Every year, the Pembina Institute brings the spirit of Alberta to the heart of Toronto for an evening that’s anything but traditional. Our annual unGALA isn’t a typical black‑tie affair — it’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and Canada’s growing clean economy, all with a western flare.
This year’s unGALA brought together more than 300 energy innovators, policy experts, and change-makers from across the country. Dressed in their best western attire, guests gathered to celebrate progress, share ideas, and reaffirm a shared commitment to building a cleaner, more resilient future for Canada.
We were pleased to welcome the Honourable François‑Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of Finance and National Revenue, as our keynote speaker. In a candid and timely address, Minister Champagne spoke to the deep connections between climate action, economic prosperity, and Canada’s place in a rapidly changing world.
“Addressing climate change and building a thriving economy are not only complementary, but requisites to one another,” he told the crowd. Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical volatility, Minister Champagne emphasized that the direction of travel is clear: the world is moving towards a low‑carbon future.
Canada, he noted, is uniquely positioned to lead.
“Canada has what the world needs and increasingly wants,” he said. “Rich critical minerals, renewable power aplenty, and the most talented workforce to lead in today’s global economy. The world wants more Canada — more Canadian ingenuity, talent, and partners. Central to this is more Canadian clean solutions.”
Those words resonated deeply with the unGALA audience.
For years, the climate conversation has rightly focused on environmental and health benefits. Increasingly, however, the economic case for clean energy — and its role in strengthening national security and sovereignty — is becoming just as apparent.
Clean energy creates good jobs, reduces pollution, lowers household costs, and helps communities thrive. At the same time, it makes Canada more resilient in the face of global disruptions and shifting markets. As recent events around the world have shown, investing in domestic clean energy and supply chains isn’t just good climate policy, it’s smart economic strategy.
In these uncertain times, Canada has an opportunity to play a leading role in building a healthier, safer, and more affordable future — powered by clean energy. The global transition is already underway, and it’s moving faster than many expected. The question now is whether Canada will seize the moment.
As the evening wrapped up, one thing was clear: despite the challenges ahead, there was no shortage of optimism, expertise, or determination in the room. Pembina’s unGALA 2026 was a powerful reminder that progress happens when climate leaders come together.
Thank you to Minister Champagne for his thoughtful and encouraging remarks, and to everyone who joined us for an evening of conversation, collaboration, and a little bit of fun.
The conversation continued online, with guests sharing their insights and photos from the night, highlighting the momentum and sense of community that defined unGALA 2026.
Read reflections from:
- John Stackhouse, senior vice-president, Office of the CEO, Royal Bank of Canada
- Mihskakwan James Harper, business development manager at NRStor Inc. and Pembina Institute board member
- Rick Smith, president of the Canadian Climate Institute
See more highlights from the night in our full photo album.
