Event summary produced by The Globe and Mail Events team. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.
Businesses across Canada’s economy have embarked on programs to achieve net zero emissions. Despite strong momentum over the past several years, these programs face new challenges related to policy shifts in the U.S., a federal leadership change and the withdrawal from net zero alliances by major corporations. On May 12, 2025 The Globe and Mail hosted the third annual Road to Net Zero summit, where business leaders discussed plans and priorities in a shifting sustainability landscape.
Dawn Calleja, editor of Report on Business magazine, began the program by interviewing Alex Osborne-Saponja, director of ESG research and methodology at Morningstar Sustainalytics. During the interview, Osborne-Saponja took stock of what is happening with net zero today and where it might be headed.
Next, institutional investing reporter, James Bradshaw, interviewed Fate Saghir, senior vice president and head of sustainability, marketing, and client experience at Mackenzie and Roger Beauchemin, president and chief executive officer of Addenda Capital. Both speakers shared their insights on the evolution of net zero for investors and lenders.
Afterwards, Jeff Jones, ESG and sustainable finance reporter, hosted a conversation on business leadership and navigating the new net zero landscape with Lauren O’Malley, senior advisor of sustainability at Aecon Group Inc. and Gabe Smith, vice president, of the global sustainability business at Schneider Electric.
Jones hosted the day’s final interview on biodiversity. Megan Leslie, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund Canada and Carolyn Murnaghan, partner of strategy, risk and transactions at Deloitte Canada shared their insights on the essential role biodiversity plays in shaping the future of business.
The Globe and Mail presented the event with sponsor support from World Wildlife Fund of Canada & Aviva Canada.
Event summary produced by The Globe and Mail Events team. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.