Victoria Forum 2025
PROGRAM
2:00 p.m.
Buses depart Empress Hotel
3:00 p.m.
Welcomes
Saul Klein
Executive Director, Victoria Forum
Welcome to the Territory :
Elder Butch (Clarence) Dick
Featuring:
Honourable Diana Gibson
M.L.A., Minister of Citizens’ Services, Government of British Columbia
Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler
Senate of Canada
Chris Horbachewski
VP External Relations, University of Victoria
Tish Sera Josep
Youth Advocate, City of Victoria Youth Council
Performance:
Zoe Slusar
Hip Hop Artist
4:00 p.m.
Opening Plenary: Shifting the Trajectory to a Better Future
As the world approaches 2030, the urgent need to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intersects powerfully with rising geopolitical uncertainty. This plenary session explores how the SDGs serve as a compass in today’s uncertain world, and at how the work of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada serves as a model for values-based, transformative change.
Miles Richardson
Executive Director, National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development
Rt. Hon. Joe Clark
Former Prime Minister of Canada
Nurjehan Mawani
Former Diplomatic Representative, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN); Former Vice Chair, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Moderator:
Carol Anne Hilton
Founder, Indigenomics Institute; author, The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power
Reflections:
Chief Wilton Littlechild
5:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Reception
7:00 p.m.
Buses depart Songhees Wellness Centre
AUGUST 25 (UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA)
7:30 a.m.
Buses depart Empress Hotel
8:00 a.m.
Light breakfast (In breezeway outside Farquhar Auditorium)
8:30 a.m.
Welcome (Farquhar Auditorium, University of Victoria)
Senator Jim Munson
Chair of the Board, Victoria Forum
Welcome to the Territory
Elder Butch (Clarence) Dick
8:45 a.m.
Plenary 2: Taking Stock of the SDGs in 2025 (Farquhar Auditorium)
With just five years until the target date of 2030, the prospects are slim for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. This session will ask the questions: How much progress has been made and how can Canada and other nations close the gap between humanity’s hopes and its prospects?
Featuring:
Vanessa Alboiu
Senior Performance Auditor, Office of the Auditor-General of Canada
Frances Edmonds
Head of Sustainable Impact, HP Canada
Jayne Barlow
Director of Programs & Partnerships, Global Centre for Pluralism
Moderator:
Honourable Diana Gibson
M.L.A., Minister of Citizens’ Services, Government of British Columbia
9:15 a.m.
Buses depart Empress Hotel
9:45 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m.
Plenary 3: Climate x Health: Canada’s Role (Farquhar Auditorium)
Planetary health, which sits at the intersection of global health and climate change, is a key existential challenge of our time, and has been identified as a priority for the World Health Organization. But what does it mean and how could Canada effectively address it? This session will explore this question by providing an overview of the issue.
Kevin Linn
PhD student, Harvard School of Public Health
Karlee Silver
CEO, Grand Challenges Canada
Martin Edlund
CEO, Malaria No More and the Health Finance Coalition
Robin Speedie
Planetary Health Lead, Fraser Health Authority
Dr. Courtney Howard
Chair, Global Climate and Health Alliance; Founder, POWER – Planetary Health Organizations for Wellbeing, Equity, and Regeneration
Moderator:
Dr. Peter Singer
Former Executive Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
11:20 a.m.
Plenary 4: The 2030 Challenge: Transitioning Canada’s Industrial Economy (Farquhar Auditorium)
This session’s purpose is to identify leverage points and related strategies for Canada to make an accelerated and equitable transition to a zero carbon economy by 2030.
Bentley Allan
Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins University; Transition Pathway Principal, The Transition Accelerator
William Lazonick
President, Academic-Industry Research Network; Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts
Dan Woynillowicz
Principal, Polaris Strategy + Insight, currently co-leading the independent review of CleanBC
Moderator:
Senator Yuen Pau Woo
Senate of Canada
12:40 p.m.
Lunch
1:50 p.m.
Parallel Sessions (David Strong Building)
5a – The Contribution of Coops in Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Room C112)
This panel examines how cooperatives can help advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Experts will highlight the innovative solutions cooperatives offer, while also addressing challenges in gaining political support. The discussion will focus on strategies to strengthen cooperative entrepreneurship in Canada as a means to build resilient, inclusive communities and economies.
Marc-André Pigeon
Professeur adjoint, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, Université de Saskatchewan et Directeur et chercheur stratégique, Centre canadien d’étude des coopératives
Yuill Herbert
Founding Director, Sustainability Solutions Group
Alain Blanchette
Directeur, Distinction coopérative et mutualiste
Glenn Valliere
Manager – Strategy, Arctic Co-operatives Limited
Moderator:
John Kay
President, Co-operative and Mutuals Canada
5b – Africa, an essential pillar for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (in French and English) (Room C125)
This session will highlight Africa’s unique potential to achieve the SDGs. In particular, the continent’s resources, its demographic dynamism and its strategic role in the transition to inclusive and sustainable global development would be discussed.
Featuring:
Hippolyte Fofack
Research Associate, Harvard University; Parker Fellow, Sustainable Development Solutions Network
Edward Akuffo
Associate Professor, University of the Fraser Valley
Indira Moudi
CEO, Viandes Lafrance
Souad Elmallem
Executive Partner, 6temik
Moderator:
Senator Amina Gerba
Senate of Canada
5c – The future of student and community engagement in post-secondary education (Room C122)
This session will explore diverse approaches to student and community-engaged scholarship, at a time when the societal role of post-secondary institutions is changing. On the one hand, students need to know that their schools are preparing them to assume leadership roles in the societal transition now underway. At the same time, universities and colleges are becoming more closely engaged with and responsive to the needs of their host communities.
Featuring:
Michael Hawes
Director, Fulbright Canada
Patrick Deane
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University
Stephen Lucas
CEO, Mitacs
Moderator:
Senator Marilou McPhedran
Senate of Canada
5d – 100 Million Better Bites: Regenerative Food Cultures in Canada and the Poly/Metacrisis – Part 1 (Room C118)
How—and what—Canadians eat is a critical question as climate shocks, trade tensions, and chronic disease converge. With every bite, we confront Canada’s mainstream food culture, the metacrisis that underlays it, and the polycrisis that it reinforces. Health and environmental data converge on plant-forward eating as a critical pathway to planetary health, but how might we pursue it meaningfully in the context of UNDRIP, class disparities, our “missing middle” value chains, and current trade balance? This session asks: What could a regenerative food culture look like for Canada? What pockets of that future are already here? What stands in the way of shifting our trajectory? We invite you to join us for ceremony and dialogue to explore the future of Canada’s food culture(s).
Featuring:
Jenny Cross
Haida Knowledge Keeper
Dr. Annie Lalande
Surgery resident, Vancouver General Hospital
Andre Picard
Author, Health Columnist, The Globe & Mail
Alistair Howes
Project Coordinator, FED Urban Farm
Please provide at least a first name or a last name.
Food Secure Canada
Jason Baillargeon
Policy Director, Agriculture & AgriFood Canada
Moderator:
Hayley Lapalme
Executive Director, Nourish
5e – Impact investing with a North-South lens (Room C116)
As Canada diversifies its trading relationships, it should not overlook the opportunity to strengthen ties with developing countries, especially as they simultaneously advance the SDGs. This session will highlight a unique Canadian initiative in Latin America, administered by the Social Venture Exchange (SVX) in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, private investors, and Colombian and Mexican partners.
Featuring:
Federico Restrepo Sierra
CEO and Founder, Energia Vectorial (and Co-Founder, Impact Hub Medellin)
Diego Lozano
Managing Partner & Director, Campo Capital
Paula Delgadillo
Project Director, SVX Colombia
Adam Spence
CEO, SVX Canada
Moderator:
Vinod Rajasekaran
CEO, Future of Good
5f – Asset Holders’ Role in Policy Advocacy (Room C108)
Building on the VF24 session on this topic, and with reference to a discussion paper prepared over the past few months, this session will present and discuss a proposal to establish a community of practice focused on developing the field of asset holders’ – such as philanthropic foundations and impact investment funds – participation in formulating public agendas; establishing pooled efforts to advance policy; guidelines for responsible advocacy, case studies and more.
Featuring:
Sara Krynitzki
Associate CEO, Philanthropic Foundations Canada
Arti Freeman
CEO, Definity Foundation
Jory Cohen
Director of Finance and Impact Investment, Inspirit Foundation
Moderator:
Richard Muller
Board Chair, Impact United
5g – Bridging the Gaps through Partnership and Collaboration: Climate Action and Energy Across Sectors and Communities (Room C126)
This panel will explore how Indigenous nations, public sector organizations, local governments, and community actors can work together to advance climate and energy solutions rooted in equity, place-based knowledge, and collaboration. The discussion will highlight the importance of centering communities, amplifying local and Indigenous leadership in energy transitions, and fostering collaboration on financing projects that support inclusive, community-led action within the British Columbia context.
Featuring:
Vickey Brown
Mayor, Village of Cumberland
David Gill
Manager of Public Sector Climate Leadership, Climate Action Secretariat, Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, BC Government
Kenneth Porter
Manager, Communities, Climate Action Secretariat, Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, BC Government
Miles Richardson
Executive Director, National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development
Moderator:
Laurel Sabur
Research Manager, Business and Finance Innovation, Impact Investing Hub, Accelerating Community Energy Transformation, University of Victoria
3:05 p.m
Break
3:20 p.m.
Parallel Sessions (David Strong Building)
6a – Developing Leaders for a Sustainable Future (Room C112)
Shifting the trajectory requires leaders in public and private sector organizations to think and act differently. This session will explore how to develop different mindsets and skill sets and how Business Schools need to adapt.
Featuring:
Andy Hoffman
Professor, University of Michigan
Eric Cornuel
President, EFMD
Cheralyn Chok
Executive Director, Propel Impact
Rebecca Taylor
Former Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Southampton
Moderator:
Andrew Petter, CM, OBC, KC
Former President, Simon Fraser University
6b – AI and Society: The Role of Governments, Civic Institutions and Business in AI Innovation and Governance (Room C116)
This session explores the transformative impact of AI on society, the economy, and culture, emphasizing the global race to lead in AI innovation. With massive investments by countries like the U.S. and EU, there’s growing pressure to balance AI’s benefits with its risks. The session highlights the critical role of parliamentarians in shaping effective, informed policies. Experts will share insights on Canada’s AI progress, the supporting infrastructure, and international best practices needed to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Featuring:
Vanessa Andreotti
Professor, University of Victoria; author, Burnout from Humans: A Little Book about AI that is Not Really about AI
Renjie Butalid
Co-founder, Montreal AI Ethics Institute
Renee Black
founder and CEO, Goodbot
Moderator:
Senator Rosemary Moodie
Senate of Canada
6c – Key Ingredients for Sustainable Finance in Canada: Voices from B.C. and Beyond (Room C126)
What will it take to keep Canada’s financial sector competitive and resilience in the face of climate change? Hear from panelists from Québec and BC as they advance their “key ingredients” that will be crucial to this goal, with a particular view of how the provinces can lead within the Federation. From sustainable finance “taxonomies” to provincial roadmaps, panelists will raise different solutions, their importance to the greater solutions, and some of the key trade-offs we face as a country in getting where we need to go.
Featuring:
Jonathan Arnold
Director, Sustainable Finance, Canadian Climate Institute
Florian Roulle
Vice President, Sustainable Finance, Finance Montréal
Allison Coates
Director, Climate Strategy and Performance, Vancity
Moderator:
George P.R. Benson
Senior Manager, Economic Development and Market Transformation, Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC)
6d – Big Achievable Goals: Building Canada Strong(er) with Social Finance (Room C108)
“This moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War… a new economy that serves all Canadians” (Speech from the Throne, 2025)
This participatory roundtable will consider the power of triple-bottom line perspectives and social finance principles underpinning policy initiatives (including a foundational Social Finance Fund), promising approaches (such as outcomes finance) and actionable nation-building infrastructure priorities to advance a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable economy that works for everyone.
Featuring:
Béatrice Alain
Executive Director, Chantier de l’économie sociale
Celina Caesar-Chavannes
Executive Director, Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNET)
Elena Yugai
Executive Director, Table of Impact Investing Practitioners
Ryan Turnbull
MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and to the Secretary of State
Jeff Cyr
Founder and Managing Partner, Raven Indigenous Outcomes
Upkar Arora
CEO, Rally Assets
Kristi Rivait
Board Chair, Thrive Impact Fund
Paula Delgadillo
Project Director, SVX Colombia
Moderator:
Lauren Dobell
Executive Advisor, Boann Social Impact
6e – 100 Million Better Bites: Regenerating Health and Climate Through the Public Plate – Part 2 (Room C118)
How can reimagining the public plate—from federal policy to hospital kitchens—help build regenerative food and health systems? Building on the cultural vision set out in Part 1, this session grounds the conversation in practice. Through Nourish’s “100 Million Better Bites” campaign and case studies from across its national network, we’ll explore how institutional menus and procurement can begin to heal the polycrisis: shifting hospital food toward plant-forward, low-carbon choices; advancing Indigenous food sovereignty; and investing in resilient local food economies. Together, we’ll explore how policy, partnership, and cultural storytelling can transform the public plate into common ground—bringing Canadians together around shared purpose in uncertain times.
Featuring:
Dr. Annie Lalande
Surgery resident, Vancouver General Hospital
Shelly Crack
Northern Health Community Dietitian
Wendy Smith
Procurement Specialist, Mohawk MedBuy
Paul Stewart
Chef, Cool Aid
Hayley Lapalme
Executive Director, Nourish
Moderator:
Andre Picard
Health Columnist, The Globe and Mail
6f – Tackling the cooperation deficit – people acting together for a better world (Room C122)
This panel explores how restoring our world begins with recognizing and valuing diverse forms of knowledge—especially Indigenous, land-based, and community-rooted wisdom. Panelists will reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in challenging extractive systems, knowledge hierarchies, and colonial structures, including within education and development. The session calls for epistemic justice, greater cooperation, and a shift from individualism to collective care. It will conclude with concrete actions tied to education, environment, and community engagement—offered as part of a broader call for transformation.
Featuring:
Catherine A. Odora Hoppers
University of Calgary
Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams
Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria
Chesha Wettasinha
Prolinnova, Netherlands
Budd Hall
Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria
Moderator:
Peter Taylor
Director, Institute of Development Studies, UK
6g – Shaping a Geothermal Energy Strategy for Canada (Room C125)
This session will explore the potential of geothermal energy in helping Canada achieve a net-zero economy. It will highlight the range of geothermal technologies available, outline the benefits specific to the Canadian context, and identify actionable steps to advance the sector. The discussion will also focus on the funding and policy mechanisms needed to support geothermal development and deployment across the country.
Featuring:
Emily Smejkal
Policy Lead, Cascade Institute Geothermal Office
Owen Henshaw
Former Senior Innovation Engineer, Cenovus
Taylor Behn-Tsakoza
Community Liaison and Research Coordinator, Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal, Fort Nelson First Nation
Dan Wicklum
CEO, The Transition Accelerator
Moderator:
Lisa Kalynchuk
Vice-President Research, University of Victoria
4:35 p.m.
Break
4:50 p.m.
Parallel Sessions (David Strong Building)
7a – The Role of Social Purpose Business in Building a Purpose Economy (Room C112)
As trust in traditional institutions erodes, this panel explores how purpose-driven businesses can help restore confidence in economic systems. By shifting from a profit-only mindset to one centered on long-term social well-being, businesses can become powerful agents of change. The session will examine the challenges and strategies needed to accelerate this transformation and highlight how aligning business with social purpose can redefine economic models and rebuild trust in our shared future.
Featuring:
Coro Strandberg
Chair and Co-founder, Canadian Purpose Economy Project
Bianca Freedman
CEO, Edelman Canada
Janet Austin
Former Lieutenant Governor of BC; Chair, Fraser Basin Council
Moderator:
Keith Ippel
Co-CEO, Spring
7b – Climate Action Capacity Building (Room C125)
This session will consider the use of “serious games”, using localized maps to involve the community in understanding localized climate impacts and preparedness.
Featuring:
Robin Cox
Director, Resilience by Design Lab, Royal Roads University
Vivian Forssman
Associate Faculty, Resilience by Design Lab, Royal Roads University
Geoff Evamy Hill
Manager, Applied Research, Bow Valley College
Moderator:
Tamara Krawchenko
Associate Professor, University of Victoria
7c – Mission-Based Innovation (Room C126)
Facing a convergence of existential challenges — from climate change to housing — Canada must rethink how it innovates for the public good. This session will explore “mission innovation”: a powerful, purpose-driven approach that mobilizes policy, resources, and cross-sector collaboration to tackle society’s most complex problems. Join us to examine how this global movement can revitalize Canada’s innovation ecosystem and spark transformative solutions for our future.
Prospective attendees at this session are invited to review the Mission Innovation Primer especially prepared for the Forum.
Andrea Nemtin
CEO, Social Innovation Canada
David Watters
Founder and CEO, Institute for Collaborative Innovation
Charles McIvor
Economist and Policy Analyst, Technology and Innovation Policy, OECD
Moderator:
Tim Draimin
Board Chair, Social Innovation Canada
7d – The Lekwungen Declaration: The Power of Sport to Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples (Room C118)
This session will honour the creation and impact of the Lekwungen Declaration, first introduced at the 2022 Victoria Forum. Since then, it has been adopted by the Commonwealth Games Federation in 2023 and endorsed by all 73 Commonwealth Sports Ministers in 2024. A key moment took place at Canada House in London on February 20, 2025, where Canadian Indigenous leaders and Victoria Forum representatives presented the lək̓ʷəŋən Paddle to Commonwealth Sports President Chris Jenkins—symbolizing collective commitment to reconciliation and the unifying role of sport in that journey.
Featuring:
Ava Hill
Former Chief, Six Nations of the Grand River (Canada) and Co-Chair, Commonwealth Games Federation Indigenous Working Group
Friba Rezayee
Afghanistan’s first female Olympian
Chief Wilton Littlechild
Former Chief, Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations
Moderator:
Adel Guitouni
Associate Professor, University of Victoria
7e – Government and the Fourth Estate: What’s Next? (Room C122)
This panel explores the future of public funding in Canada’s media landscape, where government support—through tax credits, wage subsidies, and more—has become vital for both legacy media and digital startups. As questions arise about the sustainability and independence of journalism, the discussion will focus on developing funding models that are arms-length from the government to maintain public trust. Panelists will consider how policy can evolve to support a thriving, independent media sector and what principles should guide the next phase of public investment in journalism.
Featuring:
Jeanette Ageson
Publisher, The Tyee
Michelle Cyca
Chair, tâpwêwin media & Senior Editor, The Narwhal
Kelly Wilhelm
Head, Cultural Policy Hub, OCAD University
Moderator:
Sadia Zaman
CEO, Inspirit Foundation
7f – Newcomers, Shared Futures and Building Communities (Room C116)
Migrants are frequently blamed for exacerbating social problems such as a shortage of housing, access to health care and other negative impacts. There is very little evidence for these beliefs and it is important to correct the narrative. In reality, migrants have a net positive impact on our economies, our society and our communities.
Featuring:
Lauren Hamman
Director of Immigration, Conference Board of Canada
Maiwand Rahyab
Founder and CEO, Resilient Societies
Yusuf Siraj
Co-Founder, Foundation for a Path Forward
Moderator:
Shelly D’Mello
CEO, Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
6:15 p.m.
Buses depart (Farquhar Auditorium)
6:30 p.m.
Reception (at Royal BC Museum)
MC:
Saul Klein
Executive Director, Victoria Forum
Welcome to the museum:
Genevieve Casault
Vice President of Archives, Research, Collections, and Exhibitions, Royal BC Museum
Featuring:
Ulrike Al-Khamis
CEO & Director, Aga Khan Museum
Special performance:
David Vest (piano) and Daniel Morel (harmonica)
AUGUST 26 (UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA)
7:30 a.m.
Buses depart Empress Hotel
8:00 a.m.
Light breakfast (In breezeway outside Farquhar Auditorium)
8:30 a.m.
Welcome (Farquhar Auditorium, University of Victoria)
Stephen Huddart
Director, Regenerative Economy Program, Victoria Forum
Opening Prayer:
Elder Shirley Alphonse
Welcome to the Territory:
Elder Terrie Barnhard
8:45 a.m.
Plenary 8 – Democracy’s Digital Future (Farquhar Auditorium)
Current democratic systems—largely inherited from 18th-century models—are struggling to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving society shaped by misinformation, climate crises, population growth, and digital disruption. This session will bring together global voices from technology, policy, civic innovation, and peacebuilding to explore the integration of deliberative and digital approaches to democratic decision-making. It will center a facilitated dialogue that is both inclusive and action-oriented, aiming to surface pathways for collaboration and future experimentation.
Featuring:
A video message from:
Amb. Audrey Tang
Former Minister of Digital Innovation, Taiwan
André Côté
Director, Policy and Research, and Head, Secure and Responsible Tech Policy program, Toronto Metropolitan University
Liz Barry
Executive Director, MetaGov
Lisa Schirch
Professor, University of Notre Dame
Jeffery Marino
Director, California Office of Data and Innovation
Moderator:
John Richardson
Founder and CEO, Ethelo
9:15 a.m.
Buses depart Empress Hotel
10:00 a.m.
Break
10:20 a.m.
Plenary 9: Meta-crisis or meta-consequence? Facing and dealing with the mess we have created. (Farquhar Auditorium)
This session will take the origins, contours and trajectory of the crises facing humanity as the starting point for a conversation about how we might consciously evolve beyond the self-terminating assumptions and arrangements that have brought about our current predicament.
Join academic and podcaster Nate Hagens in conversation with three authors whose recent books draw upon Indigenous world views, complex systems thinking, and the habits of systems change leaders to propose adaptive and generative ways of perceiving, thinking and acting at this pivotal time for humanity and the planet.
Nate Hagens
Executive Director, The Institute for the Study of Energy & Our Future and host of the “The Great Simplification” podcast (Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify )
In conversation with:
Vanessa Andreotti
Professor, University of Victoria; author of Hospicing Modernity and the forthcoming Outgrowing Modernity: Navigating Complexity, Complicity, and Collapse with Accountability and Compassion
James Stauch
Author, The 55 Minutes: An atlas to navigate problems, reveal systems and ask beautiful questions in a radically shifting world
Adam Kahane
Author, Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Power of Radical Engagement
11:25 a.m.
Plenary 10: No change with no change – why talk alone does so little (Farquhar Auditorium)
Time and again, sincere efforts at systems change fall short because of neglecting the “deeper work” – the quality of the relational space and commitment to our own personal development. This session explores the inner-outer work of leadership at all levels amidst today’s extraordinary emotional and psychological stresses, political, social, ecological breakdowns, and technological disruptions – grounded in the experiences of the growing “compassionate systems” community in BC primary and secondary education.
Featuring:
Jennifer McCrea
Associate Deputy Minister, BC Ministry of Education and Child Care
Sylvia Russell
Managing Director, BC Centre for Systems Awareness
Keegan Kervel
Grade 11 student, Nisga’a Elementary Secondary School
Nishaya Mercer
Grade 11 student, Nisga’a Elementary Secondary School
Hada, Myrle Morven
Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Nisga’a Elementary Secondary School
Noxs Mooxs, Charity M Peal
Principal, Nisga’a Elementary Secondary School
Moderator:
Peter Senge
Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management, co-Founder Systems Awareness Lab, MIT
12:45 p.m.
Lunch
1:45 p.m.
Parallel Sessions (David Strong Building)
5a – The Contribution of Coops in Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Room C112)
This panel examines how cooperatives can help advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Experts will highlight the innovative solutions cooperatives offer, while also addressing challenges in gaining political support. The discussion will focus on strategies to strengthen cooperative entrepreneurship in Canada as a means to build resilient, inclusive communities and economies.
Marc-André Pigeon
Professeur adjoint, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, Université de Saskatchewan et Directeur et chercheur stratégique, Centre canadien d’étude des coopératives
Yuill Herbert
Founding Director, Sustainability Solutions Group
Alain Blanchette
Directeur, Distinction coopérative et mutualiste
Glenn Valliere
Manager – Strategy, Arctic Co-operatives Limited
Moderator:
John Kay
President, Co-operative and Mutuals Canada
5b – Africa, an essential pillar for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (in French and English) (Room C125)
This session will highlight Africa’s unique potential to achieve the SDGs. In particular, the continent’s resources, its demographic dynamism and its strategic role in the transition to inclusive and sustainable global development would be discussed.
Featuring:
Hippolyte Fofack
Research Associate, Harvard University; Parker Fellow, Sustainable Development Solutions Network
Edward Akuffo
Associate Professor, University of the Fraser Valley
Indira Moudi
CEO, Viandes Lafrance
Souad Elmallem
Executive Partner, 6temik
Moderator:
Senator Amina Gerba
Senate of Canada
5c – The future of student and community engagement in post-secondary education (Room C122)
This session will explore diverse approaches to student and community-engaged scholarship, at a time when the societal role of post-secondary institutions is changing. On the one hand, students need to know that their schools are preparing them to assume leadership roles in the societal transition now underway. At the same time, universities and colleges are becoming more closely engaged with and responsive to the needs of their host communities.
Featuring:
Michael Hawes
Director, Fulbright Canada
Patrick Deane
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University
Stephen Lucas
CEO, Mitacs
Moderator:
Senator Marilou McPhedran
Senate of Canada
5d – 100 Million Better Bites: Regenerative Food Cultures in Canada and the Poly/Metacrisis – Part 1 (Room C118)
How—and what—Canadians eat is a critical question as climate shocks, trade tensions, and chronic disease converge. With every bite, we confront Canada’s mainstream food culture, the metacrisis that underlays it, and the polycrisis that it reinforces. Health and environmental data converge on plant-forward eating as a critical pathway to planetary health, but how might we pursue it meaningfully in the context of UNDRIP, class disparities, our “missing middle” value chains, and current trade balance? This session asks: What could a regenerative food culture look like for Canada? What pockets of that future are already here? What stands in the way of shifting our trajectory? We invite you to join us for ceremony and dialogue to explore the future of Canada’s food culture(s).
Featuring:
Jenny Cross
Haida Knowledge Keeper
Dr. Annie Lalande
Surgery resident, Vancouver General Hospital
Andre Picard
Author, Health Columnist, The Globe & Mail
Alistair Howes
Project Coordinator, FED Urban Farm
Please provide at least a first name or a last name.
Food Secure Canada
Jason Baillargeon
Policy Director, Agriculture & AgriFood Canada
Moderator:
Hayley Lapalme
Executive Director, Nourish
5e – Impact investing with a North-South lens (Room C116)
As Canada diversifies its trading relationships, it should not overlook the opportunity to strengthen ties with developing countries, especially as they simultaneously advance the SDGs. This session will highlight a unique Canadian initiative in Latin America, administered by the Social Venture Exchange (SVX) in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, private investors, and Colombian and Mexican partners.
Featuring:
Federico Restrepo Sierra
CEO and Founder, Energia Vectorial (and Co-Founder, Impact Hub Medellin)
Diego Lozano
Managing Partner & Director, Campo Capital
Paula Delgadillo
Project Director, SVX Colombia
Adam Spence
CEO, SVX Canada
Moderator:
Vinod Rajasekaran
CEO, Future of Good
5f – Asset Holders’ Role in Policy Advocacy (Room C108)
Building on the VF24 session on this topic, and with reference to a discussion paper prepared over the past few months, this session will present and discuss a proposal to establish a community of practice focused on developing the field of asset holders’ – such as philanthropic foundations and impact investment funds – participation in formulating public agendas; establishing pooled efforts to advance policy; guidelines for responsible advocacy, case studies and more.
Featuring:
Sara Krynitzki
Associate CEO, Philanthropic Foundations Canada
Arti Freeman
CEO, Definity Foundation
Jory Cohen
Director of Finance and Impact Investment, Inspirit Foundation
Moderator:
Richard Muller
Board Chair, Impact United
5g – Bridging the Gaps through Partnership and Collaboration: Climate Action and Energy Across Sectors and Communities (Room C126)
This panel will explore how Indigenous nations, public sector organizations, local governments, and community actors can work together to advance climate and energy solutions rooted in equity, place-based knowledge, and collaboration. The discussion will highlight the importance of centering communities, amplifying local and Indigenous leadership in energy transitions, and fostering collaboration on financing projects that support inclusive, community-led action within the British Columbia context.
Featuring:
Vickey Brown
Mayor, Village of Cumberland
David Gill
Manager of Public Sector Climate Leadership, Climate Action Secretariat, Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, BC Government
Kenneth Porter
Manager, Communities, Climate Action Secretariat, Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, BC Government
Miles Richardson
Executive Director, National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development
Moderator:
Laurel Sabur
Research Manager, Business and Finance Innovation, Impact Investing Hub, Accelerating Community Energy Transformation, University of Victoria
3:05 p.m
Break
3:20 p.m.
Parallel Sessions (David Strong Building)
6a – Developing Leaders for a Sustainable Future (Room C112)
Shifting the trajectory requires leaders in public and private sector organizations to think and act differently. This session will explore how to develop different mindsets and skill sets and how Business Schools need to adapt.
Featuring:
Andy Hoffman
Professor, University of Michigan
Eric Cornuel
President, EFMD
Cheralyn Chok
Executive Director, Propel Impact
Rebecca Taylor
Former Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Southampton
Moderator:
Andrew Petter, CM, OBC, KC
Former President, Simon Fraser University
6b – AI and Society: The Role of Governments, Civic Institutions and Business in AI Innovation and Governance (Room C116)
This session explores the transformative impact of AI on society, the economy, and culture, emphasizing the global race to lead in AI innovation. With massive investments by countries like the U.S. and EU, there’s growing pressure to balance AI’s benefits with its risks. The session highlights the critical role of parliamentarians in shaping effective, informed policies. Experts will share insights on Canada’s AI progress, the supporting infrastructure, and international best practices needed to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Featuring:
Vanessa Andreotti
Professor, University of Victoria; author, Burnout from Humans: A Little Book about AI that is Not Really about AI
Renjie Butalid
Co-founder, Montreal AI Ethics Institute
Renee Black
founder and CEO, Goodbot
Moderator:
Senator Rosemary Moodie
Senate of Canada
6c – Key Ingredients for Sustainable Finance in Canada: Voices from B.C. and Beyond (Room C126)
What will it take to keep Canada’s financial sector competitive and resilience in the face of climate change? Hear from panelists from Québec and BC as they advance their “key ingredients” that will be crucial to this goal, with a particular view of how the provinces can lead within the Federation. From sustainable finance “taxonomies” to provincial roadmaps, panelists will raise different solutions, their importance to the greater solutions, and some of the key trade-offs we face as a country in getting where we need to go.
Featuring:
Jonathan Arnold
Director, Sustainable Finance, Canadian Climate Institute
Florian Roulle
Vice President, Sustainable Finance, Finance Montréal
Allison Coates
Director, Climate Strategy and Performance, Vancity
Moderator:
George P.R. Benson
Senior Manager, Economic Development and Market Transformation, Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC)
6d – Big Achievable Goals: Building Canada Strong(er) with Social Finance (Room C108)
“This moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War… a new economy that serves all Canadians” (Speech from the Throne, 2025)
This participatory roundtable will consider the power of triple-bottom line perspectives and social finance principles underpinning policy initiatives (including a foundational Social Finance Fund), promising approaches (such as outcomes finance) and actionable nation-building infrastructure priorities to advance a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable economy that works for everyone.
Featuring:
Béatrice Alain
Executive Director, Chantier de l’économie sociale
Celina Caesar-Chavannes
Executive Director, Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNET)
Elena Yugai
Executive Director, Table of Impact Investing Practitioners
Ryan Turnbull
MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and to the Secretary of State
Jeff Cyr
Founder and Managing Partner, Raven Indigenous Outcomes
Upkar Arora
CEO, Rally Assets
Kristi Rivait
Board Chair, Thrive Impact Fund
Paula Delgadillo
Project Director, SVX Colombia
Moderator:
Lauren Dobell
Executive Advisor, Boann Social Impact
6e – 100 Million Better Bites: Regenerating Health and Climate Through the Public Plate – Part 2 (Room C118)
Moderator:
6f – Tackling the cooperation deficit – people acting together for a better world (Room C122)
This panel explores how restoring our world begins with recognizing and valuing diverse forms of knowledge—especially Indigenous, land-based, and community-rooted wisdom. Panelists will reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in challenging extractive systems, knowledge hierarchies, and colonial structures, including within education and development. The session calls for epistemic justice, greater cooperation, and a shift from individualism to collective care. It will conclude with concrete actions tied to education, environment, and community engagement—offered as part of a broader call for transformation.
Featuring:
Catherine A. Odora Hoppers
University of Calgary
Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams
Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria
Chesha Wettasinha
Prolinnova, Netherlands
Budd Hall
Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria
Moderator:
Peter Taylor
Director, Institute of Development Studies, UK
6g – Shaping a Geothermal Energy Strategy for Canada (Room C125)
This session will explore the potential of geothermal energy in helping Canada achieve a net-zero economy. It will highlight the range of geothermal technologies available, outline the benefits specific to the Canadian context, and identify actionable steps to advance the sector. The discussion will also focus on the funding and policy mechanisms needed to support geothermal development and deployment across the country.
Featuring:
Emily Smejkal
Policy Lead, Cascade Institute Geothermal Office
Owen Henshaw
Former Senior Innovation Engineer, Cenovus
Taylor Behn-Tsakoza
Community Liaison and Research Coordinator, Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal, Fort Nelson First Nation
Dan Wicklum
CEO, The Transition Accelerator
Moderator:
Lisa Kalynchuk
Vice-President Research, University of Victoria
4:35 p.m.
Break
4:50 p.m.
Parallel Sessions (David Strong Building)
7a – The Role of Social Purpose Business in Building a Purpose Economy (Room C112)
As trust in traditional institutions erodes, this panel explores how purpose-driven businesses can help restore confidence in economic systems. By shifting from a profit-only mindset to one centered on long-term social well-being, businesses can become powerful agents of change. The session will examine the challenges and strategies needed to accelerate this transformation and highlight how aligning business with social purpose can redefine economic models and rebuild trust in our shared future.
Featuring:
Coro Strandberg
Chair and Co-founder, Canadian Purpose Economy Project
Bianca Freedman
CEO, Edelman Canada
Janet Austin
Former Lieutenant Governor of BC; Chair, Fraser Basin Council
Moderator:
Keith Ippel
Co-CEO, Spring
7b – Climate Action Capacity Building (Room C125)
This session will consider the use of “serious games”, using localized maps to involve the community in understanding localized climate impacts and preparedness.
Featuring:
Robin Cox
Director, Resilience by Design Lab, Royal Roads University
Vivian Forssman
Associate Faculty, Resilience by Design Lab, Royal Roads University
Geoff Evamy Hill
Manager, Applied Research, Bow Valley College
Moderator:
Tamara Krawchenko
Associate Professor, University of Victoria
7c – Mission-Based Innovation (Room C126)
Facing a convergence of existential challenges — from climate change to housing — Canada must rethink how it innovates for the public good. This session will explore “mission innovation”: a powerful, purpose-driven approach that mobilizes policy, resources, and cross-sector collaboration to tackle society’s most complex problems. Join us to examine how this global movement can revitalize Canada’s innovation ecosystem and spark transformative solutions for our future.
Prospective attendees at this session are invited to review the Mission Innovation Primer especially prepared for the Forum.
Andrea Nemtin
CEO, Social Innovation Canada
David Watters
Founder and CEO, Institute for Collaborative Innovation
Charles McIvor
Economist and Policy Analyst, Technology and Innovation Policy, OECD
Moderator:
Tim Draimin
Board Chair, Social Innovation Canada
7d – The Lekwungen Declaration: The Power of Sport to Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples (Room C118)
This session will honour the creation and impact of the Lekwungen Declaration, first introduced at the 2022 Victoria Forum. Since then, it has been adopted by the Commonwealth Games Federation in 2023 and endorsed by all 73 Commonwealth Sports Ministers in 2024. A key moment took place at Canada House in London on February 20, 2025, where Canadian Indigenous leaders and Victoria Forum representatives presented the lək̓ʷəŋən Paddle to Commonwealth Sports President Chris Jenkins—symbolizing collective commitment to reconciliation and the unifying role of sport in that journey.
Featuring:
Ava Hill
Former Chief, Six Nations of the Grand River (Canada) and Co-Chair, Commonwealth Games Federation Indigenous Working Group
Friba Rezayee
Afghanistan’s first female Olympian
Chief Wilton Littlechild
Former Chief, Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations
Moderator:
Adel Guitouni
Associate Professor, University of Victoria
7e – Government and the Fourth Estate: What’s Next? (Room C122)
This panel explores the future of public funding in Canada’s media landscape, where government support—through tax credits, wage subsidies, and more—has become vital for both legacy media and digital startups. As questions arise about the sustainability and independence of journalism, the discussion will focus on developing funding models that are arms-length from the government to maintain public trust. Panelists will consider how policy can evolve to support a thriving, independent media sector and what principles should guide the next phase of public investment in journalism.
Featuring:
Jeanette Ageson
Publisher, The Tyee
Michelle Cyca
Chair, tâpwêwin media & Senior Editor, The Narwhal
Kelly Wilhelm
Head, Cultural Policy Hub, OCAD University
Moderator:
Sadia Zaman
CEO, Inspirit Foundation
7f – Newcomers, Shared Futures and Building Communities (Room C116)
Migrants are frequently blamed for exacerbating social problems such as a shortage of housing, access to health care and other negative impacts. There is very little evidence for these beliefs and it is important to correct the narrative. In reality, migrants have a net positive impact on our economies, our society and our communities.
Featuring:
Lauren Hamman
Director of Immigration, Conference Board of Canada
Maiwand Rahyab
Founder and CEO, Resilient Societies
Yusuf Siraj
Co-Founder, Foundation for a Path Forward
Moderator:
Shelly D’Mello
CEO, Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
6:15 p.m.
Buses depart (Farquhar Auditorium)
6:30 p.m.
Reception (at Royal BC Museum)
MC:
Saul Klein
Executive Director, Victoria Forum
Welcome to the museum:
Genevieve Casault
Vice President of Archives, Research, Collections, and Exhibitions, Royal BC Museum
Featuring:
Ulrike Al-Khamis
CEO & Director, Aga Khan Museum
Special performance:
David Vest (piano) and Daniel Morel (harmonica)
