Manitoba’s largest Environmental Cleantech Conference brought together a diverse group of businesses, industry leaders, government representatives, and sustainability experts last week to explore innovative solutions to the climate crisis while driving profitability through sustainability, and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) had the privilege of participating. The Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA) hosts this highly anticipated annual event, held this year at the RBC Convention Centre.
Why This Event Matters for MCC
This conference aligns perfectly with MCC’s strategic initiatives, including the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) and Manitoba Green Advantage programs. Attending and hosting an information booth allowed us to showcase these initiatives and amplify the conversation about creating a greener, more sustainable future for Manitoba. MCC’s own Edward Suzuki, Program Director for the MMDF, also moderated a panel session on the evolution of the critical minerals sector.
The conference also provided invaluable opportunities for MCC to:
- Connect with business leaders and industry experts, including many of our members who were in attendance.
- Engage in meaningful discussions on shaping Manitoba’s sustainable future.
- Highlight the importance of sustainable innovation to Manitoba’s economy and environment.
By being involved, MCC reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and championing sustainability for a stronger and more inclusive province.
Event Highlights
The event began with the MEIA Cleantech Conference Kick-Off Mixer on November 19 at the Manitoba Club, where attendees enjoyed lively networking sessions and delicious hors d’oeuvres while connecting with peers across various sectors. The main conference the next day featured Steve Patterson, comedian and host of CBC’s The Debaters, as emcee. His wit and energy kept the day engaging and inspiring.
Keynote presentations stole the spotlight:
- Jody Wilson-Raybould: Canada’s first Indigenous Minister of Justice and Attorney General delivered a powerful talk on reconciliation and Indigenous leadership. She urged attendees to take actionable steps toward meaningful change while sharing personal stories of resilience and integrity.
- Robert Bilott: Known as the real-life inspiration behind the movie Dark Waters, Bilott shared his compelling journey in fighting corporate environmental contamination. His message, “The fight for environmental justice is a marathon, not a sprint,” resonated deeply with the audience.
Breakout Sessions
Participants engaged in thought-provoking breakout sessions covering important topics, including:
- Critical Minerals: Unlocking Efficiency, Safety, and Sustainability
MCC’s Edward Suzuki, Program Director for the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, moderated this session featuring insights from Dan Blair (BSDXR) and Grant Wiseman (Stantec Consulting).
Smart Farms, Clean Tech: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture
- Forever Chemicals, Forever Challenges: Tackling PFAS in Our Environment.
- Unlocking Hydrogen: The Key to a Carbon-Free Future
Thank you to MEIA for putting on another wonderful event that the business community values every year. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and initiatives as we work toward a greener, more prosperous Manitoba.
