Climate in Action: Accelerating the Low-Carbon Transition

Key Focus Areas:

• Emissions tracking, accountability, and regulatory compliance
• Adoption of the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB)
• Aligning community and industry actions with Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets

Space is limited, register early to secure your spot. Once we reach capacity you will be placed on a wait list and notified if a space becomes available

Agenda: 
8:30 – 9:00am Check-in and Networking
9:00 – 9:15am Welcome
9:15 – 10:15am Panel Session: The Implementation Imperative: Turning Climate Commitments into Action
10:15 – 10:30 am Networking Break
10:30 – Noon Workshop: GHG Management – Decarbonization strategies for Ocean, Manufacturing sectors
Noon – 1 pm Lunch
1 – 1:30 pm ECO Canada’s EP GHG designation
1:30 – 2:30 pm Panel Discussion: “Building with Integrity: NECB Adoption, Compliance, and Climate Action in Indigenous Communities”
2:30 – 2:45 pm Break
2:45 – 4:15 pm Workshop: “Building with Purpose: Understanding NECB for Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure”
4:15 – 4:30pm Closing and Networking

Panel Session: The Implementation Imperative: Turning Climate Commitments into Action

Carolann Harding

Carolann Harding ICD.D, is the CEO of SmartICE, a dynamic leader of an award-winning diverse coast to coast to coast team focusing on meeting SmartICE’s social enterprise mandate by working collaboratively with Indigenous communities to co-design projects that focuses on climate change adaptation tools that integrate Indigenous and local knowledge of ice with advanced data acquisition, remote monitoring and satellite mapping for ice travel safety.  SmartICE community based services provide invaluable, data-driven insights into ice thickness and local ice travel conditions, in near real-time. Canadian Geographic has named SmartICE #1 of 20 Canadian Innovations to watch. Carolann is an experienced and engaged Board Director with varied experience including food security, education, good governance, film and defense. Atlantic Business Magazine, named Carolann as one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 most Powerful Women in Business (2021) and a Top 50 CEOs (2024 and 2025).  

Georgina White

Georgina White is an educator and academic leader with extensive experience in marine and environmental science, sustainability, and workforce development. Her professional background spans microbiology and chemistry laboratories, oil spill response, fisheries research, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), where she has contributed to projects related to emerging species, sustainable fisheries, and coastal resource assessment.  Georgina currently serves as Assistant Head at the School of Ocean Technology at the Marine Institute of Memorial University, where she supports program quality, industry engagement, and applied learning. She holds degrees in Environmental Science and Post-Secondary Education from Memorial University and has been a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve since 2001. Georgina believes education is a lifelong pursuit and is committed to preparing the next generation of environmental and ocean technology professional.

Laura Barron

Laura Barron joined the econext team as Chief Executive Officer in August 2025. Based in Newfoundland and Labrador, on the east coast of Canada, econext is a not-for-profit association that works with businesses, communities, researchers and governments to solve environmental challenges and grow the green economy. For more than 30 years, econext has been Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading voice on the green economy, working on behalf of 200 members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. Laura has a Master of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University, a post-graduate certificate in Strategic Public Relations from University of Toronto, and a certificate in Leading People and Teams from the University of Michigan. In 2018, Laura was certified as a strategic communications management professional (SCMP) through the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

Panelists: Building with Integrity: NECB Adoption, Compliance, and Climate Action in Indigenous Communities

Collen Paul

Colleen Paul is the Central Vice Chief of Qalipu First Nation, representing Mi’kmaq communities across central Newfoundland. With over a decade of experience in Indigenous governance, workforce development, and community advocacy, she brings a strong focus on accountability, partnership, and culturally grounded leadership. Colleen previously served for more than ten years in Qalipu’s Education and Training Division, supporting post-secondary students and workforce pathways. She is actively engaged in regional economic development, climate and infrastructure discussions, and advancing Indigenous participation in resource and energy projects. A lifelong resident of central Newfoundland, Colleen is deeply rooted in community service and intergovernmental collaboration. Her leadership is guided by Mi’kmaw values of reciprocity, shared responsibility, and Two-Eyed Seeing—bringing together Indigenous knowledge and western policy approaches to support sustainable, resilient communities.

Stanley Oliver

Born and raised in Labrador, Stanley Oliver is an Inuit who is an avid hunter, fisher, and outdoorsman. He has worked in the Labrador and Atlantic region in the Natural Resources industry for more than thirty-five years. Stanley has previously held several senior management and leadership positions with the Nunatsiavut Government, the NunatuKavut Community Council, the Atlantic First Nations Policy Congress, Trades NL (Indigenous Office) and is currently the Manager of the Special Projects Office with the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce. Stanley holds a diploma in Resource Environment Technician Program and Project Management from Memorial University and numerous certificates from the University of Alberta in Indigenous Affairs. In addition to this, Stanley is a certified technician with the NL Association of Engineering Technicians. Stanley’s in-depth knowledge of Indigenous rights is often requested on the local, provincial, and national level. He currently sits on the National Indigenous Advisory Committee for the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency, as well as several provincial and local community and business organizations. Stan’s philosophy is to create and foster positive collaborative partnerships with government and business.

Chief Mise’l Joe