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Events & Webinars

Fifth-year Anniversary Celebration

Event
  • May 5, 2025
    5:00-8:00 PM EDT
  • SmithToronto, 200 Front St W, 30th Floor, Toronto, ON

On May 5, 2025, ISF celebrated its 5th anniversary as Canada’s premier hub for academia, the private sector and government with a singular focus on increasing Canada’s sustainable finance capacity. It was an opportunity to come together with friends, supporters and partners to reflect on past achievements, grapple with new challenges, and set a course for the next half-decade of sustainable finance leadership.

Agenda

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Registration and Networking

5:30 pm - 5:35 pm

Welcome

Lynnette Purda Interim Dean and Professor & RBC Fellow of Finance, Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
5:35 pm - 5:45 pm

Keynote Address

Jim Leech Chancellor Emeritus of Queen’s University, former President and CEO of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, and Chair of the ISF Advisory Board
5:45 pm - 6:55 pm

Panel Discussion

Power, Profit, Planet: How business & finance can provide leadership in times of uncertainty

Geopolitical and economic turbulence has disrupted the momentum behind sustainable investing, fracturing global alliances and stalling key policy gains. Yet, the climate and biodiversity crises remain pressing realities, and forward-thinking organizations continue to prioritize sustainability.

For investors and financial leaders, the challenge is clear: How do we reinforce the strategic and financial case for sustainability amid shifting market dynamics? Where are the most compelling opportunities in the low-carbon transition? And who will emerge as the visionaries steering private capital toward scalable climate solutions?

The future of sustainable finance isn’t just about resilience — it’s about leadership. Are you ready to seize the opportunity?

Moderator

Dan Tisch President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Presenters

Lesley Marks Chief Investment Officer, Equities, Mackenzie Financial
Thomas J. Walker Executive Director (Academic), Institute for Sustainable Finance
Dominique Barker CFO & Head of Sustainability, Lithium Royalty Corp.
Andy Chisholm Member of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance and Board Director, Royal Bank of Canada
6:55 pm - 7:00 pm

Closing Remarks

Maya Saryyeva Director, Institute for Sustainable Finance
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Reception and Networking

Refreshments served