2023 AGENDA

All times in ET

• 8:15 AM

  Registration and breakfast

• 9:00 AM

  Opening remarks from chairperson

  

  Andrew McLaughlin

  Vice-President – Legal Affairs, General Counsel and ESG Lead
  Major Drilling Group International Inc.

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  Andrew McLaughlin

  Vice-President – Legal Affairs, General Counsel and ESG Lead
  Major Drilling Group International Inc.

  Andrew McLaughlin is the VP–Legal Affairs, General Counsel and ESG Lead at Major Drilling Group International Inc. (TSX:MDI). He previously served as a diplomat at the Canadian embassies in Havana and Mexico City, and was a Canadian foreign service officer from 2006-2015. Andrew is on the Board of New Brunswick’s economic development agency, ONB (a Crown corporation), where he serves as the Chair of the Governance Committee, and is an Editorial Board member of Canadian Lawyer Magazine. In recent years, Andrew has been making the case for lawyers to lead the charge on “ESG” (i.e. environmental, social and governance practices) in their organizations (e.g. see his articles here, here and here, and his efforts on ESG were featured as the cover story for Canadian Lawyer InHouse magazine) and is a highly sought after presenter on this topic. His op-ed in the Globe and Mail critiquing the ESG ratings industry received wide interest in 2022. In 2018, he was named a Lexpert Rising Star for leading Canadian lawyers under 40, and as part of the Banff Forum’s “Emerging Canadian Leaders Under 40”. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Mount Allison University, an LLB from the University of New Brunswick, and an LLM in International Business Law from the University of London (QMUL/UCL).  

   

• 9:05 AM

  Keynote: ESG in the boardroom: Governance best practices

  ESG topics, such as climate change, human rights and DEI, have become important board-level priorities that have a direct impact on a business’ reputation, resilience, finances and bottom line. With heightened stakeholder expectations, boards must enhance corporate governance practices and embed an ESG strategy within their organization at all levels to ensure meaningful progress. This session will explore ESG responsibilities and liabilities of the board and the role of counsel in advising them.   

  • Corporate governance and ESG intersection: Best models to establish and manage oversight roles and responsibilities   
  • Key considerations in embedding ESG into part of corporate strategy and across business operations   
  • ESG skills, education, and experience to support the board in driving ESG strategy, and understanding ESG risks and requirements in fulfilling its duties to stakeholders, including: investors, employees, clients/customers   
  • Best practices for responding to increased ESG-related shareholder proposals/activism and balancing diverse stakeholder perspectives   
  • Update on the latest ESG-related liability for officers and directors  
  • Mitigating the growing risks of proxy disputes from inaction on ESG matters   
  • Identifying short-, medium- and long-term ESG-related risks and opportunities and the impact on business, strategy and financial planning  

  

  Bindu Dhaliwal

  Senior Vice President, ESG & Corporate Governance
  CIBC

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  Bindu Dhaliwal

  Senior Vice President, ESG & Corporate Governance
  CIBC

   

  Bindu Dhaliwal is a seasoned professional with more than 15 years of experience in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance, Currently, she is CIBC’s Senior Vice-President, ESG & Corporate Governance, responsible for its ESG strategy, disclosure, governance and engagement activities. In her role, Bindu also oversees CIBC’s Corporate Secretary function, Whistleblower Program, and Client Complaints Appeals Office.  In spring of 2023 Bindu was appointed to  the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board.  

  Bindu is a long-standing community leader and champion for diversity, equity and inclusion. She has served on the board of several not-for-profit organizations and has acted as an advisor to academic programs on sustainability and social finance.    

   A lawyer by training, Bindu began her career in the litigation department of a major Canadian law firm and clerked at the Ontario Court of Appeal. She has a Bachelor of Commerce and a graduate certificate in sustainability from the University of Toronto and obtained her law degree from Queen’s University. She has also received a graduate diploma in Social Innovation from University of Waterloo.   

   

• 9:40 AM

  Panel: ESG disclosure obligations and risks – Regulatory developments and the emergence of multiple ESG reporting frameworks

  With international standard-setting organizations calling for enhanced disclosure, the ESG reporting landscape is becoming increasingly complex. This session will examine regulatory developments and emerging ESG reporting frameworks and assess their impact on both mandatory and voluntary reporting and the implications for organizations.  

  • Practical strategies for incorporating ESG reporting into financial statements: Establishing internal control systems, policies and processes to cover the full cycle of ESG data management, accumulation, evaluation, and reporting 
  • Outlook on mandatory ESG disclosure in Canada- preparing for future of mandatory climate-related disclosure & how these impact your organisation 
  • Update on actions of the CISB to bring disclosure standards to Canada: How will it impact Canadian market  
  • Best tools and practices for achieving investor-grade integrated financial and ESG reporting 

  • Impact of OSFI’s guidelines on climate risk management, setting out requirements for banks and insurance companies to manage and disclose climate-related risks 

  Moderator

  

  Bill Gilliland

  Partner
  Dentons Canada LLP

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  Bill Gilliland

  Partner
  Dentons Canada LLP

  Bill is a member of Dentons’ Corporate Practice Group, advising clients on capital markets and transactional work.  Bill leads Dentons Canada’s ESG Igniter Group.  In the ESG space, Bill focuses on ESG disclosure, including climate-related disclosure and corporate governance, and sustainable finance.    Bill has represented Dentons Canada as a member of the International Capital Markets Association Green Bond Principles since 2014 and as a member of the Advisory Council to ICMA’s Green and Social Bond Principles Executive Committee.  Bill was involved in background work leading to the release of the recent Taxonomy Road Map Report of the Canada Sustainable Finance Action Council.  Bill holds the ICD.D designation and is on the board of pension plan active in responsible investing. 

  Panelists

  

  Mohammed Ali

  Vice President, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs
  Agnico Eagle

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  Mohammed Ali

  Vice President, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs
  Agnico Eagle

  Mr. Ali is Vice President, Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs. Prior to this role, he was Vice President, Environment for Kirkland Lake Gold (2017 – 2022). 

  With over 20 years of experience in the mining sector, Mr. Ali is an environmental, social and sustainability executive with broad technical, regulatory and management expertise stemming from a background in research, consulting, engineering and business development. 

  Mr. Ali is a committee member with several organizations including, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Ontario Mining Association and he also chairs various mining, environmental and sustainability committees and conferences in Canada and around the world. He sits on the Industry Advisory Group, whose effort is to converge ESG reporting. He was also appointed as the mining representative for the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board. 

  Mr. Ali has been awarded the prestigious Central District Distinguished Service Award and the Sustainable Development Award by the Canadian Institute of Mining and holds a degree in Chemical Engineering (Middle East Technical University). 

  

  Tracie Allan

  Assistant Vice-President and Managing Counsel
  Sun Life

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  Tracie Allan

  Assistant Vice-President and Managing Counsel
  Sun Life

  Tracie Allan is Assistant-Vice President & Managing Counsel in Sun Life’s corporate office.  She leads a team responsible for advising on ESG matters, including disclosures, governance and regulatory developments, and works closely with Sun Life’s sustainability team to provide strategic guidance in a highly-regulated industry.  She also leads a team advising on global M&A, strategic investments, capital markets transactions, and public disclosure. 

  Tracie is a member of the OSC’s Continuous Disclosure Advisory Committee.  She joined Sun Life in 2017 after having spent nearly 10 years in private practice at major Canadian law firm.  She obtained her law degree at McGill University, and also holds a Masters in English Literature from McGill and a BA (Hons) from Western University. 

   

  

  Amma Anaman

  Associate General Counsel & Legal Relationship Manager, U.S. Listings
  Nasdaq

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  Amma Anaman

  Associate General Counsel & Legal Relationship Manager, U.S. Listings
  Nasdaq

  Amma advises current and prospective Nasdaq-listed companies on Nasdaq’s listing rules and corporate governance standards, supports Nasdaq’s public policy initiatives, and is Corporate Secretary for the Nasdaq Foundation, whose mission is to advance diversity in investor engagement. Amma was part of the women-led team that formulated Nasdaq’s board diversity proposal, advising the team on legal strategy, rule language and media relations. 

  Prior to joining Nasdaq in 2018, Amma was in private practice at the New York offices of Sullivan & Cromwell and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt where she advised public and private companies on corporate governance matters, securities laws and cross-border equity and debt offerings. She also practiced at the Baltimore office of Miles & Stockbridge, where she advised companies on SEC reporting obligations and M&A transactions. 

  Amma received her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto and her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan. 

  

  Samreen Beg

  Senior Legal Counsel
  Corporate Finance Branch, Ontario Securities Commission

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  Samreen Beg

  Senior Legal Counsel
  Corporate Finance Branch, Ontario Securities Commission

  Samreen Beg is currently Senior Legal Counsel in the Corporate Finance Branch of the Ontario Securities Commission. She has been a part of the OSC’s climate-related disclosure team for a number of years and is also a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators’ (CSA) working group on climate-related disclosures. Samreen worked extensively on the CSA’s proposed National Instrument 51-107 Disclosure of Climate-related Matters, published in 2021, as well as the 2021 targeted review of public disclosure practices of Canadian issuers. She is also a part of the OSC team involved with IOSCO’s Sustainable Finance Task Force, established in 2020 to carry out work to improve the consistency, comparability and reliability of sustainability-related disclosures. Aside from climate-related disclosures, Samreen is also involved in other Corporate Finance-related initiatives and work. Prior to the OSC, Samreen worked at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, the Canadian Securities Transition Office and FAIR Canada. Samreen is a graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.  

   

   

  

  Anton Tabuns

  Senior Counsel, Sustainability, Legal & Regulatory Compliance
  BMO Financial Group

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  Anton Tabuns

  Senior Counsel, Sustainability, Legal & Regulatory Compliance
  BMO Financial Group

  Anton serves as Senior Counsel, Sustainability, with BMO’s Sustainability Office. He leads the Sustainability team’s work on environmental and social risk as well as legal and regulatory aspects of ESG, among other duties.  

  Anton has focused on environmental, climate change and human rights issues since being called to the Ontario bar in 2012. Prior to BMO, he worked at Manifest Climate, a leading climate tech firm and previously served in-house as Associate General Counsel at a Bay Street private equity firm. He also represented the Indigenous Ecuadorian plaintiffs in their long-running legal battle with the oil giant Chevron, acting as part of an international legal team pursuing the enforcement of a multi-billion dollar environmental judgment in numerous countries, and has worked at Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP, one of Canada’s premier environmental law boutiques. 

  Anton received his Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School and his Master in Environmental Studies from York University. 

• 10:25 AM

  Networking coffee break

• 10:50 AM

  Addressing growing ESG litigation risks: Risk management best practices for avoiding risk of greenwashing claims

  The rise in greenwashing claims are a serious concern for organizations trying to show their sustainability credentials and underscores the growing scrutiny ESG commitments and disclosures. T With stakeholders, regulators and consumers requiring effective steps being taken on the ESG front, the failure to meet these expectations with measurable and verifiable actions is increasingly likely to lead to regulatory action and litigation. This session will review the increased areas of ESG-related litigation risks and will examine best practices for managing these risks of litigation and regulatory sanctions. 

  • How regulators are dealing with greenwashing: types of actions regulators are challenging and how to guard against the risks 
  • Latest developments in greenwash litigation: clarifying the legal obligations and risks amidst rising ‘green’ claim 
  • Best practices in structuring and defining your businesses ESG claims to mitigate potential risk: reviewing insurance policies 
  • Disclosure-related litigation: avoiding inadequate or misleading disclosures relating to companies’ ESG-related plans  
  • How to guard against and prepare for regulatory enforcement actions: regulatory focus on greenwashing 
  • Preparing for evolving D&O liability for ESG issues and key considerations in addressing the risks 

  

  Conor Chell

  Head of ESG Practice Group
  MLT Aikins LLP

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  Conor Chell

  Head of ESG Practice Group
  MLT Aikins LLP

  Motivated by his family’s history and deep roots in the Canadian coal mining industry, Conor’s personal and professional goal is to live life with purpose, lead broad positive change, and contribute to his family legacy through ESG.  Prior to joining MLT Aikins, Conor spent several years as an environmental and regulatory lawyer at a national law firm.  More recently, he spent over a decade with Suncor Energy in various senior sustainability roles which involved reporting on environmental and sustainability matters to Suncor’s Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Subcommittee of the Board of Directors.  At MLT Aikins, Conor leads a collaborative, cross-functional and multi-disciplinary team of sustainability professionals who advise clients on ESG strategy and program development, ESG activism and disclosure risks, and ESG policy development and training. Conor holds a Global Competent Boards Designation (GCB.D) in ESG, a Certificate in Sustainable Finance and ESG from UC Berkeley School of Law and has been named a Top 40 Lawyer in Canada under the age of 40 by Lexis/Nexis. Conor is an emerging ESG thought leader, is a frequent author and speaker on ESG topics and has been featured in Canadian Lawyer, Investment Executive, and Lexis/Nexis. 

• 11:25 AM

  Panel: Integrating ESG goals into corporate strategy

  With investors, regulators, customers and key stakeholders increasingly demanding that businesses take action regarding ESG issues, along with the recognition of the growing risks and opportunities associated with these initiatives, ESG has become a main priority for businesses. Outside lawyers and in-house teams need to understand the evolving role that they must play in assisting organizations to meet these new ESG demands. This session explores the critical role that counsel must play in ensuring the effectiveness of ESG initiatives whilst mitigating the associated risks.  

  • Aligning ESG goals and strategies amongst organizational leadership and all departments to meet ESG obligations: Committing the entire organization to sustainability initiatives 
  • Determining the optimal role of counsel in the formation of an ESG strategy and how to integrate C-Suite & sustainability leaders into this conversation  
  • Optimizing ESG policies and practices across the organization 
  • Best practices for developing enterprise-wide ESG action and implementing initiatives tied to material ESG topics to effectively mitigate all business risks and leverage opportunities 

  Moderator

  

  Jennifer Suess

  Senior Vice President, General Counsel, ESG & Corporate Secretary
  RioCan REIT

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  Jennifer Suess

  Senior Vice President, General Counsel, ESG & Corporate Secretary
  RioCan REIT

  Jennifer oversees all aspects of RioCan’s corporate legal strategy and related execution, governance, ESG, Board and related Committee matters. As a member of RioCan’s senior management team, Jennifer participates in formulating the strategy for the organization. She also oversees and directs the Legal, ESG, Insurance and Lease Administration departments. Jennifer is RioCan’s first-ever General Counsel, having joined the company in 2017 after serving as a corporate/securities lawyer focused within the healthcare sector. Jennifer puts her deep experience and passion to work in order to provide counsel and strategic guidance that helps propel RioCan toward its vision. In addition to her work at RioCan, Jennifer is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Hospital for SickKids Foundation, and sits on the Governance and Development Committees. In 2022, Jennifer was Valedictorian and completed her ICD.d certificate in the Director Education Program at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Prior to joining RioCan, Jennifer began her legal career at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and Goodmans LLP and was Head of Legal & Compliance, Corporate Secretary & Director; Head of Human Resources; Head of Communications and Chief Privacy Officer for Alcon Canada Inc. She has also worked in a Legal capacity for Johnson & Johnson as well as Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. Called to the Bar in 2003, Jennifer achieved her Law degree from the University of Windsor and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto. She has received many awards including the Lexpert 2021 Female Trailblazer Excellence Award, the 2020 Chambers Diversity & Inclusion North America Award and the 2019 Canadian General Counsel ESG Award for Excellence. 

  Panelists

  

  Prabh K. Banga

  Vice-President, Sustainability
  AECON GROUP INC.

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  Prabh K. Banga

  Vice-President, Sustainability
  AECON GROUP INC.

  Prabh is a sustainability strategist with over 15 years of experience integrating and operationalizing sustainability into corporate strategy.  

  Currently, Prabh is the Vice-President of Sustainability with Aecon Group Inc, where she leads the integration of sustainability into the construction and infrastructure sector. Prior to joining Aecon, Prabh was the Associate Director, Strategy & Sustainability at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where she was ranked Top 40 under 40 in North America by Airport Business for integrating sustainability as a value driver into airport operations and management. She was also ranked Top 20 under 40 by Wings Magazine for influencing Canadian Aviation.  

  Prabh has a Master of Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University and undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from McMaster University. Prabh is often a guest lecturer at universities and conferences, discussing emerging trends and career paths in sustainability. Prabh is currently serving as the North American representative on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Stakeholder Council as well as a Research associate with the National Academy of Sciences. She also sits on the board for Family Services of Peel and the Halton Environmental Network.   

   

   

   

  

  Helene Gagnon

  Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement
  CAE

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  Helene Gagnon

  Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement
  CAE

  Hélène V. Gagnon is Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement at CAE and is a member of the Executive Management Committee. She leads CAE’s ESG strategy, sustainability, environment, and social impact to make the world a safer place. She is accountable for CAE’s global communications with employees, media and other stakeholders as well as public affairs and government relations including R&D and Higher education institutions relations. She joined CAE in 2015 as Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Global Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility.

  Prior to her appointment at CAE, Ms. Gagnon worked for 11 years at Bombardier, the last eight as Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility and Achieving Excellence System for Bombardier Aerospace, at the time, the third largest civil aircraft manufacturer. From 2003 to 2007 she was Senior Director of Public Affairs at Bombardier Transportation.

  She began her career in 1995 with the law firm Fasken as a specialist in environmental law. In 2000, she joined mining and metallurgy multinational Noranda Inc./ Falconbridge Limited (now known as Glencore) as Director of Public and Corporate Affairs for Québec.

  Ms. Gagnon has always been very active in the community. She has been involved in more than 50 organizations including government advisory boards, pressure groups, cultural and charity organizations and business associations and was appointed to more than 25 Boards of Directors.

  She is an independent member of the Board of Directors of Hydro Quebec since 2015 and Chairs the Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. She is also Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of The Montreal Airports (ADM) and has been a Director since 2014. She is Vice Chair of the Board of the Canadian American Business Council and has been a member of the Board since 2017. Hélène chaired the Board of Directors of Aéro Montréal, Greater Montréal’s Aerospace Cluster (2015-2018) and the Board of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada’s (2012-2013) and is still a Board member of both.

  She has been a speaker or panelist around the world on topics such as ESG, social impact, environmental policy, corporate social responsibility, public policy issues, crisis management, issue management and social media. She has garnered more than 70 scholarships, awards, distinctions and excellence prizes notably, the prestigious Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100™ award from the Women Executive Network in 2007 and the top 50 of Best Executives in Canada from the Globe and Mail Report on Business in 2022.

  A graduate of McGill University with a degree in Civil Law (B.C.L.) and Common Law (LL.B.), Ms. Gagnon also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from the London School of Economics (M.Sc). She is a member of the Québec Bar, holds the professional certifications of Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and Fellow (FCPRS) from the Canadian Public Relations Society as well as the Global ESG Competent Boards Designation (GCB.D)

  

  Tonya Lagrasta

  VP & Head of ESG
  REMS, Colliers Canada

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  Tonya Lagrasta

  VP & Head of ESG
  REMS, Colliers Canada

  As Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for Colliers Real Estate Management Services, Tonya Lagrasta is laser-focused on applying innovative solutions that are both meaningful and measurable to ensure our clients’ properties remain viable long-term investments. Tonya works collaboratively with our clients to maximize their ESG performance in a way that is uniquely tailored to their asset; developing strategies that reduce operational emissions and energy related costs and improve resiliency. Drawing on her expertise and industry experience within property management, consulting, and retail, Tonya works with clients to mitigate ESG risks, seize opportunities and enhance their ESG disclosures and performance.

  As Chair of the ESG Executive Steering Committee for Colliers Canada, Tonya also drives social impact, DEI and ESG performance in alignment with our global priorities. Tonya is also Colliers representative on the Government of Canada’s Green Building Strategy Roundtable.

  Tonya’s expert ESG commentary and thought leadership on being a woman in commercial real estate has been featured in The Globe and Mail and STOREYS and she is a frequently requested panelist, with recent contributions to the Canadian Real Estate Forum, CAGBC Conference, and KPMG Canada’s Sustainability Forum. An active volunteer, over the years Tonya has shared her time and knowledge as an NPO board member, an advisor for post-graduate sustainability certification, and a contributor to ECO Canada’s certification.

• 12:10 PM

  Networking lunch

• 1:10 PM

  Sustainable Finance: The State of Play

  There has been tremendous growth in the number of sustainable finance products, covering a broad range of financial instruments, spurred on by significant interest and corresponding flows of capital towards ESG investments. However, the use of sustainable financing brings with it a variety of obligations and risks This session will review the risks, requirements, and best practices for raising capital through sustainable financing 

  • Overview of evolving sustainable finance products: Key risks and obligations of using various sustainable financing products 
  • Best practices for avoiding running afoul in use of green funds: use of proceeds 
  • Establishing due diligence processes to ensure all proceeds go towards green projects: how the use of proceeds of the financing is tracked  

  • How to prepare for enhanced transparency, disclosure, and commitment requirements  
  • Managing growing greenwashing scrutiny over use of sustainable financing 
  • Key concerns: need for an effective due diligence process ensuring all proceeds from green financing tools going to green projects  
  • Latest best practices in utilizing these financing mechanisms: what counsel needs to know 
  • Strategies for aligning capital market strategy with corporate ESG strategy 

  • Impact of the use of labels on driving improvement to sustainability activities 

  

  Ijeoma Madueke

  Executive Director, Sustainable Finance
  CIBC Capital Markets

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  Ijeoma Madueke

  Executive Director, Sustainable Finance
  CIBC Capital Markets

  Ijeoma is an Executive Director, Sustainable Finance at CIBC Capital Markets where she provides subject matter expertise and advises clients on strategies to overlay ESG into their capital structure across public and private markets. Her career has spanned sustainability, corporate and investment banking as well as M&A in various capacities and across different geographic regions.  

  Ijeoma joined CIBC from Sustainalytics, an ESG research and ratings firm, where she was Regional Lead for the Americas Opinions team. In this capacity, she was responsible for the technical assessment  of  second party opinions on green, social, sustainable and transition finance frameworks across use of proceeds and sustainability-linked instruments across a variety of sectors and geographies.  

  Ijeoma holds an MSc. in International Business and Finance from the University of Dundee, Scotland as well as a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from Carleton University. She is also a Vice Chair of the Canadian Advocacy Council (CFA Societies Canada) which advances investor protection, industry professionalism, market integrity and  transparency. 

• 1:45 PM

  Panel: Supply chain due diligence best practices: Driving ethical & sustainable supply chains

  Organizations are under growing pressure to verify that their supply chains meet ESG standards. Often, the greatest ESG risk exposure that a business faces results from their supply chain, which can expose a company to hidden ESG liability. This has lead companies to increasingly evaluate their supply chain participants using ESG standards. This session will look at key developments and the impact of Canada’s proposed Modern Slavery Act, and counsel’s role in the maintenance of ESG compliance across the supply chain. 

  • Overview of emerging global supply chain legislation: a growing global trend for greater transparency and due diligence 
  • Preparing for Canada’s proposed Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and its implications in supply chain management: reporting requirements and what can be done to prepare 

  • Best practices for measuring social and environmental impact: Creating a set of metrics and analytics to assess suppliers’ ESG practices  
  • Best practices for scrutinizing the labour, environmental and human rights policies of business partners  
  • Strategies in drafting contracts with third parties that explicitly outline the company’s ESG goals  
  • Utilizing new technologies and systems to track supply chain impacts 
  • Determining how to take practical steps to address human rights in the supply chain 

   

  Moderator

  

  Hina Latif

  VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
  Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada

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  Hina Latif

  VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
  Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada

  Hina Latif is VP, General Counsel and Secretary at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada and Mercedes-Benz Canada. Hina embraces extreme ownership principles in leading the Legal teams in both the automotive sales and distribution company and the captive finance company, ensuring that the two businesses receive timely and effective legal, compliance and related business advice and services. In particular, she oversees matters relating to corporate governance, regulatory compliance, employment, privacy and competition law. Hina is focused on protecting and serving the businesses to minimize legal risks and on empowering business colleagues through education and training on relevant legal topics. Hina collaborates closely with her peers on the executive leadership teams at both companies to devise and implement corporate strategy which relates to customers, dealers and employees. 

  Hina founded and co-chairs the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council at Mercedes and is also a co-founder, director and President of the National GC Network*. Hina is passionate about the advancement of those seeking careers in the law and mentors students and aspiring lawyers through various mentorship programs, including through the OBA’s Career Accelerator Program. 

  Prior to working at Mercedes-Benz, Hina acted as Canadian Counsel for Element Fleet Management and has extensive experience in the area of secured financing. She is qualified in Ontario, and in the UK, where she began her legal career in 2000.  

  *The NGCN aims to assist general counsel and in-house lawyers to advance ED&I values in their organizations and the legal community and to promote leadership opportunities for Canadian Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour lawyers. 

  Panelists

  

  Robert Ellis

  Chief Legal Officer & Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Compliance
  Celestica

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  Robert Ellis

  Chief Legal Officer & Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Compliance
  Celestica

  Celestica is a manufacturing and supply chain solutions company with 25,000+ employees in over 40 locations throughout North America, Europe and Asia.  Rob is a Senior Vice President at Celestica, and heads its global sustainability, legal, and compliance functions.  He drives Celestica’s strategy for creating and meeting its Environmental, Social and Governance goals.  Key focus areas including achieving greenhouse gas emissions targets, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and implementing best practices for good corporate governance.  Rob joined Celestica in 2000 after several years of practice in the telecommunications and information technology industries. He received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (JD) degrees from the University of Toronto, and is licensed to practice law in Ontario, Canada. 

  

  Carlton Mathias

  Chief Legal, ESG and Governance Officer
  Ontario Power Generation Inc.

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  Carlton Mathias

  Chief Legal, ESG and Governance Officer
  Ontario Power Generation Inc.

  Carlton Mathias is the Chief Legal, ESG and Governance Officer at OPG. Carlton leads OPG’s Law Division, OPG’s work towards accelerating Environmental, Social, and Governance performance and reporting, the Regulatory Affairs Division, and as the Chief Governance Officer is the trusted advisor to the OPG Board and leads OPG’s Corporate Governance Program. Carlton has received the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation and the ESG Global Competent Boards Designation. Carlton is called to the Bar of Ontario, having graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Toronto before that. He practiced first as a commercial litigator and then in energy and infrastructure law and was a partner at international Bay Street law firms. Carlton also worked at the Ministry of Energy leading the negotiation of inter[1]provincial power purchase agreements. Carlton has been at OPG for 15 years. Carlton is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors Chapter Executive for the Greater Toronto Area. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Governance Professionals of Canada and is the Chair of its Advocacy and Thought Leadership Committee. Carlton is also on the Board of Directors of PowerON Energy Solutions Inc., an OPG subsidiary that is a leader in the transit electrification business. Carlton has been an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School instructing in both the Trial Practice and the Lawyer as Negotiator courses

• 2:25 PM

  Networking & coffee break

• 2:50 PM

  Panel: Practical strategies for achieving EDI goals

  Stakeholders and investors are increasingly focusing on EDI criteria as a means of benchmarking a company’s ESG efforts, as equity, diversity, and inclusion issues have become significant in addressing long term corporate sustainability, as a lack of EDI transparency or initiatives can adversely impact an organization’s reputation, brand and competitive position. This session will demonstrate the importance of combating structural discrimination and enhancing diversity at all levels of an organization and provide practical strategies for achieving EDI goals. 

  • Role of HR, in-house counsel, and employment lawyers in addressing EDI issues: best practices for coordinating efforts 
  • Understanding and communicating the role EDI in ESG efforts to develop a culture and commitment to EDI excellence 
  • Best practices for addressing legal and practical issues associated with emerging EDI actions 
  • How board and counsel can instill principles of EDI throughout the entire organization 
  • Practical strategies for tracking meaningful metrics for EDI 
  • Incorporating EDI goals into corporate ESG strategy 
  • CSA’s proposals concerning diversity on boards of directors and in executive officer positions at public companies  
  • Establishing corporate disclosure best practices regarding diversity policies and practices: Recommendations for ongoing EDI policy disclosures 

  Moderator

  

  Rustam Juma

  General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
  Volkswagen Group Canada Inc.

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  Rustam Juma

  General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
  Volkswagen Group Canada Inc.

  Rusty is General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Privacy Officer of Volkswagen and Audi Canada. In this role, Rusty provides strategic, governance, legal, and risk management advice to the Board and management. Rusty was previously the recipient of the Canadian General Counsel Award and the Top 10, 30-Something Award. In 2020, he co-founded the National GC Network to help General Counsel advance ED&I values in their organizations and the legal community. He is currently a Director of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto. 

  Panelists

  

  Pascale Alpha

  Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
  CAE

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  Pascale Alpha

  Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
  CAE

  

  Michelle Francis-Denny

  Indigenous Relations East
  Bird Construction

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  Michelle Francis-Denny

  Indigenous Relations East
  Bird Construction

  Michelle Francis-Denny comes from Pictou Landing First Nation, a small Mi’kmaw community located along the Northumberland Strait in Mik’ma’ki (Nova Scotia). Michelle’s background consists of more than 20 years working within her own community in areas of employment, training, community development, in addition to being the former point of contact as the Community Liaison Manager for the high-profile Boat Harbour Remediation Project for 5 years.  

  Michelle’s lived, personal and professional experience brings passionate perspectives to all spaces she is invited to. She has been featured in the 2019 Canadian documentary that aired at the Toronto International Film Festival called “ There’s Something in the Water” directed by Elliot page and Ian Daniel/ Her personal connection of the disproportionate effects of environmental racism in her community is featured. As a life -long learner, she most recently achieved an MBA in Indigenous Business Leadership with Simon Fraser University and prides herself on creating spaces to help building awareness and opportunities between industries and Indigenous communities.  

  She enjoys sharing her grassroots experience and perspectives within the corporate world, having worked on regional and national levels with Sobeys Inc and most recently Bird Construction Ltd as the Indigenous Relations Manager for the Atlantic Provinces at Bird Construction; her career focus is guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions call to action #92 – Economic Reconciliation and Environmental responsibilities.  

   

  

  Jennifer C. Lee

  Executive Vice President and General Counsel
  Corus Entertainment Inc.

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  Jennifer C. Lee

  Executive Vice President and General Counsel
  Corus Entertainment Inc.

  As Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Jenn Lee leads a talented team of legal, regulatory and governance professionals who provide advice, thought leadership and support on a wide variety of matters to the company. She also leads the Company’s ESG team and chairs the All Access Employee Resource Group. Jenn is an industry-recognized lawyer with extensive regulatory, risk and governance experience and a strong M&A and business background. She has deep public company expertise and experience in digital, data, privacy and technology strategy and initiatives. She has led significant change and transformation projects and emerging risk initiatives and programs. 

  Before joining Corus, Jenn practiced law with a leading national law firm. She then moved to TD Bank Group, where she held a number of executive roles in Legal, Risk, Marketing, and Innovation and Technology. 

  Jenn is director and chair of the audit committee of Woodgreen Community Services and a director of Young People’s Theatre. 

  

  Letecia Rose

  VP, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
  Canadian Tire

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  Letecia Rose

  VP, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
  Canadian Tire

  Letecia Rose is an award-winning facilitator and equity strategist passionate about creating inclusive spaces. Working in the area of diversity, social justice, and community engagement for the past seventeen years, Letecia has trained thousands of stakeholders and organizations across Ontario and has created spaces for individuals to have courageous conversations about issues of diversity, inclusion, and inequity.  

   Within the community, Letecia sits on the CAMH Foundation board and is a former Civic Action fellow co-chair of the Emerging Leaders Network. As a recognized city-builder, she has received awards from the United Way, Toronto Community Foundation, the Woman’s Executive Network, the NBA and was named 2022 Top 10 Diversity & Inclusion Leaders in Canada.   

  Currently, Letecia is the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Canadian Tire Corporation where she works to build equitable and inclusive workspaces where people can feel seen, heard and that they belong. 

   

• 3:35 PM

  Closing remarks from chairperson