'The imperative on climate action presents a huge possibility… for spurring job creation'
The federal government championed its efforts towards building a sustainable plant at the GLOBE Forum held in Vancouver from Feb. 13-15.
Representing the federal government, Parliamentary Secretary Julie Dabrusin spoke to advance action toward net-zero innovation and inclusive economic growth with partners.
“I am pleased to be at GLOBE, connecting with women, young people, Indigenous partners and innovators in our growing clean technology sector,” she said.
“The imperative of climate action presents a huge opportunity for enhancing community resilience, driving economic inclusion and spurring job creation in every single part of our country. This week’s roundtables with Canadian leaders, alongside new federal investments here in British Columbia, are helping us to advance the important work of building strong communities.”
Ottawa’s ESG commitments
At the event, Dabrusin participated in key sessions with youth, industry innovators and women leaders in the energy sector. There, she highlighted Ottawa’s commitments to creating sustainable, high-quality jobs for youth and to achieving gender equality and broader inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in the energy sector – including through Equal by 30.
Dabrusin also hosted GLOBE’s Clean Tech Pitch Panel with seven of the 13 Canadian companies named to the 2024 Global Cleantech 100 list and joined businesses involved in the Net-Zero Challenge. There, they discussed their motivations and experience as well as the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned in planning and pursuing net-zero commitments.
Dabrusin – along with Sean Fraser, Canada’s minister of housing, infrastructure and communities – also convened industry and community leaders to discuss climate-resilient infrastructure and housing and climate-proofing Canadian communities through collaborations across governments and sectors.
“The government of Canada’s investments in infrastructure across Canada are helping to protect homes, businesses and communities from climate-related risks like floods and wildfires,” said Fraser. “As we work together with our partners to build more homes for Canadians at prices they can afford, we will continue to help build housing that is resilient to the effects of climate change. By taking action on climate-resilient housing and infrastructure across the country, we can protect our communities now and for the future.”
In February 2023, Ottawa released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan that details how it will create middle class jobs across the country. With that move, Canada looked to lead the world with the resources and technologies it will need for generations to come.
Investment in climate action projects
Dabrusin – with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) – also announced over $900,000 of investments through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to support local climate action projects in six communities across British Columbia.
“By supporting municipal initiatives that reduce emissions and enhance resiliency, Canada is working collaboratively to deliver for British Columbians,” said Natural Resources Canada.
In November 2023, the Canadian Purpose Economy Project (CPEP) launched its A Call to Purpose campaign, which calls on business leaders to be part of the movement toward a purpose-first economy in Canada.
"Many companies are already taking important steps to articulate and operationalize a social purpose as their meaningful reason to exist; however, there is more work to be done,” said Coro Strandberg, co-founder and chair of CPEP. “A Call to Purpose brings together businesses from across sectors to support the development of a purpose economy, galvanize their stakeholders around it and develop purpose-driven lines of business, products and services that can provide solutions for society's challenges."
