Opening of the 5th Sustainable Finance Summit

"Hope for tomorrow" 

Filmed at New City Gas in Montréal, this poetic and musical performance by Théâtre Bunker opened the Summit with emotion and purpose. Poet Amélie Prévost, accompanied by pianist Romain Pollet and vocalists Monika Mazanka and Mishael Eusébio, delivers a powerful message of climate urgency, hope, and collective responsibility.

Keynote Talk - Capital requirements of the sustainability transition in Canada

In this opening keynote, Toby Heaps and Ralph Torrie of Corporate Knights present the findings of their “Climate Dollars” project. Through data-driven insights, they outline a pragmatic, financeable pathway to decarbonizing Canada’s economy by 2050. From electrification strategies to national infrastructure investments, this talk highlights how a $1.5 trillion transition could generate $1.9 trillion in energy savings — and why it’s not just possible, but economically sound.

Plenary session - Planetary emergency: can finance reverse the trend?

In this thought-provoking panel, three influential voices from finance and academia — Geneviève Morin (Fondaction), Philippe Zaouati (Mirova), and Graham Carr (Concordia University) — examine the vital role of sustainable finance in addressing environmental, social, and geopolitical upheavals. Moderated by Béatrice Alain (Chantier de l’économie sociale), the session highlights concrete levers for action, cross-sector partnerships, and the systemic changes needed to build a more resilient and inclusive economy.

Panel - Sustainable reporting: a transformative lever for global finance

This panel explores how sustainability reporting plays a critical role in shaping financial markets, enhancing transparency, and directing capital toward responsible projects. Moderated by Adelaide Chiu (NEI Investments), the discussion brings together Wendy Berman (CSSB), Anne-Marie Monette (National Bank), Travis Seymour (First Nations Market Housing Fund), and Mihaela Stefanov (Boralex). Panelists share insights on standard adoption, the integration of Indigenous rights, investor expectations, and the challenges of implementation for companies with global operations.

Panel - Sustainable finance: how to take biodiversity into account in business practices?

In this panel, three leaders from Quebec-based companies — Pierre-Luc Auclair (Construction Longer), Jérôme Dupras (Habitat), and André Gravel (Gestion Solifor) — share concrete initiatives to embed biodiversity into their operations. Moderated by Sophie Robillard of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, the discussion explores key challenges, measurement tools, and the business benefits of more sustainable practices in construction, forestry, and responsible investment. A compelling conversation on nature-based solutions, ecological performance indicators, and the role of companies in driving the ecological transition.

Panel - Strengthening community resilience: financing climate change adaptation 

How can finance drive real climate resilience across Canada's agricultural and rural sectors? This panel from the 2025 Sustainable Finance Summit brings together leaders from Indigenous investing, agricultural finance, entrepreneurship, and sustainable technology to explore actionable strategies for adaptation. Moderated by Sarah Miller (Canadian Climate Institute), the conversation tackles key barriers to funding, showcases high-impact innovations, and emphasizes the importance of equity, local leadership, and long-term thinking in climate adaptation.

Panel - Negative emissions: mobilizing finance to tackle the climate emergency

In this panel from the 2025 Sustainable Finance Summit, experts in climate science, sustainable investing, and carbon removal explore the role of finance in scaling negative emissions solutions. Moderated by Jason Taylor (Climate Finance Advisors), the discussion brings together Catherine Potvin (McGill University), Mathieu Bouchard (Deep Sky), Laurent-David Charbit (Tikehau Capital), and Grégoire Baillargeon (BMO) to examine the levers needed to build a credible carbon removal market. A compelling conversation on emerging technologies, nature-based solutions, credit market governance, and the urgency of integrating climate risk into financial decision-making.

Keynote Conversation - Breaking silos: building an impact coalition between public and private finance

In this keynote session from the 2025 Sustainable Finance Summit, Marc-André Blanchard (CDPQ) and Lori Kerr (FinDev Canada) explore how public and private finance can work together to accelerate the sustainable transition. Moderated by journalist Sandrine Rastello, the conversation highlights the key conditions for building a global impact coalition: strategic alignment, risk sharing, financial innovation, and responsiveness to local needs. A strategic dialogue on how institutional investors and development finance institutions can play complementary roles in advancing climate and social goals.

Keynote Talk - From ever-more to better: economic systems change for thriving beyond growth

In this keynote talk, Gaya Herrington (Schneider Electric) makes a compelling case for rethinking economic systems to enable long-term ecological and social resilience. Drawing on her research into the Limits to Growth scenarios and planetary boundaries, she outlines the foundations of a well-being economy—one that prioritizes human and environmental flourishing over GDP growth. A powerful call to action for the financial sector to redefine investment, risk, and value creation within a finite world.

Plenary Session - From infinite growth to planetary boundaries: an economy in transformation

In this plenary session of the 2025 Sustainable Finance Summit, Maya Colombani (L’Oréal Canada), Stephen Liberatore (Nuveen), and Kylie Nealis (B Lab U.S. & Canada) discuss how companies and investors must transform to operate within planetary boundaries. Moderated by Solène Hanquier (National Bank of Canada), the conversation highlights actionable strategies—from circular economy practices and regenerative finance to inclusive governance and community partnerships. A compelling dialogue on how innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and a mindset shift can drive new business and financial models for sustainable prosperity.

Panel - Industries and climate: a low-carbon revolution to transform our economies

In this panel, three experts—Bertrand Millot (CDPQ), Laurence Blandford (WSP), and Philippe Dunsky (Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors)—explore the strategies needed to deeply transform our economies. Moderated by Susan Thompson (TD Securities), the discussion covers public policy, breakthrough technologies (including industrial heat pumps), financial tools such as blended finance and contracts for difference, and the growing need for multisectoral collaboration. A compelling conversation on how to scale low-carbon solutions in heavy industry while ensuring long-term performance, resilience, and values-driven leadership.

Panel - Insurance and the climate crisis: innovating to anticipate the unpredictable

How can the insurance sector become a key driver of climate adaptation? In this panel, industry leaders explore practical strategies to anticipate growing climate risks and strengthen community resilience. Christelle Lim-Severe (Beneva), Stephen Nolan (UNDP FC4S & SIF), Marina Severinovsky (Schroders), and Margot Whittington (IBC), moderated by Joanna Eyquem (Climate Risk Institute), discuss business model transformation, private investment in resilience, regulatory evolution, and the human impact of climate disasters. A must-watch discussion for anyone working toward a more secure and sustainable future.

Panel - Circular economy: building a waste-free world

How can companies reinvent production and construction to eliminate waste at the source? In this panel from the 2025 Sustainable Finance Summit, three Quebec-based businesses share how the circular economy drives innovation, cost savings, and environmental impact. Étienne Gravel (Pomerleau), Sébastien Jacques (Attraction), and Patrick Wellington (MSL Fibres), moderated by Nancy Goudreau (Desjardins), discuss real-world strategies to integrate recycled materials, design efficient supply chains, and shift organizational culture. A compelling conversation for anyone looking to scale sustainable practices in manufacturing and construction.

Panel - Accelerating impact while maintaining returns : scale impact finance through mainstream capital markets

Can capital markets be harnessed to deliver measurable impact without compromising financial returns? This panel brings together Stéphanie Émond (FinDev Canada), Jonathan Glencross (Seven Generations Capital), and Laila Nordine (IFC) under the moderation of Hervé Duteil (BNP Paribas). The discussion explores how development finance institutions, private funds, and blended finance tools can bridge the gap between ambition and execution. The panel highlights strategies for aligning capital with climate resilience, gender equality, and long-term community ownership.

Keynote Conversation - Finance, empathy and power: reimagining leadership for a just and sustainable transition

In this closing keynote of the second day of the Summit, two leading voices—Catherine McKenna (Climate and Nature Solutions, UN) and Barbara Zvan (University Pension Plan)—join Delia Cristea (Power Sustainable) to discuss what it means to lead in a time of climate urgency and social transformation. Drawing from finance, politics, and international negotiations, the panel challenges conventional leadership models and calls for a shift toward empathy, inclusion, and systemic thinking. From fiduciary duty and market disclosures to the role of women in driving climate action, this inspiring conversation highlights the need for bold, collaborative leadership to build a resilient economy and a fairer society.

Keynote Talk - Leveraging capital markets for sustainable development 

In this opening keynote of Day 3 of the 2025 Sustainable Finance Summit, Jorge Familiar, Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank Group, delivers a compelling overview of how financial innovation can drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Introduced by Lori Kerr, CEO of FinDev Canada, the session explores how capital markets—through green, blue, social, and outcome bonds—can unlock scalable private investment for emerging economies. From pioneering green bonds to debt-for-development swaps and outcome-based financing, the World Bank's experience demonstrates how blending public and private capital can deliver measurable impact and reshape global development finance.

Plenary Session - Climate governance: a collective response for a resilient future 

In a context of heightened geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty and accelerating climate disruption, how can climate governance drive meaningful, coordinated action? This high-level plenary brought together Canadian and international leaders to unpack the evolving role of public policy, regulation, capital markets and corporate leadership in the net-zero transition. From the urgent need for mandatory disclosure to the role of industrial policy in competitiveness, the conversation highlighted where Canada stands—and what’s needed to position the country as a global leader in sustainable finance.

Panel - North American energy transition: challenges and global opportunities

In the face of climate urgency, economic pressures, and geopolitical realities, how can North America accelerate its energy transition while ensuring security, affordability, and reliability?

Bringing together experts in sustainable finance and climate investment, this panel explored regional challenges, business opportunities, and the technological levers needed to build a more resilient energy future. Batteries, power grids, SMRs, private capital: a clear and strategic overview of the transformations underway.

Panel - Unlocking the value of sustainable real estate, cities and communities 

How can we overcome barriers to sustainable real estate development and design more resilient, livable communities? This panel brought together leaders in investment, real estate development, and sustainable finance to explore key levers for value creation in the sector — from energy efficiency and carbon pricing to quality of life, measurement tools, and public-private partnerships.

Drawing on both North American and global perspectives, panelists addressed stakeholder alignment challenges, the importance of data and regulation, and the growing influence of tenants, investors, and institutions in driving the sector’s transition.