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)

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

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

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

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
Food Secure Canada

Jason Baillargeon
Policy Director, Agriculture & AgriFood Canada

Moderator:

Hayley Lapalme
Executive Director, Nourish

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

“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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Once a symbol of peaceful relations, economic integration across national borders is now seen as a frontline in the global fight to protect democracy. The rise of authoritarian regimes is undermining law, governance, and stability, with threats extending to economic pressure. In response, Canadians are rallying to defend their values and institutions—prompting urgent questions about what is being defended and how best to do so.

Featuring:

Richard Johnson
Director, MASS LBP

Michael Youash
Senior Manager, Global Analysis, Centre for Global Pluralism

Moderator:

Thomas Homer-Dixon
Founder and Executive Director, Cascade Institute; Defending Canada’s Democracy: a Strategic Framework

This session examines the urgent need to address the health impacts of climate change while reducing the environmental footprint of the healthcare system. It advocates for a more holistic, global vision of health —one that promotes healthy living environments and recognizes the benefits of nature for physical, mental, and cognitive well-being. The discussion will focus on practical steps to turn this vision into action, fostering a healthier future in harmony with the environment.

Featuring:

Caroline Laberge
Clinical Associate Professor, GMF-U Laurier, Laval University

Marie-Soleil Cloutier
Professor, Centre Urbanisation Culture Société, Institut National de Recherche Scientifique

Meghan Winters
Professor, Simon Fraser University
Moderator:

Senator Marie-Françoise Mégie
Senate of Canada

Canada is on the brink of a historic intergenerational wealth transfer, with $1 trillion expected to shift from baby boomers to younger generations by 2026. This transition is more than financial—it’s a chance to reshape stewardship, values, and priorities. Women, due to longer life expectancy, will play a central role, directing nearly $4 trillion in assets by 2028. The rise of “giving while living” reflects a growing desire to use wealth for immediate social and environmental impact. As this wealth shifts hands, it presents a unique opportunity to challenge extractive economic systems and align capital with justice, equity, and community.

Featuring:

Delilah Rothenberg
Co-founder and Executive Director, The Predistribution Initiative

Dylan Dusseault
Executive Director, Patriotic Millionaires Canada

Nicholas Palahnuk
Senior Manager and Investment Advisor, The Palahnuk Group, RBC

Moderator:

Cassie Robinson
Co-founder, Wealth Shift Studio

This Roundtable poses the question: Could Canadian local governments benefit from a new national Municipal Development Bank or Development Bank ecosystem that was owned by local governments for local governments? The intention is not to prescribe what this would be in detail but rather to explore the potential promise of creating a new legacy public interest financial institution mandated to democratically support sustainable and prosperous communities.

Featuring:
Thomas Marois
Professor and Head, Centre for Public Banking, McMaster University
 
Allison Ashcroft
Director of Sustainability, Municipal Finance Authority of BC
 
Rik Logtenberg
Founder, Climate Caucus
 
Juvarya Veltkamp
Senior Advisor, Green Ports Forum, C40 Cities
 
George P.R. Benson
Senior Manager, Economic Development and Market Transformation, Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC)
 
Ana F. González Guerrero
Senior Manager, Climate and Cities, MaRS Discovery District
 
Moderator:
Ryan Turnbull
MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and the Secretary of State, Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions

This session will explore how wealth accumulation, investment practices, and philanthropic structures are deeply rooted in colonial histories and continue to perpetuate inequality and injustice today. Featuring Indigenous, Palestinian, and Black perspectives, the panel challenges us to rethink capital beyond technical screens and ESG frameworks, asking instead: What does it mean to truly decolonize wealth? The session will offer vision and practices to move toward community-led, justice-driven approaches to reimagining wealth.

Featuring:

Paula Sahyoun
Manager, Systems Change and Social Finance, Social Venture Connexion (SVX)

Victor Beausoleil
Co-Founder & Executive Director, SETSI

Carol Anne Hilton
Founder, Indigenomics Institute

Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed
Assistant Professor, SUniversity of Waterloo

Moderator:

Basma Majerbi
Associate Professor, University of Victoria

This session explores Canada’s Blue Economy Strategy and its role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Oceans are essential to Canada’s communities and economy, offering climate solutions, job opportunities, and ecosystem health. As a global leader in ocean science and sustainable management, Canada is developing a strategy to harness ocean resources for inclusive, resilient growth—particularly benefiting coastal and Indigenous communities. The session will highlight how this approach supports 11 interrelated SDG targets across economic, social, and environmental pillars.

Featuring:

Kevin Anderson
Associate Vice-President, Marine Institute

Kendra MacDonald
CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Eli Enns
IISAAK OLAM Foundation

Marie-Chantal Ross
Program Director, Ocean Program, National Research Council, Canada

Moderator:

Senator Iris Petten
Senate of Canada

Building on plenary session 10, on the inner-outer work of leadership, this workshop will explore some of the core practices embedded in the compassionate systems approach, including grounding and check in, a core group practice, and one of the more individual systems thinking or reflection practices. We will also share our experiences of the journey of integrating practices like this into schools and communities.

Facilitation: Peter Senge and members of the new BC Centre for Systems Awareness

3:05 p.m

Break

3:20 p.m.

Parallel Sessions (David Strong Building)

This panel highlights how young people are responding to global crises with visionary leadership, linking economic opportunity to sustainability, justice, and collective well-being. It explores youth-led efforts to build regenerative economies and emphasizes the importance of intergenerational collaboration, civic engagement, and institutional support. The session will showcase how youth are not just imagining, but actively creating more just and sustainable futures.

Featuring:

Nicolas Greenfield
Director, YMCAs of Quebec, Back on Track program

Rochelle Prasad
co-Founder, SPARK Foundation

Giovanna de Oliveira Andreotti
co-Author, Rewiring 4 Reality

Samantha Jack
National Youth Executive & Board Member, National Association of Friendship Centres

Moderator:

Kyle Empringham
co-Founder and Executive Director, The Starfish Canada

AI is transforming healthcare, from documenting patient interactions to analyzing medical images. However, its success hinges on building trust among patients and clinicians. This session explores how to balance innovation with the need for strong safeguards, ethical standards, and system integrity to ensure AI is developed and used responsibly and effectively in healthcare and as it relates to both human health and climate change.

Featuring:

Elizabeth Borycki
Professor, School of Health Information Science; Director, Global Laboratory for Digital Health Innovation, University of Victoria

Michelle Hamilton-Page
Researcher, Canadian Medical Association

Margot Burnell
President, Canadian Medical Association

Moderator:

Senator Joan Kingston
Senate of Canada

Amid the Great Wealth Transfer, there is a critical need to direct financial resources toward building a new economic and cultural paradigm—not by improving the current system, but by imagining alternatives. This means shifting from extractive to regenerative design, prioritizing stewardship over ownership, and recognizing diverse forms of capital beyond just financial. Wealth should support organizations and movements that challenge neoliberal capitalism and offer new models rooted in equity, sustainability, and shared well-being. Investing in these “proofs of possibility” is essential to creating a livable, just future.

Featuring:

Azul Carolina Duque
Researcher, Artist, Facilitator, Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures

Lori Hewson
Philanthropic Advisor

Upkar Arora
CEO, Rally Assets

Donna Morton
Co-founder, Salmon Returns

John Stokes
CEO, Real Ventures

Cordell Jacks
CEO, Regenerative Capital Group

Host:

Cassie Robinson
Co-founder, Wealth Shift Studio

Recent years have seen a sea change in the mainstreaming of planetary health and sustainable healthcare in Canada: in October 2024 our medical school deans unanimously passed a Roadmap for implementation. A keystone step is for each Faculty of Medicine to develop a Five Year Healthy Community Planetary Health and Sustainable Healthcare Plan. Our mission in this workshop: briefing you and then harnessing your wisdom to inform the process schools use to develop these plans!

Opportunities in this include:

  • A more local approach to climate-resilient, sustainable low-carbon procurement of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and food
  • Improved integration of Indigenous ways of being and knowing with regards to health and wellbeing
  • Integration of climate-resilience and decarbonization plans with those of the broader community
  • Institution-specific advocacy goals for needed community, provincial and national support structures
    Doctors do our best work in consultation with other disciplines. Decisionmakers, Indigenous knowledge holders, decarbonization nerds, farmers — we’re looking to hear from all of you and more. Come participate in an interactive workshop and multidisciplinary conversation in service of a healthy response to climate change in Canada!

Featuring:

Dr. Courtney Howard
Founder, POWER; Emergency physician, Yellowknives Dene Territory; Clinical Associate Professor, University of Calgary; Chair, Global Climate and Health Alliance; first woman president, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

Will Gagnon
Executive Director, Northwest Territories Medical Association

Robin Speedie
Planetary Health Lead, Fraser Health Authority

Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler
Senate of Canada

Dr. Tim Takaro
Physician, Professor Emeritus of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University

Hayley Lapalme
Founder and Executive Director, Nourish

Elodie Scott
Youth representative and stage manager

Catalyst Now is a dynamic global movement of 6000 social innovators and entrepreneurs in over 150 countries committed to transforming systems and driving sustainable change to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Canadian members have taken advantage of the opportunities provided to initiate the R.E.S.E.T Communities Network (Resilient Ecosystems for Sustainable Engagement and Transformation). RESET promotes whole community or ecosystem approaches that use the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a broader compass for addressing complex local issues and opportunities.

Grounded in regenerative thinking, this cross-sectoral, community-driven approach strengthens social, economic, and environmental well-being by leveraging a community’s collective wisdom, leadership, and assets.

Central to the work are local “System Catalysts”—neutral conveners who bridge sectors and bring together social purpose organizations, businesses, governments, and residents. Through coaching and support, local leaders help communities harness their collective wisdom, assets, and leadership for lasting impact.

Featuring:

Brenda Herchmer
Co-Chair, Canada Chapter, CatalystNow, and Founder, Campus for Communities of the Future

Marc-André Belisle
Founder and Owner, Synertium

Anne Gloger
Founder, Catalyst Circle

Moderator:

James Stauch
Complex Systems Strategist, ATCO SpaceLab

4:30 p.m.

Break

4:45 p.m.

Parallel Sessions (David Strong Building)

Indigenous knowledge systems offer vital perspectives on planetary health, linking human well-being with the land, water, and climate. This panel explores how First Nations worldviews define planetary health, address gaps in mainstream approaches, and connect environmental justice with health. The discussion will examine First Nations-led stewardship, governance, and the interconnection of health, equity, and climate. The panel will explore the stewardship challenges posed by legislation that prioritizes accelerated development, such as federal Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act. Participants will consider what meaningful partnership and collaborative policymaking could look like, and how these approaches can advance sustainability, reconciliation, and a healthier future for all.

Featuring:

Dr. Ojistoh Kahnawahere Horn
Family Physician, Akwesasne Medical Clinic

Dr. Shannon Waters
Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Planetary and Water Health British Columbia

Dr. Veronica McKinney
Director, Northern Medical Services

Moderator:

Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler
Senate of Canada

Looking to the future, surmounting the deep roots of democracy’s global woes will require a sustained effort to prove that democracy can and will deliver. And democracy has undoubtedly been in retreat for over a decade now, typified most recently with a renewed invasion of a democratic European country by an authoritarian regime in 2022 and the election of autocratic regimes in many countries. At a global level there has also been an erosion of trust in international institutions and their capacity to address issues of international concern. This session will discuss the state of global democracy and the rules-based order, along with the troublesome international trends that are increasingly becoming evident.

Featuring:

Reeta Tremblay
former Provost, University of Victoria

Jonathan Manthorpe
Executive Member, Victoria Branch, Canadian International Council

Alan Siaroff
Professor Emeritus, University of Lethbridge

Moderator:

Chris Kilford
President, Victoria Branch, Canadian International Council

This participatory session invites changemakers across sectors to explore how philanthropy can help de-risk bold innovation and shift the flow of capital to support systems change. Instead of asking what to fund, we’ll ask what must exist for transformation to take root—building not just projects, but the infrastructure that enables lasting impact.

Featuring:

Senator Paulette Senior
Senate of Canada

Arti Freeman
CEO, Definity Foundation

Satsan (Herb George)
Founder and President, Centre for First Nations Governance

Amanuel Melles
Executive Director, Network for the Advancement of Black Communities

Tanya Smith
Senior Manager, Social Purpose Ecosystem, Coast Capital Savings

Nadia Duguay
Executive Director, Béati Foundation

Moderator:

Michelle Baldwin
Senior Associate, Equity Cubed

As Canada strives to meet its sustainable development goal (SDG) commitments, investing in equality for all can help build the social and economic capacities that Canada needs to successfully navigate current global realities, from economic uncertainty to climate change. Addressing SDGs #1 (No Poverty) and #10 (Reduced Inequalities)—among others—this session will consider strategies and next steps to build up communities where all are supported and empowered to contribute, care and chart our collective course to a better future.

Featuring:

Senator Kim Pate
Senate of Canada

Amber Dyce
CEO, Foundations for Social Change

Derek Ballantyne
CEO, Boann Social Impact

Monika Freyman
Vice President, Sustainable Investing, Addenda Capital

Christopher Henderson
Curator, Transformative Energy; Founding Executive Director, Indigenous Clean Energy


Moderator:

Mayor Marianne Alto
Mayor of Victoria

As the world experiences significant geopolitical and economic shifts, Canada must ensure the stability and sustainability of its economy. This session will focus on the need to further advance sustainable finance policies in Canada as a solution to growing economic uncertainty and to build resilience against rising environmental and social risks. Advancing sustainable finance directly supports the achievement of several UN SDGs, including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while also contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by embedding social equity in financial decision-making.

Featuring:

Julie Segal
Senior Manager, Climate Finance, Environmental Defence

Senator Rosa Galvez
Senate of Canada

Christopher Henderson
Curator of Transformative Energy, President & Founding Executive Director, Transformative Energy, Lumos Energy, Indigenous Clean Energy

Garrett Jones
Vice President, Corporate Sustainability and Finance Sector Lead, Delphi Group

Monika Freyman
Vice President, Sustainable Investing

Moderator:

Basma Majerbi
Associate Professor, University of Victoria

This panel explores the evolving role of CBC/Radio-Canada amid growing concerns about funding, relevance, and public trust. It will examine how Canada’s national public broadcaster compares internationally, how it addresses bias, and what is at risk if underfunding continues. As independent journalism remains crucial to democracy, the discussion will focus on the broadcaster’s mandate, government responsibility, and how to ensure all Canadians have access to reliable, diverse, and fact-based news in a changing media landscape.

Featuring:

Marc Edge
Associate Professor, University Canada West

Jessica Johnson
Senior Fellow, Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy, McGill University

Michael Prince
Lansdowne Professor of Social Policy, Emeritus, University of Victoria

Moderator:

Senator Andrew Cardozo
Senate of Canada

This workshop invites participants into a dynamic, intergenerational space to explore Rewiring 4 Reality: Cross-Generational Reckonings. Through embodied grounding, paired conversations, and small group reflections, we will engage in mapping cultural, historical, and relational shifts over the past seven decades. Rather than seeking consensus, we will focus on listening, sensing, and relating across generational lines, allowing us to stay with the tensions and contradictions of our times.

The workshop will be of interest to educators, social change leaders, artists and anyone seeking to understand the intergenerational characteristics of transformative change.

Facilitator:

Giovanna de Oliveira Andreotti

6:00 p.m.

Closing comments (David Strong Building, C103)

Featuring:

Rowan Gentleman-Sylvester
Executive Director, CityHive Vancouver

Rt. Hon. Joe Clark
former Prime Minister of Canada

Mason Ducharme
Executive Director, Centre for First Nations Governance

Moderator:

Adel Guitouni
Associate Professor, University of Victoria

Special performance:

David Vest (piano) and Daniel Morel (harmonica)

7:15 p.m.

Buses depart (Farquhar Auditorium)
See all partners