis (Wakeman Sound) and Tsakis (Fort Rupert) and his father coming from G̱wayasdums (Gilford Island) and Qalagwees (Tourner Island). He’s spent the majority of his career working to bring greater human well-being and capacity to the Nations of the Great Bear Rainforest (GBR). As one of the architects of the GBR agreements and as the Founder and President of Na̲nwak̲olas Council he has built positive working relationships with all levels of government, industry, and the philanthropic community to find balance between conservation and sustainable economic development. His pragmatic and straight forward style has made him a welcome addition to many boards and committees and even led to him running as a candidate in the 2017 provincial election in the North Island riding. He lives in Duncan with his wife Toni and three beautiful daughters.
Bill Lomax

President & CEO, First Nations Bank of Canada
Biography

Bill Lomax
Bill Lomax is a member of the Gitxsan Nation. Bill grew up in Terrace, B.C. and studied in Vancouver before heading south to spend 22 years working on Wall Street and in Private equity in the United States. As a graduate of UBC’s law school and after obtaining his MBA at Columbia University, Mr. Lomax began his career as a lawyer facilitating land claim negotiations for the British Columbia Treaty Commission. He later worked for the Canadian Federal Department of Justice before entering the investment sector in the United States, working for firms such as Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs. Lomax believes the First Nations Bank of Canada will be a catalyst to create economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable in Indigenous Nations and communities. His deep experience in the US will serve him well. He worked with Native American Tribes across the US and was entrusted with managing multi-billions in Indigenous assets over the course of his career.
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.
Misko Kijig McGregor

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

Misko Kijig McGregor
Misko Kijig McGregor, Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi and Aamjiwnaang First Nations. Misko has a passion for economic reconciliation, community development, and social finance. Misko has worked with a variety of organizations including Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, NACCA, KPMG Canada, CPA Canada, and the First Nations Financial Management Board. Additionally, Misko gives his time by volunteering as a board director for the Ashbury College Foundation and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Currently, Misko works as an Associate Director in Debt Capital Markets at Cedar Leaf Capital, which is the first Indigenous majority owned and lead institutional investment dealer in Canada.
Claudette Commanda

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

Claudette Commanda
Claudette Commanda is an Algonquin Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation located in the province of Quebec. An alumna of the University of Ottawa faculties of Law and Arts, Claudette has dedicated the last 35 years promoting First Nations people, history, culture and rights in various capacities as a University of Ottawa student, professor, member and chair of the Aboriginal education council, and via public speaking events. She is the chief executive officer of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, a national organization that protects and promotes First Nations culture, languages and traditional knowledge. She is also the CEO of Maclean Day Schools Settlement Corporation. Ms. Commanda has taught at the University of Ottawa’s Institute of Women’s Studies, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law and the Indigenous Studies Program, teaching courses on First Nations Women, Native Education, First Nations People and History, Indigenous Traditions, and Decolonization. She was inducted into the Common Law Honour Society, served two terms on the Board of Governors for the First Nations University of Canada and three terms on the Kitigan Zibi band council. In 2017, Claudette was the first appointed First Nation Elder in Residence for the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, and the first person of a First Nation heritage to be complete a full term on the Board of Governors for the University of Ottawa. She was also the Special Adviser on Reconciliation, for the Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean, Faculty of Law (Common Law Section). Claudette is a proud mother of four and a grandmother of 10. In March 2020, Claudette received the 2020 Indspire Award for culture, heritage, and spirituality.
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.
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.
Leo Wilson

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

Leo Wilson
Leo Wilson is a Managing Director in KPMG's Deal Advisory practice and has 20 years of experience advising clients across a wide range of industries. KPMG's Deal Advisory team provides transaction-relates services to clients throughout the deal lifecycle, from strategy and due diligence to execution and post-transaction integration. Leo's focus is on acquisitions, divestitures and capital raising and his team recently acted as financial advisor to Petroglyph Development Group Ltd., the economic development corporation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, on the acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria on Vancouver Island. These acquisitions marked a pivotal shift for Snuneymuxw, fueling the prosperity and economic potential of the Nation. Leo trained as a CPA and Chartered Business Valuator and studied at UBC and McGill University. He is engaged in his community as a mentor for youth, a director for a non-profit and a proud husband and father to two daughters.
Michaela Bjorseth

Operations Director, Western Canada, Enbridge
Biography

Michaela Bjorseth
Michaela Bjorseth is Director of Operations for Enbridge’s Gas Transmission and Midstream (GTM) business in western Canada. In this role, Michaela leads a team of approximately 180 that oversee the ongoing safe operation of the company’s 2,953-kilometre BC Pipeline system, which stretches from Treaty 8 Territory at Fort Nelson to the Canada-U.S. border, and Aitken Creek Gas Storage, the only natural gas storage site in British Columbia. She joined the company in 2011 and prior to her role in Operations, Michaela led teams focused on engagement with Indigenous groups and local communities for ongoing operations, capital expansion and project development. Michaela earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Calgary (2005) and a Master of Arts in Conflict Management through Royal Roads University (2011).
Stephan Lidington

Vice President, Colliers Project Leaders Inc.
Biography

Stephan Lidington
Stephen Lidington brings significant experience as a project finance advisor for dozens of infrastructure projects across Canada. He is a seasoned transaction advisor with experience in both the public and private sectors on a wide range of major projects, including First Nations projects. Stephen leads the Project Finance, Infrastructure Advisory practice at Colliers Project Leaders, where he and his colleagues are committed to advancing the economic interests of First Nations in major infrastructure projects.
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.
Sébastien Labelle

Vice President, Canada Development Investment Corporation
Biography

Sébastien Labelle
Mr. Labelle has over twenty years of experience in the federal public service and federal Crown corporations in a range of economic policy and program functions, including 17 years as an executive. Prior to joining CEDEV in April 2024, Mr. Labelle spent five years as a Director General at Natural Resources Canada working to advance major resource projects, leading Indigenous consultations, and programs and policies to advance the development of Canada’s clean energy potential. Prior to that, Mr. Labelle spent eight years at the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office where he contributed to several federal Budgets, provided advice and direct support to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and developed a deep understanding of the way in which government works. Sébastien has also worked on major infrastructure programs and projects at the Department of National Defence, Public-Private Partnerships Canada, and at the Department of Indigenous Services where he focused on public infrastructure such as drinking water, schools, and housing. Most recently, Mr. Labelle was the executive lead for the Canada Innovation Corporation. Mr. Labelle has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a BA in History and Political Science, and a certificate in Public Sector Leadership and Governance from the University of Ottawa.