Presenter: 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.

Event

Canada’s Energy Future

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

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

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

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

Register Now

Building an Energy Superpower: Canada’s Energy Future

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

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

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

Featured Participants

The Hon. Julie Dabrusin

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

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

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

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

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

High Commissioner of India to Canada
Mark Watton

Lead Commissioner, Canada Energy Regulator (CER)
Biography

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

Associate Deputy Minister, Natural Resources Canada
Biography

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

President, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Biography

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

Vice President Strategy, Insights & Scenarios, Shell International
Biography

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

President and Chief Executive Officer, Capital Power
Biography

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

Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Power Sustainable
Biography

Delia Cristea
Delia Cristea joined Power Sustainable at its inception in 2019. She oversees the firm’s legal, compliance and culture functions. She is also responsible for deepening the firm’s community impact and ecosystem building activities in the sustainable finance space. Prior to Power Sustainable, Delia worked as counsel for Power Corporation of Canada, where she most recently served as Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Prior to that, she was Associate at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in the Montreal and Toronto offices and served as in-house counsel with BCE Inc. Delia graduated with a gold medal from McGill Faculty of Law and holds a license in law and a Masters in European law from Sorbonne University in Paris. She also chairs the board and the governance committee of Lawyers without Borders Canada. She is passionate about supporting the growth of the sustainability ecosystem both in Canada and abroad. As such acts as board member or advisor to a number of organizations in this space, including Cycle Momentum, the McGill Sustainable Growth Initiative and the Green Finance Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Chris Prokop

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

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

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

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

Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Biography

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

Former President & CEO, TransMountain Corporation
JP Gladu

Principal, Mokwateh
Biography

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

President, Oil Sands Alliance
Biography

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

CEO, Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corp.
Lisa Baiton

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

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

President & CEO, Export Development Canada
Biography

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

Head of Canadian Client Solutions, Partners Group
Michael Rosenfeld

Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments, PSP
Biography

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

Executive Chair, Creative Energy
Biography

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

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

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

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

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

President and CEO, Energy Alberta
Biography

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

Independent Director, Board of Directors, Birchcliff Energy
Biography

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

VP Gas Transmission & Midstream, Enbridge
Biography

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

Former President & Country Chair, Shell Canada
Tiara Folkes

Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy
Biography

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

Co-Founder, Canada 2020
Biography

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

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

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

Summit Presenting Partner

Summit Partners

Summit Session Partners

Event

From Ambition to Action

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

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

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

Nancy Southern

Chair & CEO, ATCO Ltd.
Biography

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

Founding Director, Missing Middle Initiative
Biography

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

Head of Affordable Housing and Public Affairs, Dream Unlimited
Biography

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

CEO, Welcome Hall Mission
Biography

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

Mayor of Ottawa
Biography

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

CEO, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Biography

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

CEO, ALTO
Biography

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

Cerulean Global Advisory
Biography

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

President, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Biography

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

President, Sedgwick Strategies
Biography

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

Vice President, Sustainability, Wyloo
Valerie Helbronner

Partner, Torys LLP
Biography

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

President & CEO, Canada Development Investment Corporation
Biography

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

Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy
Biography

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

Independent Director, Board of Directors, Birchcliff Energy
Biography

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

Group Head, Strategy, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Biography

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

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

Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Biography

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

School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
Biography

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

Leader, the Alberta New Democrats
Biography

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

Member of Parliament (Calgary Confederation)
Simon Kennedy

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

Chair of the Board, Agnico Eagle
Biography

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

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
Martha Hall Findlay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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