Cedric is manager of the human and financial capital work within the Pembina Institute's equitable transition program. Cedric leads and contributes to research and stakeholder engagement in areas including electric vehicles, sustainable finance, industrial de-carbonization and Canada’s transition to a clean economy.

His prior work experience includes time with York Region Municipality and the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, where he specialized in financial model development and policy research, respectively. Cedric gained his master’s degree in economics from the University of Toronto where he focused on energy and healthcare, researching the impact of biofuel production on the long-term co-integrative relationship between agriculture and oil prices.  

Cedric has held short-term positions with the Environmental Investment Organisation, the McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics and the University of Toronto Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies, completing projects in areas including urban resilience and data decomposition automation.

Outside of work, Cedric enjoys art, reading and running.

Contact Cedric Smith

work: 647-478-9563 ext. 218 • email: cedrics@pembina.org • tweet: @Cedric_M_S

Cedric Smith's Recent Publications

Net-Zero Skills What will Canada need for the coming energy transition?

Publication June 2, 2022- By Cedric Smith, Sarah Winstanley

A transition of Canada’s energy sector is coming, and governments, businesses, workers’ associations, and individuals need to prepare, plan, and reskill so that the country can take advantage of the ensuing opportunities.

Trucking fleets leverage technology for a safer climate Canadian companies adopt telematics systems to reduce emissions and improve the bottom line

Publication May 18, 2022- By Cedric Smith

Trucking is a significant contributor to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Freight trucks currently account for nearly 35% of Canada’s transport sector emissions, and nearly 10% of Canada’s overall emissions. Telematics systems use technologies such as global positioning systems and onboard diagnostics to reduce fuel use and emissions from traditional internal combustion engine heavy-duty vehicles.

Climate Policy Leadership in Ontario The Pembina Institute’s recommendations to future leaders

Publication April 26, 2022- By Carolyn Kim, Betsy Agar, Saeed Kaddoura, Cedric Smith

Ontario’s electoral candidates have many options for policy change and incentives to pursue as they build their party platforms and consider how they will lead Ontario for the next four years.

Taking Charge How Ontario can create jobs and benefits in the electric vehicle economy

Publication Aug. 26, 2021- By Cedric Smith, Saeed Kaddoura, Morrigan Simpson-Marran

Ontario is well positioned to capitalize on the economic growth potential in electric vehicle development and production. In this report, we present the economic and job creation potential of accelerating electrification in Ontario’s light-duty vehicle market, from manufacturing to maintenance to the development and installation of charging infrastructure.

Sustainable finance for a safe climate Perspectives on mobilizing capital for a swift, resilient recovery

Publication March 4, 2021- By Cedric Smith, Morrigan Simpson-Marran

The Pembina Institute and GlobeScan asked financial experts and ordinary investors what Canada’s economic recovery should look like. We found growing interest in ensuring companies have policies in place to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Investors need better information to determine if investments are sustainable. And 79% of Canadians think climate change should be addressed with the same urgency as COVID-19.