The Hon. Catherine McKenna

Navigating — and Winning — the Energy Transition

As the former Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna spearheaded ground-breaking environmental initiatives across Canada, from the Paris Agreement to landmark carbon pricing and efforts to phase out coal, reduce plastics, and double nature protection.

Now the CEO of Climate and Nature Solutions, Catherine explores how governments, corporations, and communities can seize economic opportunities to build a competitive, sustainable future.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier

Re-Imagining a New Way Forward with Intention

A Nobel Peace Prize nominee and climate justice leader, Sheila Watt-Cloutier speaks with passion and urgency on the issues of today — the environment, the economy, foreign policy, global health, and sustainability — not as separate concerns, but as a deeply interconnected whole.

At a time when people are seeking solutions, direction, and a sense of hope, this global sustainability leader provides a big picture of where we are and where we’re headed.

Peter Tertzakian

Energy, Environment, and Policy: What’s Happening Now?

The energy landscape is rapidly evolving. The forces shaping it include climate and environmental strains, government policy, social pressures, capital markets, geopolitics, and, of course, technology. But where are we moving to? And what opportunities and roadblocks lie ahead?

Energy economist Peter Tertzakian explores what’s happening in the energy industry, including oil and gas, nuclear power, biofuels and clean energy.

The Hon. Rachel Notley

Combating Climate Change while Protecting Jobs: A Case Study of Alberta

As the leader of a province that relied heavily on the extraction and sale of non-renewable resources for its economic stability, the Honourable Rachel Notley still managed to introduce policies that secured the biggest reduction in carbon emissions anywhere in Canada.

While the challenges and complexity of this are significant, Rachel’s Albertan case study shows how well-intentioned, good policy can achieve results that not only meet but exceed targets.

Chief Perry Bellegarde

Building a Sustainable Future: Economic and Environmental Reconciliation

Drawing on his work with the Sustainable Markets Initiative, Chief Perry Bellegarde shares his pathway to a collaborative future where the economy and environment thrive together. Central to this is the Indigenous principle of giving back to Mother Earth — wisdom increasingly urgent amid climate change.

Guided by Indigenous Elders’ teachings, Perry shows how government, industry, and finance can partner with First Nations to build genuine sustainability rooted in ancient knowledge.

Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon

Addressing Our Environmental and Energy Challenges

Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon is one of Canada’s leading public intellectuals and expert on the intricate links between nature, technology, and society. Founder of the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University, he examines critical 21st century challenges from economic instability to climate change.

Thomas explores how the shift from fossil fuels to carbon-free energy presents enormous opportunities, and how individuals, organizations, and communities can adapt and prosper.

Bob McDonald

The Future Is Now: Solving the Climate Crisis with Today’s Technologies

Based on his bestselling book, Bob McDonald delivers an optimistic look at our energy future — we know how to capture nature’s free energy, and we have the technology to do it. Wind turbines now reach the height of the Eiffel Tower, while solar materials integrate seamlessly into buildings.

Just as the Stone Age didn’t end from lack of stone, the fossil fuel age is morphing into clean energy, not because we ran out of oil, but because cleaner technology has come along.

Tanya Talaga

Climate Change and Indigenous Knowledge

As Mother Earth’s temperatures rise, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of climate change. From melting permafrost to disrupted animal migration and devastating forest fires, these communities witness environmental transformation in real time.

Award-winning Anishinaabe journalist and author Tanya Talaga outlines why it’s important to safeguard the pristine lands and waterways we have left and how Indigenous guardians could hold the key.

Eve Turow-Paul

Resilient Plates: Building a Positive, Desirable Future of Food

The climate conversation can often leave people overwhelmed, but Eve Turow-Paul offers hope through food. Drawing on her work at BITE (Building Impact Through Eaters), she shares how sustainable food options can drive both profit and guest satisfaction.

Using real-world examples and behavioural science, Eve reimagines sustainable eating not as sacrifice but as joy — empowering audiences with practical approaches that benefit people and planet alike.