Featured Participants

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  Niko Nikolaidis

  CFO, Innergex Renewable Energy

  Biography

  Niko Nikolaidis

  Niko Nikolaidis joined Innergex in 2017 and, after serving as Vice President of Investments and Financing, was recently promoted to Chief Financial Officer, where he now oversees the organization's overall financial strategy, capital allocation, and investment decisions. Before becoming Vice President in 2021, he was Senior Director – Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, a role in which he led Innergex's expansion into the U.S. market through various acquisitions and headed the team responsible for identifying, analyzing, and closing multiple financing opportunities. Before joining Innergex, he held positions at Ernst & Young, GEK TERNA, and most recently Nord/LB, in roles related to investment and financing activities in the infrastructure and energy sectors. He worked in various locations across Europe and the United States before settling in Canada to join Innergex. His past experience has given him deep knowledge of electricity markets and a broad network of contacts across the energy industry. Mr. Nikolaidis holds a bachelor's degree as well as a master's degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University (2004) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Indianapolis (2007).
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  Warren Roy

  CEO, Global Relay

  Biography

  Warren Roy

  A life-long entrepreneur and 25-year veteran in the information technology sector, Warren worked in the architecture, engineering and construction industries during the transition to computer-aided design (CAD). In 1999, he founded Global Relay to offer one of the first hosted email archiving services, making Global Relay one of the true global pioneers of the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology model that today is popularly known as the “cloud.” Warren’s vision has always been to create and build incredible technology that redefines communications and the way the world leverages data. Warren drives the overall strategic direction for Global Relay — focusing on the design and development of multi-lingual, enterprise-class cloud-based messaging, collaboration, and archiving solutions to address compliance requirements for the financial sector. Under Warren’s leadership, Global Relay has become an internationally recognized leader in compliance archiving and Thomson Reuters’ exclusive Strategic Partner for messaging compliance worldwide. Global Relay has received numerous awards, including Canada’s Best Managed Companies (2014, 2013), Best Companies to Work for in BC (2011, 2012), BC Business’ Most Innovative Companies (2013), ITAC Ingenious Award (2014), BCTIA Community Engagement Award (2013), and the City of Vancouver’s Award of Excellence for Business Innovation (2014). Global Relay has also won positions on the Deloitte Technology Fast 50/500 and Profit 500 lists — annual rankings of the fastest growing companies in Canada and North America. In 2012, Warren was celebrated as BC CEO of the Year by Business in Vancouver Magazine for his outstanding vision, strategy and leadership at Global Relay. He was also honored as the BC Technology Industry Association’s (BCTIA) Person of the Year for 2013 for his contributions to the BC technology community and named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2013 in the Business-to-Business Products and Services Category for the Pacific Region.
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  Mia Morisset

  Partner, Inovia Capital

  Biography

  Mia Morisset

  Mia Morisset is a Partner at Inovia Capital, where she focuses on growth-stage technology investments across North America. Since joining the firm in 2018, she has participated in more than 12 transactions representing over $2 billion in aggregate capital raised. She led recent Growth Fund investments in Guesty, Novisto, and Motion, and works closely with portfolio companies including AlayaCare, Lark, Diamo, Talent.com, Super.com, and Wazo. In addition to investing, Mia plays an active role in developing Inovia’s growth strategy, fundraising efforts, and talent development initiatives. Prior to Inovia, Mia worked in private equity at PSP Investments and management consulting at Roland Berger. Mia is also Kauffman Fellow and recipient of a Next Gen Leadership award in venture capital.
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  Melika Carroll

  Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Cohere

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  Thomas Pitfield

  Co-Founder, Canada 2020

  Biography

  Thomas Pitfield

  Thomas Pitfield is an entrepreneur, technology executive, investor, and public policy advisor with expertise in artificial intelligence, digital strategy, data analytics, and innovation. His career has focused on the application of technology to public policy, democratic participation, and organisational decision-making. Mr. Pitfield is the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Data Sciences, a Canadian technology firm specialising in data analytics, digital engagement, research, and campaign strategy. He also worked as a consultant with IBM Canada, where he helped launch Canada’s first IBM Innovation Centre. He has been a long-time investor in Canada’s early-stage technology sector and is a co-founder of Canada 2020, an independent public policy think tank focused on innovation, economic growth, and Canada’s future competitiveness. Mr. Pitfield served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Leader of the Government in the Senate, the Honourable Jack Austin. He subsequently served as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Mark Carney, advising on government priorities, including artificial intelligence, innovation, productivity, and Canada’s digital economy.
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  Dr. Derek Ruths

  Associate Professor of Computer Science, McGill University

  Biography

  Dr. Derek Ruths

  Derek is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at McGill University. He cares about impactful adoption of computing technology – particularly data science and AI. This has led him to focus on research, consulting, and humanitarian projects that prioritize solving real-world problems over the fanciness of algorithms, the power of AIs, and the elegance of the dataset. His research has appeared in top-tier journals including Science and PNAS. He's worked with a diverse array of organizations including the United Nations, the Government of Canada, and most of the major social media platforms, as well as a host of industry partners and clients. In addition, he's the President of Charitable Analytics International where he brings the benefits of AI to humanitarian and development work around the world.
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  John Watson

  Group President, Business Markets, AI Fabric, Bell Cyber and Ateko

  Biography

  John Watson

  With more than 30 years of experience in the communications sector, including 26 years at the executive officer level, John leads Canada’s largest enterprise communications business, supporting organizations in Canada and internationally with their digital and AI transformations. As Group President of Bell Business Markets, AI Fabric, Bell Cyber and Ateko, John oversees Bell’s core enterprise portfolio and has built a $1B start-up comprised of Bell’s Ateko, Fabric and Cyber with the target to double the business by 2028. His team is leading the development of Canada’s largest portfolio of Sovereign AI factories with a planned 800MW+ portfolio, and this is part of his team’s Canadian Sovereign Cloud and AI full stack. Prior to Bell, John held senior leadership roles in the management consulting, consumer packaged goods, and healthcare/pharma sectors with multinational organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and MBA from the Schulich School of Business and serves as a board member of Sanctuary AI, Canada’s physical AI company on a mission to create industrial-grade humanoid robots.
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  Dr. Chris Miller

  Author of Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology; Professor of International History, Tufts University

  Biography

  Dr. Chris Miller

  Chris Miller is Professor of International History, where his research focuses on technology, geopolitics, economics, international affairs, and Russia. He is author of Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology, a geopolitical history of the computer chip. He is the author of three other books on Russia, including Putinomics: Power and Money in Resurgent Russia; We Shall Be Masters: Russia's Pivots to East Asia from Peter the Great to Putin; and The Struggle to Save the Soviet Economy: Mikhail Gorbachev and the Collapse of the USSR. He has previously served as the Associate Director of the Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy at Yale, a lecturer at the New Economic School in Moscow, a visiting researcher at the Carnegie Moscow Center, a research associate at the Brookings Institution, and as a fellow at the German Marshall Fund's Transatlantic Academy. He received his PhD and MA from Yale University and his BA in history from Harvard University.
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  Simon Kennedy

  former Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science & Economic Development

  Biography

  Simon Kennedy

  Simon Kennedy advises companies, investors and mission-driven organizations on public policy, regulation and economic strategy, drawing on more than three decades at the most senior levels of the Government of Canada. He is a senior advisor to Bennett Jones LLP, the global advisory firm Teneo, and Esplanade Ventures, a Canadian venture capital firm focused on health technology. He also serves on the boards of Finchley Pharmaceuticals, Canada's largest domestically owned pharmaceutical producer, Quantum Valley Ideas Lab and the national charity Brain Canada. In government, Simon held six deputy minister-level appointments spanning central agency, economic, health and trade portfolios. From 2019 to 2024, as Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, he led one of the federal government's most active economic portfolios. He steered major industrial policy initiatives to rebuild domestic biomanufacturing after the pandemic, develop critical minerals and electric-vehicle battery supply chains, and position Canada as a leader in frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. He also directed legislative reforms to the Investment Canada Act, Competition Act and Telecommunications Act, and was responsible for Canada's foreign investment review process. As Deputy Minister of Health from 2015 to 2019, Simon led Health Canada's broad regulatory and health promotion mandate, including the implementation of cannabis legalization and regulation, reforms to pharmaceutical pricing, food labelling and tobacco control, and the federal response to the opioid crisis. Earlier in his career, as Deputy Minister of International Trade, he oversaw the conclusion of landmark trade agreements with the European Union and South Korea. He also served as the Prime Minister's G-20 Sherpa, advising on international economic affairs, and as the Prime Minister's lead negotiator with the White House on the Canada–U.S. Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. Simon has previously served on the boards of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Ottawa Community Foundation, among others.
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  Elizabeth Wademan

  President & CEO, Canada Development Investment Corporation

  Biography

  Elizabeth Wademan

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

  Global Fellow at the Wilson Center & President of Greyfriars LLC

  Biography

  Matthew Zolnowski

  Matthew D. Zolnowski is a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center and President of Greyfriars LLC, a deal pathfinder and supply chain consulting firm. Until 2022, Mr. Zolnowski was a Highly Qualified Expert at the Department of Defense, serving as Special Advisor for Strategic Materials and Portfolio Manager for Defense Production Act Investments. In these roles, he developed of the critical minerals report under Executive Order 14017 and oversaw its implementation by the Department. Mr. Zolnowski also managed more than $1 billion in Defense Production Act funds, covering materials and COVID-19 healthcare projects. Mr. Zolnowski has guest-lectured at the U.S. Army War College and National Defense University, focusing on industrial mobilization and critical minerals supply chains. He also was a guest speaker at the European Rare Earth Competency Network. Previously, Mr. Zolnowski held management and analyst positions at Alion Science & Technology, supporting the National Defense Stockpile and U.S. Army, and J.A. Green & Company, assisting mining companies and traditional / non-traditional defense contractors. Mr. Zolnowski is a graduate of the University of Chicago (History) and King’s College London (War Studies).
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  Eric Miller

  CEO, Global Battery Materials Corp

  Biography

  Eric Miller

  Eric Miller brings nearly 20 years of executive experience in battery materials, automotive, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Since 2023, he has served as an advisor to Global Battery Materials, where he was integral in establishing the business. His career highlights include senior CFO positions advancing critical mineral projects in silicon anode materials and synthetic graphite, strengthening the resilience of North American energy storage supply chains. As co-founder and CFO of Anovion Technologies, Mr. Miller launched the company, secured federal grant and financing initiatives, and co-founded industry coalitions dedicated to advancing U.S. and Canadian battery materials legislation and shaping industrial policy. Previously, Mr. Miller held senior leadership roles at Amsted Industries, a Tier 1 supplier to the automotive, rail, and heavy-duty truck sectors. In positions including Vice President of Business Development and Vice President of Finance and Strategy, he led over a decade of transformative M&A transactions, international expansions, and product launches with OEMs such as GM, Ford, Daimler, and Dow. His contributions delivered significant sales growth, global market entries, and substantial operational and margin improvements. Earlier in his career, Mr. Miller served in financial and operational leadership roles at Robert Bosch Group and Amsted Digital Solutions, where he drove supply chain innovation and operational excellence. Mr. Miller holds dual degrees in management science and finance from St. Bonaventure University.
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  Todd Stone

  CEO, Association of Mineral Exploration

  Biography

  Todd Stone

  Todd is the President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration (“AME”). His strong advocacy for the role of mineral exploration in British Columbia’s economy is driven by his broad public and private sector experience and leadership. Todd’s background in government and public affairs includes serving as MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson for almost 12 years, and holding cabinet portfolios of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for Emergency Management, and Deputy Government House Leader. During his time in office, Stone was recognized and respected for his results-focused and thoughtful approach that helped shape many successful public policies and programs that the province benefits from today. Prior to being elected for the first time in 2013, Todd was Founder, President and CEO of iCompass Technologies. Here, he built and mentored a strong team to create cutting-edge tech solutions for hundreds of local government and other public sector organizations across Canada and the United States.
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  Caroline Wawzonek

  Deputy Premier; Minister of Finance; Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains

  Biography

  Caroline Wawzonek

  Caroline Wawzonek was first elected to the 19th Legislative Assembly in 2019 as the Member for Yellowknife South. Ms. Wawzonek served as Minister of Justice, Minister of Finance, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. In 2023, Ms. Wawzonek was acclaimed to the 20th Legislative Assembly and returned to Executive Council as Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister of Infrastructure and the Minister Responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. Ms. Wawzonek holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary (2000) and a law degree from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law (2005). Her academic journey included language studies in China and Taiwan, as well as legal internships in the Philippines and England. Born in Calgary, AB, she has called Yellowknife home since 2007. After establishing her criminal law practice post-admission to the Law Society of the NWT, Ms. Wawzonek appeared in all levels of NWT courts and engaged in circuit court travel. She later joined Dragon Toner, expanding her practice to general litigation and administrative law until becoming a member of the 19th Assembly. Since 2007, she has taken on leadership roles in the legal community, including the presidency of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories (LSNT), section chair for the Canadian Bar Association Northwest Territories Branch (CBA-NT), and committee membership in various working groups. Her community involvement extends to appointments in multiple Yellowknife organizations, and she received a national award in 2017 for her contributions to Canadian Women in Law. Ms. Wawzonek, a mother of two, enjoys running, paddleboarding, and time outdoors.
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  Mark Cliffe-Philips

  Executive Director, Mackenzie Valley Review Board

  Biography

  Mark Cliffe-Philips

  Mark Cliffe-Phillips is the Executive Director of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (Review Board), which is an independent co-management tribunal responsible for the environmental impact assessment process in the Mackenzie Valley of the NWT. The Review Board is the result of modern comprehensive land claims that created a co-management resource management system that enabled Indigenous peoples of the NWT to have greater say in the decision making process. Prior to joining the Review Board, Mark was the Executive Director of the Wek’èezhìı Land and Water Board, which was responsible for the licensing and permitting of Canada’s largest diamond mines. Mark has been working in the resource co-management sector in the Northwest Territories for over 20 years. He was also a founding Board member of the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects, where he is now a member of the Technical Advisory Committee. He frequently participates in various environmental assessment improvement and cumulative effects initiatives across the North and the rest of Canada.
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  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.
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  Tim Murphy

  Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Affairs Officer, Aecon Group Inc.

  Biography

  Tim Murphy

  Tim Murphy is Executive Vice President & Chief Strategic Affairs Officer, working with Aecon’s leadership team to drive and execute Aecon’s strategy with responsibility for identifying opportunities where Aecon can grow and scale, partner to achieve operating sector objectives, and foster strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders. Mr. Murphy has over three decades of experience in legal and management, public service, and private and public transactions with a focus on infrastructure, project finance and Public-Private Partnerships. Prior to joining Aecon, he served as Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of McMillan LLP, as well as Managing Director of McMillan Vantage Public Affairs. Mr. Murphy previously served as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Canada, Chief of Staff to the Finance Minister of Canada, and as an elected Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario. He serves on the Board of Morguard REIT and the Canadian National Institute of the Blind and was also previously Chair of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority Board of Directors, as well as a variety of public, private and non-profit Boards. Mr. Murphy holds a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto, where he is currently an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Law.
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  Dr. Andrew Furey

  Vice Chair, National Bank of Canada, Experienced Executive, Physician, Humanitarian and former Premier of Newfoundland & Labrador

  Biography

  Dr. Andrew Furey

  ✓Leadership of generational initiatives for the province of NL related to Churchill Falls hydro-electrical development - including negotiation of a rate mitigation agreement with the federal government worth $5.2-billion and a new $227-billion MOU with Québec ✓ Leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging Masters’ education in Clinical Epidemiology ✓ Led negotiations that secured the future of NL’s oil and gas sector ✓ Launched new clean energy industry in province of NL based on wind and hydrogen. ✓ Created strategic fiscal and policy decisions that produced a much-needed credit rating upgrade for NL ✓ Deep experience in high-level policy and economic discussions with senior leaders such as Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial Premiers, with a focus on cross-border and interprovincial trade. Chair Canadian Atlantic Premiers: 2020 and 2024 ✓ Progressive thinking Liberal with strong relationships across the political spectrum, including close alignment with Prime Minister Carney’s economic and leadership vision. ✓ International leadership and diplomatic skills – participation in various international trade missions - and successful repatriation of an Unknown NL Solider from France to NL ✓ Founded and led Team Broken Earth. Built relationships with foreign professionals, government representatives and NGOs to meet in-country needs. Scaled operations from a single mission to a global initiative, delivering critical medical aid in disaster zones and conflict areas, including Haiti and beyond. Built and managed a multidisciplinary team of over 1,000 volunteers, secured CRA charitable status and funding partners. ✓ Experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon, having held positions including Chief of Orthopaedics, Eastern Health 2015-2020, Associate Professor of Surgery (Orthopaedics), MUN 2006-2020 and Fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Maryland/Johns Hopkins (2006-2007) ✓ Published author: Hope in the Balance: A Newfoundland Doctor Meets a World in Crisis, Penguin Random House, 2020 ✓ Recipient of various awards and recognitions including: Memorial University Alumnus of the year (2012), King’s Coronation Medal (2025) and Honorary Doctorate – Canadian University Dubai (2024) and Humanitarian of the Year, Canadian Red Cross NL (2017)
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  Michelle Mungall

  Former BC Minister for Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

  Biography

  Michelle Mungall

  Michelle is a go-getter, problem solver and a passionate voice for Canadians. After serving as her community’s youngest City Councillor in history, she was elected as the region’s first female Member for BC’s Legislative Assembly and served 12 years building strong relationships with her colleagues, First Nations and other levels of government. In 2017, Michelle was appointed as Minister for Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in the John Horgan government. There, she steered critical files such as LNG, BC Hyrdo’s Site C dam, and Zero-emission Vehicles. Shortly after she took on the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Michelle worked closely with small businesses across the province as well as key economic sectors to plan for economic mitigation and recovery. Michelle was born and raised in Alberta before moving to BC in 2002. She recently moved from rural Nelson BC to Vancouver with her two children. She loves reading, cycling, figure skating, and skiing with her children.
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  Cheryl Oates

  Principal, GT Executive Advisors; Former Chief of Staff, Premier of BC

  Biography

  Cheryl Oates

  Cheryl Oates has spent two decades inside rooms most consultants only read about. She started as a journalist, spending nearly a decade in newsrooms covering everything from breaking news to politics, training that taught her how a story lands before she ever had to manage one. She then became Communications Chief to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, running the province's message through wildfire crises and a bruising fight to reposition Alberta's energy and climate story on the national stage. In 2026, BC Premier David Eby called her back to government, asking her to step in as Chief of Staff at a critical juncture for British Columbia. She helped set the government's priorities, ran the office and led political negotiations for the Canada–B.C. Cooperative Prosperity Agreement - a multi-billion-dollar deal that will shape the province's economy for a generation. Cheryl has served as a senior political advisor on three Alberta elections and a Manitoba election, and as Campaign Director for the Saskatchewan NDP's 2024 campaign. She's also worked internationally with the National Democratic Institute in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Now a Principal at GT Executive Advisors, Oates advises C-suite leaders who need someone who's held the pen, not just read the memo. She teaches at McGill's Max Bell School and is a regular political commentator on CBC's Power & Politics.
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  Johanne Senécal

  Vice President of Sustainability, External Relations and Indigenous Affairs, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)

  Biography

  Johanne Senécal

  Johanne Senécal joined CAPP in October 2022 as Vice President of Sustainability, External Relations and Indigenous Affairs and is based in Ottawa. Johanne is a seasoned government and regulatory affairs expert with over 30 years of experience as a senior executive working in the areas of public policy development, government relations, regulatory affairs, indigenous affairs and strategic communications, both in the public and private sectors. She has worked in the mining and telecommunications sectors and has an extensive political background having worked for the Prime Minister of Canada, various Ministers and serving as Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Official Opposition. Johanne has also held several directorships and was the inaugural Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canada Digital Technology Supercluster as well as a member of the Mining Industry Human Resources Council Board of Directors. Johanne holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Quebec Bar. She has pursued Executive Leadership Development at the Harvard Business School and has an Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D certification from the Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto).
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  Mark Maki

  CEO, Trans Mountain Corporation

  Biography

  Mark Maki

  Mark Maki was appointed as Trans Mountain’s Chief Executive Officer in September 2024. Before that, he served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer, a role he assumed upon joining the company in 2020. Prior to joining Trans Mountain, Mark spent nearly 34 years at Enbridge, where he held several executive roles in both Canada and the US, including President of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. in Houston, Chief Accounting Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance, and Senior Vice President of Corporate Planning and Sponsored Vehicles. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin–Superior and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
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  Anne McLellan

  Co-chair, Coalition for A Better Future

  Biography

  Anne McLellan

  Honourable A. Anne McLellan, P.C., O.C., A.O.E. served four terms as the Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre, during which she was Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Minister of Health, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister of Natural Resources. Ms. McLellan serves on the board of Invest Alberta Corporation as vice-chair. Among her many community commitments, she is chair of the board of the TELUS Edmonton Community Board. She also serves on the boards of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and the Institute of Corporate Directors. Ms. McLellan is Co-Chair of the Coalition for a Better Future, a diverse group of over 140 organizations working together to focus on sustainable, inclusive economic growth. In 2022, Ms. McLellan was appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel for the 41 Combat Engineer Regiment (41 CER), a Reserve unit of the 41 Canadian Brigade-Group (41 CBG). In July 2009 Ms. McLellan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and in October 2013 she received the Alberta Order of Excellence. From 1980 – 1992 she was a professor in the University of Alberta's Faculty of Law and served as both Associate Dean (1985 – 1987) and Acting Dean (1991 – 1992) of the Faculty. Ms. McLellan holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Law degree from Dalhousie University and a Master of Laws degree from King's College, University of London.
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  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.
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  Greg Orencsak

  Deputy Minister of Natural Resources

  Biography

  Greg Orencsak

  Greg Orencsak was appointed the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, effective January 19, 2026. He served as the Deputy Minister of Health with the Government of Canada, from August 19, 2024, until January 16, 2026. Deputy Minister Orencsak has held other senior leadership positions with the Government of Ontario including Deputy Minister of Finance and, concurrently, Chair of the Ontario Financing Authority, between 2018 and 2024; Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development from 2017-2018; Chair of the Public Service Commission from 2015-2016; Deputy Minister, Secretary of the Treasury Board and Secretary of the Management Board of Cabinet, Treasury Board Secretariat from 2014-2016; and Deputy Minister of Government Services in 2014. Prior to these appointments, he was Associate Deputy Minister of Finance from 2011-2014 and Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance from 2009-2011. From 2016-2017, he was Partner, Government and Public Sector, and National Leader, Public Policy and Fiscal Innovation, at EY (Ernst and Young). He holds Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in economics from the University of Toronto.
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  Hon. Seamus O'Regan

  Former Natural Resources, Indigenous Services and Labour Minister

  Biography

  Hon. Seamus O'Regan

  Seamus O’Regan has served as Canada’s Natural Resources Minister, Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister of Labour, Minister for Seniors, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. He was first elected Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl in 2015 and reelected in 2019 and 2021. He was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, and raised in Goose Bay, Labrador. He studied politics at St. Francis Xavier University and University College, Dublin, and marketing strategies at INSEAD, near Paris. He graduated Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, with a dissertation on Indigenous participation in large-scale natural resource development. Before elected politics, he was a host of Canada's leading morning news programme, Canada AM, for ten years. Today, he is Vice-Chair at Global Public Affairs and Senior Business Advisor at Stewart McKelvey, the largest law firm in Atlantic Canada.
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  Travis Allan

  President and CEO, Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council

  Biography

  Travis Allan

  Travis Allan is a leading expert on transportation and energy regulation. Travis previously served as Chief Legal and Public Affairs Officer at one of Canada’s top EV charging networks, FLO, where he oversaw the company’s legal, regulatory, public affairs, communications, and cybersecurity functions. He has helped companies raise over $524M in cross border growth capital across a range of private equity, project finance, secured credit and carbon credit transactions. Travis has been recognized as a Canadian to Watch by Automotive News Canada and a Leading Energy Lawyer in Canada by Who’s Who Legal.
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  Merran Smith

  Executive Board Chair, New Economy Canada

  Biography

  Merran Smith

  Merran Smith is Executive Chair of New Economy Canada, bringing decades of leadership and partnership with industry, government, and civil society to create economic solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. She is broadly recognized as a national thought leader in advancing Canada’s clean economy, with career highlights including founding Clean Energy Canada and her leadership in the landmark Great Bear Rainforest agreement. Merran is a board member of BC Hydro and was the co-chair of B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council which advised the B.C. government on Clean BC. She has won numerous awards for her leadership in the clean economy, including most recently the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal awarded to a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to British Columbia.
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  Taylor Owen

  Founding Director of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy at McGill University

  Biography

  Taylor Owen

  Taylor Owen is the Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications, the founding director of The Center for Media, Technology and Democracy, and an Associate Professor in the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. He is the host of the Big Tech podcast, a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Governance Innovation, a Fellow at the Public Policy Forum, and sits on the Governing Council of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). He was previously an Assistant Professor of Digital Media and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia and the Research Director of Tow Center for Digital Journalism at the Columbia School of Journalism. His Doctorate is from the University of Oxford and he has been a Trudeau and Banting scholar, an Action Canada Fellow and received the 2016 Public Policy Forum Emerging Leader award. He is the author of Disruptive Power: The Crisis of the State in the Digital Age (Oxford University Press, 2015) and the co-editor of The World Won’t Wait: Why Canada Needs to Rethink its Foreign Policies (University of Toronto Press, 2015) and Journalism After Snowden: The Future of the Free Press in the Surveillance State (Columbia University Press, 2016). His forthcoming book with Emily Bell will be published by Yale University Press in 2021. His work focuses on the intersection of media, technology and public policy and can be found at www.taylorowen.com and @taylor_owen.
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  Graham Richardson

  Ottawa Bureau Chief, CTV National News

  Biography

  Graham Richardson

  Graham Richardson is the Ottawa Bureau Chief for CTV National News. The longtime CTV News Ottawa anchor returned to the organization in 2026 to lead daily news coverage from the nation’s capital across all CTV News platforms. In addition to leading breaking news and political coverage from CTV News’ award-winning Ottawa News Bureau team, in his new role, Richardson becomes a regular contributor to Canada’s 24-hour, all-news network, CTV News Channel, and appears as a back-up host for the network’s marquee weekday political program Power Play. He also hosts weekly Friday editions of Bell Media’s syndicated noon hour national news/talk radio program, The Vassy Kapelos Show. Richardson announced his departure from CTV News in 2024, having previously served as chief news anchor of CTV News Ottawa’s CTV News at Six. He joined the CTV News Ottawa team in January 2010, covering significant stories affecting the nation’s capital including the 2022 "Freedom Convoy" protests, the 2022 derecho storm, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the 2018 Ottawa tornado, and many more. Richardson previously spent nearly four years covering Parliament Hill for CTV National News, delivering coverage of numerous significant international stories involving then-prime minister Stephen Harper. He filed reports from Kandahar; G8 meetings in Germany and Japan; and official visits to India, Singapore, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the United Nations headquarters in New York. Before his assignment on Parliament Hill, Richardson was CTV News’ Los Angeles bureau chief, covering the Michael Jackson trial, Hurricane Katrina, space shuttle landings, the Mexican election, and the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino. Richardson speaks English.
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  Claude Guay

  Member of Parliament, LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, Quebec and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

  Biography

  Claude Guay

  Claude Guay is the Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and a proud Montrealer with deep Québécois roots. Before entering public life, he built a distinguished international career in business and technology, including serving as President and General Manager of IBM Canada and later holding senior global leadership roles within the company. Over four decades, he worked across sectors including innovation, manufacturing, financial services, energy, transportation, and government transformation. A graduate of École Polytechnique de Montréal in industrial engineering and a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, Claude has long been recognized for his leadership in digital innovation, economic development, and responsible technology. Throughout his career, he worked closely with governments, businesses, and community organizations to help position Canada as a leader in emerging technologies and skills development. In addition to his business career, Claude has remained deeply engaged in community service. He has supported numerous initiatives focused on youth, inclusion, entrepreneurship, and access to opportunity, including organizations such as Robotique FIRST Québec, DMZ, and United Way Greater Toronto Area. Elected to the House of Commons in 2025. Claude is committed to building a stronger, more affordable, and more innovative Canada for future generations. He lives in Montreal with his wife, Carol Anne. Together, they are proud parents of a son serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and grandparents to a young granddaughter who inspires Claude’s commitment to public service and to the future of Canadian families.
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  Wendy Hadwen

  Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy-Industry Department of National Defence, Canada

  Biography

  Wendy Hadwen

  Ms. Wendy Hadwen was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy-Industry) in October 2024. Prior to assuming her current duties, she was Communications Security Establishment Canada’s Deputy Chief responsible for Strategic Policy, Planning and Partnerships. Previously she held executive positions at NRCan, at Treasury Board Secretariat, Ernst & Young, and the Security and Intelligence Secretariat of the Privy Council Office. Since starting in 1994 at Foreign Affairs working on rapid reaction capacity for international peacekeeping operations, she has spent her policy career almost entirely on peace and security issues including implementing the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, establishing the counterterrorism capacity building program, and promoting non-proliferation and nuclear security. Ms. Hadwen has an M.A. in War Studies from King’s College London and a BSc in Chemistry and History from the University of Toronto.
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  Shaun Fantauzzo

  Vice President, Strategy and Sustainability, Wyloo

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  Ranj Pillai

  Former Premier of Yukon

  Biography

  Ranj Pillai

  Ranj Pillai is a business executive and former public sector leader who served as the tenth Premier of the Yukon. Over a decade in territorial politics, he held several senior cabinet portfolios – as the minister responsible for energy, mining, economic development, housing, and tourism and culture. 
In government, Ranj focused on strengthening and diversifying the Yukon's economy through responsible resource development, infrastructure investment, and targeted support to entrepreneurs and industry while advancing reconciliation. He worked with Yukon First Nations to modernize mineral resource management and enhance regulatory clarity and is a signatory to the 2017 memorandum of understanding on mining between the Government of Yukon and self-governing Yukon First Nations. In recognition of his work, Ranj was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Yukon 125 medal by the Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations. 
As Premier, Ranj worked tirelessly to bring national attention to the need for increased federal investment in Arctic security and northern infrastructure, advocating for a Northern trade corridor to expand access to domestic and international markets, championing the Yukon’s connection to the North American electrical grid and increasing the Canadian Armed Forces’ footprint in the territory as a way advance national security while driving local economic development.   Currently, Ranj works across the private sector, security networks, and academia. He is the President and CEO of Seva Mining, a gold exploration company backed by the Fiore Group. He serves as a Network Co-Lead with the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network, as an international advisor with the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs’s Arctic Initiative, and is a member of the Inaugural Advisory Council for the Fairfax Centre for Free Enterprise at Huron University.   Before entering politics, Ranj held leadership roles at Northern Vision Development, Gorilla Minerals Corporation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, the City of Whitehorse, and Yukon University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from King's College and lives in Whitehorse with his wife and sons.
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  Genevieve Tomney

  Principal, GT

  Biography

  Genevieve Tomney

  Gen is a seasoned communicator with 20 years working in senior roles within government, news media and both public and private corporations. For Gen, curiosity is a driving force and asking the right (and often tough) questions is key to success. When crisis or reputation issues pose a threat, Gen’s calm, critical thinking and deep understanding of journalists and digital media delivers results for clients. Her expertise also includes media and presentation training, corporate communications strategy, executive thought leadership, OpEd and speechwriting.
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  Sean Wiltshire

  COO, Data Sciences

  Biography

  Sean Wiltshire

  Sean is a data expert, having served as Director of Data and Analytics for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2015 federal election campaign and helping institute a new data-centric approach to voter engagement. Prior to that, Sean received his Ph.D. in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University in Montreal, where his research focused on the genetic determinants of the immune response to viral infection.
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  Elin Miller

  Deputy Director, Global Affairs Canada, Co-chair of NAWL, Co-author of Everyday Reconciliation

  Biography

  Elin Miller

  ELIN MILLER co-authored the book Everyday Reconciliation (HarperCollins Canada, 2026) which provides concrete guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians on how to contribute to the national reconciliation process. She previously hosted the podcast Everyday Reconciliation in 2021–2022, which she created and co-produced with Canada 2020. She spent most of her working life in the Swedish Foreign Service and more recently at Global Affairs Canada, working on issues of international law, human rights, gender equality, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. She also co-chairs the National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL).
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  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.