2017 High Ground: Leadership in Transitioning Times Presented by the Columbia Institute’s Centre for Civic Governance

The Centre for Civic Governance helps support locally elected leaders working on today’s social and environmental challenges. Josha MacNab, B.C. director at the Pembina Institute, and Karen Tam Wu, B.C. associate director at the Pembina Institute, will speak at the Columbia Institute initiative's 2017 High Ground conference.

Keynote: Leadership in Transitioning Times

Environmental and social upheaval, shifting values and economies – amplified by new media and impacted by shrinking mainstream media resources – are changing the leadership landscape. In this Saturday morning plenary, our keynote speakers reflect on our transitioning times and share the opportunities and challenges they see for those who lead.

Speakers:

• Libby Davies — Social activist, former MP and Vancouver City Councillor
• Josha MacNab — Director, Pembina Institute BC
• Craig Suavé — City Councillor of Montreal
• Stephanie Smith — President, BCGEU

Session: Ramping Up Low Carbon Communities

Taking action on buildings is the fastest way to ramp up low carbon communities. Four new pathways light the way. In Saanich, a brand new pilot financing program aims to enhance the District’s home energy retrofit strategy. The pilot will use ‘Local Improvement Charges’ to support homeowners with the upfront costs of energy efficiency upgrades through a low interest municipal loan tied to the property. Hear why Nelson’s home retrofit program is a model for Canada and what makes it work, along with an update on the city’s newest clean energy initiative: a Community Solar Garden. Pembina Institute shares how to ramp up low carbon communities with benchmarking and the Province’s new ‘Step Code.’ Insulators Local 118 shares new research on the surprisingly large energy savings achievable in commercial buildings through strategic investment in insulation.

Speakers:

• Judy Brownoff
• Lee Loftus
• Carmen Proctor
• Karen Tam Wu

Learn more

• Letter to the editor: Missed opportunity to secure B.C.’s economic future
• Op-ed: Not yet time to celebrate B.C. climate action