8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Registration / Breakfast 

8:45 AM – 8:50 AM 

Chairpersons Welcome 

Pamela Cone / CEO / Amity Advisory

8:50 AM - 9:15 AM Opening Keynote 

Canada's ESG Evolution: Catalyzing Change Across the Legal Profession 

This opening session will address how the legal profession is navigating Canada’s unique and rapidly evolving ESG landscape, pioneering ESG initiatives, regulatory changes, the role of legal counsel and the challenges of balancing economic considerations with environmental and social governance. 

SPEAKER 

Stephen Pike / Partner / Gowling WLG

9:15 AM -10:30 AM Panel Discussion 

Environmental Advocacy in Law: A Path to Sustainable Change 

This session will spotlight the pivotal role of environmental law in shaping a sustainable future. It will examine the intricacies of environmental regulations, the impact of climate change on legal frameworks, and the emerging trends in green litigation. 

MODERATOR 

Stephen Pike / Partner / Gowling WLG 

PANEL 

TBA

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Networking Break 

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Presentation  

Greenwashing Canada: Tackling Misleading Environmental Claims 

This pivotal session aims to unravel the complex issue of greenwashing within the Canadian context. 



SPEAKER 

TBA

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM Discussion 

The Green Energy Transition: A conversation on the journey from fossil fuel to renewable energy 

This session will showcase the transformative journey from reliance on fossil fuels to the adoption of renewable energy sources, the challenges, and opportunities this shift present, the legal frameworks, technological advancements, policy incentives, and the role of the legal profession in facilitating this transition. 

MODERATOR 

John Vellone / Partner and National Business Leader, Energy, Resources & Renewables / Borden Ladner Gervais 

PANEL

Jessica Catton Rinaldi / General Counsel / Enwave 

Kristine Chandler / General Counsel and Corporate Secretary / Elexicon Energy

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Networking Lunch 

12:45 PM - 1:15PM Presentation 

Climate Crosshairs: Legal Solutions for Canada's Climate Challenges 

During this session, we will explore the significant impacts of the climate crisis on Canada, encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. 

• The increasing frequency and intensity of weather events 
• Changes in ecosystems, and the implications for indigenous communities 
• The role of legislation and policy in mitigating these effects, emphasizing adaptation strategies, environmental justice, and sustainable development 
• A comprehensive understanding of the climate challenges facing Canada and the legal sector's role in addressing this crisis 

SPEAKER
To be Announced

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM Discussion 

Leadership in an Activist Era

A 2019 survey by global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills highlighted that over 80% of companies predicted a rise in workforce activism, with 95% expecting an increase in employee use of social media to amplify their voices. it has, so far, been clear that values are a significant trigger for activism, with issues related to the environment, climate change and diversity holding the limelight. Gone are the days where organizations can stay silent on workplace and social issues and exist in a neutral space. So how do leaders determine when to speak up and how to do so effectively? This discussion will explore practical tips for navigating this complicated space. 

MODERATOR

Katie Stowe / Principal / Impact Matters Consulting

PANEL

Sacha de Klerk /  VP, Business Ethics, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion / WSIB

Simon Townsend / Principal Consultant / Arc Communications

Simone Samuels / Senior Advisor, EDI, Office of the Vice-Provost, Division of Students / York University

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM Networking Break 

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM Presentation 

ESG Reporting: Means to an End? Management Tool? Management Responsibility?  Value Creation? 

This session will dissect the multifaceted nature of reporting, examining whether it is merely a procedural necessity or plays a more profound role as a management tool, a responsibility, or a catalyst for value creation. 

It will explore the strategic importance of reporting in driving transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, assessing its impact on sustainable business practices and organizational growth. 

Gain insights into optimizing reporting processes to align with broader corporate objectives, thereby enhancing both immediate and long-term value. 

Marie-Josée Privyk / ESG Advisor / FinComm Services 

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Panel Discussion 

Bridging Worlds: Aligning Sustainable Practices with the Rights, Traditions, and Aspirations of Canada's Indigenous Population 

This session focuses on the unique ESG challenges and opportunities related to Canada's Indigenous populations. It will explore how sustainable practices can be aligned with the rights, traditions, and aspirations of Indigenous communities. 



The discussion will emphasize the importance of collaborative approaches, respecting Indigenous knowledge in environmental stewardship, and integrating social and governance aspects to foster equitable partnerships. 

This dialogue aims to highlight paths toward more inclusive and respectful ESG initiatives that honor the vital role of Indigenous peoples in shaping Canada's sustainable future. 

SPEAKER 

TBA

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM Networking Break 

4:15 PM - 4:50 PM Panel Discussion 

Global Impact on Canada: USA, UK, EU (European Union) 

This concluding session explores the extensive influence of global developments—specifically from the USA, UK, and EU—on Canada's legal, economic, and environmental landscapes. It will highlight how international policies, market trends, geopolitics, and environmental agreements are shaping Canada's strategic responses and compliance frameworks, focusing on the implications for ESG initiatives.  The importance of cross-border collaboration and the adaptive strategies needed for Canada to thrive in a globally interconnected context, ensuring resilience and sustainable growth in the face of international shifts. What is next? Where do we go from here? How to advise clients? 

MODERATOR 

Pamela Cone / CEO / Amity Advisory 

PANEL 

Stephen Pike / Partner / Gowling WLG 

Bruno Caron / Partner / Miller Thomson 

Shelley Gilberg / ESG Markets Leader / PWC

Gillian Henry / ESG Advisor / Former Export Development Canada

4:50 PM - 5:00 PM 

Closing Remarks 

Pamela Cone / CEO / Amity Advisory 

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Networking Reception