Environmental & Innovation Forum 2026 Feature Speaker: Michele Evans
Michele, Evans, Assistant Deputy Minister, Alberta Region, Prairies Economic Development Canada Prior to joining PrairiesCan in 2022, Michele served with the Government of Alberta for over 17 years, most recently as Assistant Deputy Minister for Workforce Strategies at Alberta Labour and Immigration. skatchewan.
Environmental & Innovation Forum 2026 Feature Speaker: Nicole Harbauer
Developing an innovative technology is one challenge. Achieving the scale needed to create lasting value is another—and increasingly, global markets are essential to that success.
Environmental & Innovation Forum 2026 Feature Speaker: Phil Tomlinson
Learn how advanced infrastructure data and analytics are helping organizations identify emissions reduction opportunities that also create business value.
Environmental & Innovation Forum 2026 Feature Speaker: Gord Crawford
Explore how renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel technologies are reducing emissions while maintaining strong commercial performance, and hear the lessons learned from bringing these technologies to market.
Environmental & Innovation Forum 2026 Feature Speaker: Ian Ignatiuk
Discover how improved monitoring and energy management systems are helping organizations reduce energy consumption, lower costs and improve environmental performance.
Environmental & Innovation Forum 2026 Feature Speaker: Hugh Evans
Hugh Evans is Vice President, Programs at Avatar Innovations, a venture studio and innovation platform for the energy industry. He works at the intersection of innovation, commercialization, and leadership development.
Environmental & Innovation Forum 2026 Feature Speaker: Robert (RJ) Johnston
Robert (“RJ”) Johnston is the Director of Energy and Natural Resources at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy. His work focuses on the intersection of energy, natural resources, geopolitics, policy, and markets.
Powering Alberta: Innovation, Infrastructure, and the Path to a Sustainable Energy Future
Alberta’s resource industries are no strangers to change. From pioneering extraction technologies to advancing some of the most sophisticated reclamation practices in the world, this province has continually demonstrated how innovation drives environmental performance.
At the 2025 Alberta Chamber of Resources (ACR) Environmental Forum,
Speaker Spotlight: Craig Latimer at ACR’s Environmental Forum
Craig Latimer is a lifelong entrepreneur who thrives at the intersection of bold ideas, real-world impact, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
Speaker Spotlight: Michael Barbero at ACR’s Environmental Forum
Michael was Called to the Bar in 2011 and named a Leading Lawyer to Watch – Environmental Law by LEXPERT® Directory in 2024. With a strong record in construction litigation, contract disputes, and environmental insurance, Michael advises energy and infrastructure clients through Alberta’s complex regulatory world. His legal perspective is grounded in his experience across oil and gas, power generation, and national financial institutions.
Speaker Spotlight: Spencer O’Donnell at ACR’s Environmental Forum
Spencer is a strategic thinker with over seven years of experience in infrastructure development, financial modeling and technical analysis. As a top Analyst at Orennia, he focuses on power and renewables, collaborating with clients to gain insights from our platform and research.
Speaker Spotlight: Patrick McDonald at ACR’s Environmental Forum
Patrick is the ADM of the new Air, Climate and Clean Technology Division at Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. Patrick has experience with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and the Alberta Energy Regulator and its predecessors.
Bradon Willms – Speaker, Environmental Forums Webinar
Join us on April 17 at 10:00 AM to hear Bradon Willms provide expert insights into Alberta’s energy infrastructure and its role in sustainable development.
2024 Environmental Forum: Water Use Adaptation Recap
On September 25, 2024, the 2024 Environmental Forum: Water Use Adaptation brought together passionate individuals and experts in water security to discuss a pressing environmental challenge Albertans have been hearing a lot about this year. The event was a resounding success, providing valuable insights and fostering collaboration among attendees who share a common interest in sustainable water use.
Fall 2024 Environmental Forum Speakers
The Environmental Forum focused on "Water Use Adaptation" will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and government officials to discuss strategies, innovations, and collaborative efforts to address water use challenges and adaptation in Alberta. Attendees will gain insights into water efficiency, technological advancements, and strategic initiatives to enhance water security and sustainability.
Water Law in a Drought: Testing Alberta’s Framework for Water Use
Water law is a critical issue that often operates behind the scenes but plays a significant role in determining how water resources are allocated, particularly during times of drought. The current situation in Alberta paints a stark picture of a critical water shortage brought about by a dry summer in 2023 and an unusually dry winter.
Fall 2023 Environmental Forum Speaker Announcement
Our guest speakers will be diving into what resource sustainability looks like now and in the future.

