​Presented By: Student Energy SFU
Community Partner: Engineers Without Borders SFU (EWB)
Sponsors: HUB International, SFU School of Sustainable Energy Engineering, SFU EWB, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions
(Part of #PNWClimateWeek)

​The conversation around energy in Canada has evolved.

​It's no longer just about reducing emissions. It's also about powering a growing economy, meeting rising electricity demand, building new infrastructure, ensuring affordability, strengthening energy security, and positioning Canada in an increasingly complex global landscape.

​Powering Canada's Future brings together leaders from across the energy sector to explore how Canada can navigate these challenges while building a prosperous and sustainable energy future.

​The program will feature two expert panel discussions designed to examine both Canada's domestic energy priorities and its role in an evolving global energy landscape.

​What We'll Cover

​Panel 1: Building Canada's Energy Future

• ​Modernizing and expanding Canada's electricity grid

• ​Renewable energy integration and energy storage

• ​Transportation and industrial electrification

• ​AI, data centres, and rising electricity demand

• ​Major Canadian energy infrastructure

• ​Energy affordability and reliability

​Panel 2: Energy, Geopolitics & Canada's Role in a Changing World

• ​Global energy security and geopolitical shifts

• ​Critical minerals and resilient supply chains

• ​LNG and international energy trade

• ​Canada's role in the global energy transition

• ​Balancing climate goals with economic growth and energy security

​Speakers

​Moderator

​Dr. Zafar Adeel
Director of the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering and Executive Director of the Pacific Water Research Centre at Simon Fraser University. With more than 25 years of international experience spanning academia, policy, and the United Nations, his work focuses on sustainable energy, water security, and climate resilience. He will serve as the moderator for Powering Canada's Future, guiding conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Canada's energy future.

​Panel 1: Building Canada's Energy Future

​Catherine Jeffery
Policy advisor at Clean Energy Canada, a think tank dedicated to accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition. Her work currently focuses on advancing distributed energy resources and growing utility-scale renewable energy through conducting research and developing actionable policy solutions that can drive positive economic outcomes for Canadians. Previously, she worked in the Ontario Public Service, coordinating energy and climate change policy files.

​Chad Rickaby
Public policy and government relations expert focused on climate finance and sustainable development. At ClimateDoor, he helps businesses and communities unlock funding through strategic partnerships with governments, Indigenous groups, and global institutions. With experience spanning the UN, international trade, and blended finance, Chad brings a collaborative, systems-level perspective to advancing Canada’s energy future.

​Kwatuuma Cole Sayers
Member of the Hupačasath Nation. He embodies the principles of hišimłuwa (working together as a group) and ʔiisaak (respect) as guiding principles to address the climate crisis and build a clean energy future. He is an experienced clean energy leader known for skillfully engaging and assisting First Nations and organizations in navigating the energy transition and creating opportunities in clean energy and technology. Kwatuuma is a powerful advocate for First Nations-led and partnered projects, and for innovative policies that advance reconciliation, achieve climate targets, and foster sustainable economic growth.

​Sanjay De Zoysa

​Senior Manager of Resource Planning at BC Hydro. He manages the development of BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plans including work on crafting system planning criteria, system load resource balances, and portfolio modelling. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia and is a registered Professional Engineer in British Columbia. Sanjay has also served as an Adjunct Professor at UBC.

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​Panel 2: Energy, Geopolitics & Canada's Role in a Changing World

​Deborah Harford
Director of Strategy & Operations at SFU Climate Innovation and co-founder of ACT, where she led pioneering work on climate adaptation and resilience in Canada. She has advised governments and organizations across the country on climate policy, infrastructure, and adaptation strategies, and serves as a Climate Solutions Fellow at SFU's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. Harford is also an Adjunct Professor at SFU and the University of Toronto and is widely recognized as a leading voice in climate resilience and adaptation.

​Andy Hira
Professor of Political Science at Simon Fraser University. He has expertise in global security and economics, international development, and runs the Clean Energy Research Group.

​Jae Mather
Chief Innovation Officer at ClimateDoor and a cleantech leader with over 25 years of experience across Europe and North America. A former Executive Director of the Clean Energy Association of BC, he’s led renewable energy partnerships with 15 First Nations. Jae brings deep expertise in climate policy, infrastructure, and sustainability innovation.

​Barinder Rasode
CEO and Co-Founder of Tersa Critical Minerals, which uses carbon-neutral tech to recover metals from mining waste. A serial entrepreneur, she also co-founded HAVN Life Sciences and Kyn bioscience incubator. Her work bridges sustainability, health innovation, and social impact. Barinder is a recognized changemaker and community leader.

​Schedule

• ​5:00 - 5:20 PM: Registration and Catered Reception

• ​5:20 - 5:30 PM: Opening remarks

• ​5:30 - 6:25 PM: Panel 1 - Building Canada's Energy Future

• ​6:25 - 6:35 PM: Break

• ​6:35 - 7:20 PM: Panel 2 - Energy, Geopolitics & Canada's Role in a Changing World

• ​7:20 - 7:30 PM: Closing Remarks

• ​7:30 - 8:00 PM: Networking

​Can't make the entire event? No problem. You're welcome to join us for whichever panel fits your schedule — arrive late or leave early as needed. Food and refreshments will be provided throughout the evening, with opportunities to network before, between, and after the panel discussions.

​Space is limited. Register now to reserve your spot!

​Interested in becoming a sponsor?

​Email us: sfu@studentenergy.org

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​Note: By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, and to the use of these images for promotional purposes.

​By registering for this event, you agree to share your information with the event organizers, PNW Climate Week, and Climatebase / the Climate Week Network. You may receive updates from these organizations, and can opt out at any time in accordance with their respective privacy policies.