TOCW Flagship Event: Nature & Water
Canada’s natural capital, across land and water is a defining pillar of global competitiveness. Under the theme Canada’s Competitive Advantage, Toronto Climate Week and Ducks Unlimited Canada have curated a program to explore how biodiversity protection, nature-based solutions, sustainable resource management, and blue economy innovation enhance business resilience, reduce risk, and create long-term economic value.
From our vast coastlines to our inland fields, Canada’s economy is inseparable from nature. This session dives into how major players in energy, agriculture, and mining, are shifting their playbooks to protect the ecosystems they depend on. We’ll explore the real-world incentives and new ways of funding that are turning ‘nature-positive’ from a buzzword into a massive investment opportunity.
Nature & Water Agenda
8:30 - 9:00
Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 9:15
Welcome
Amanda Horn (MC), Founder & CEO, Shower Thoughts Company
Opening Remarks
Kim Rapagna, Global Head, Sustainability & ESG, TELUS
9:15 - 9:45
Panel Discussion led by Kruger Products Inc.
The Chain of Trust - Certified Fibre, Responsible Sourcing & Canada’s Resilient Future
This panel will examine the fibre chain of custody system, bringing together stakeholders from forest management to retail to discuss how certified fibre supports environmental protection, empowers consumers to choose responsibly sourced materials, and helps businesses mitigate risks related to forests and biodiversity. By highlighting collaboration and transparency across the supply chain, the session will emphasize the role of certified fibre in Canada’s climate and economic agenda and explore how sustainable fibre practices are shaping a competitive and prosperous future for Canada.Moderator: Elliot Peck Williamson, Regional Representative, US & Canada, Preferred by Nature
Panelists:
Steven Sage, VP Sustainability & Corporate Communications, Kruger Products Inc.
Monika Patel, President and CEO, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Canada
Étienne Vézina, VP Forestry and Certification, Domtar
Joshua Goodman, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Sobeys
9:50 - 10:50
Panel Discussion led by Ducks Unlimited Canada:
Adapting Together: A Collaborative Approach to Nature-Based Climate Resilience
As climate impacts intensify in cities and nearby communities, nature is emerging as a powerful part of the solution. This session will examine the crucial role of collaboration in nature-based climate resilience through the lens of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Nature Force program, a partnership with the insurance industry to deliver natural infrastructure in the communities where we live, work and play. Panelists from non-profit, public and private sectors will explore how natural infrastructure is being applied in the GTA, the growing recognition of nature’s value in urban environments, and why working together is critical to effective climate adaptation.Moderator: Mara Mordecai, National Sustainability Lead, Financial Services, Ducks Unlimited Canada
Panelists:
Shilpa Tiwari, Head of Sustainability, Aviva Canada
Cameron Richardson, Supervisor of Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change, Town of Ajax
John Stille, Manager, Toronto Region Conservation Authority
Linda Warren, Conservation Specialist, Ducks Unlimited Canada
11:00 - 11:30
Networking Break
11:30 - 12:00
Panel Discussion led by DECIEM
Moderator: Amanda Horn, Founder & CEO, Shower Thoughts Company
Speakers:
Anika de la Flor, Director, Environmental Sustainability (Global), DECIEM
Adam Bent, CEO, Lonely Whale
David Luba, Co-founder, veritree; Co-founder, tentree
12:00 - 13:00
Panel Discussion - Oceans, Water, and Resilience: Building a Regenerative Future
This panel brings together international leaders across climate science, ocean conservation, offshore clean energy, finance, and community engagement to explore how healthy oceans and freshwater systems underpin climate stability, biodiversity, economic resilience, and human security. The discussion will examine how offshore wind, marine spatial planning, innovative finance, and community-led conservation can support a responsible and regenerative transition, while balancing climate action, biodiversity protection, economic development, and public participation. Together, the panel will highlight how ocean and freshwater stewardship can strengthen long-term resilience and competitiveness.
Moderator: TBC
Speakers:
Shamini Selvaratnam, Director, International Climate and Clean Energy, Ocean Conservancy
Gabriela Gomez Gonzalez, Co-founder & Director, Fomares
Shawn Marshall, Research Scientist, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Ghazal Zazai, Senior Associate, Global Outreach and Engagement, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRA)
More details to come!
This event is sponsored by:
Kruger Products Inc., a manufacturing company that integrates sustainability into every stage of its value chain, focused on reducing environmental impacts while creating value for customers, employees, and communities.
TELUS, a world-leading communications technology company committed to leveraging technology to enable remarkable human outcomes.
DECIEM, a beauty company working hard to address and mitigate its environmental impact, committed to continuous learning to improve their practices, starting with nature-based solutions and partnerships.
The Toronto Port Authority, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the Outer Harbour Marina, and the marine Port of Toronto.
Arcadia Earth, a multi-sensory journey that combines creative art installations and exciting technology to inspire visitors to take action towards a more sustainable future.
We will begin accepting registrations at the end of March.
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