Canadians come together at GLOBExCHANGE 2025 and Canada Climate Week Xchange

Canada is throwing its elbows up with pride. Facing a trade war and economic uncertainty, our country is banding together in a way that hasn’t been seen for years.

This renewed sense of national identity offers up a generational opportunity: the chance to drive made-in-Canada climate solutions that strengthen the economy and the planet. Canada Climate Week Xchange will bring Canadians together from coast to coast to channel this energy into action and advance a clean, resilient economy.

I was inspired by this sense of community and get-‘er-done spirit at GLOBExCHANGE 2025 in Toronto last month. Canadian business and sustainability leaders, from all backgrounds and industries, gathered to move the dial on how we can manage our risks and become more competitive. During three days of critical conversations, three key themes emerged.

First and foremost, climate and the economy are intrinsically linked—and clean is competitive. The pathways for transitioning to a low-carbon economy – including clean-energy technologies and other clean solutions– already exist. On a global scale, businesses are not backing away from these solutions – not only because they want to reduce their emissions, but because they want to remain competitive on the global stage.

Investment in these solutions is also growing. Keynote speaker and global business leader Paul Polman explained, “If you look at the last decade, you see a 14 per cent cumulative return on green investments. That is a higher return than any other sector.” I couldn’t agree more. There’s a real opportunity in front of us to leverage sustainable investments for the future of Canada’s economy.

Second, we need steadfast and bold leadership to make progress. Climate change is a complex issue. In order to advance a competitive, clean economy, we need leaders with courage. In these turbulent political and economic times, we must stand up for the things that will make our economy more resilient and put us on the right side of history.

I specifically want to acknowledge Councillor Larry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who opened GLOBExCHANGE with an important ask of delegates: to ensure that Indigenous peoples are “front and centre” in the creation of the clean economy. Canadian climate leadership requires reconciliation, inclusivity, and relentless hope.

The third and final theme that ran through GLOBExCHANGE is that words matter. This is something that we have been leaning into at GLOBE. David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, said it best: “Make sure that the words you use, and how you frame the discussion, resonates with the people you are trying to reach.” Climate change impacts every everyone, and adapting your message to your audience is critical to ensuring that we can move forward in a unified way.

As a Founding Member of Canada Climate Week Xchange, we’re excited at the prospect of carrying the momentum from GLOBExCHANGE into this first-ever event. CCWX is the next opportunity to advance our national conversation about Canada's climate-related challenges and opportunities, and highlight how addressing them will drive a stronger, more competitive economy.

CCWX will promote collaboration across parties, sectors, provinces and territories. It will highlight Indigenous knowledge and the unique role it can play in climate solutions. And as big shifts happen in global politics, CCWX will showcase Canada’s leadership on the world stage.

Elbows up. See you in November.