Ryan Turnbull, as the Member of Parliament for Whitby and Parliamentary Secretary to key ministers, along with Michael Toye, Chair of the Social Innovation Advisory Council and outgoing Executive Director of the Canadian CED Network, Maya Saryyeva, Interim Executive Director at the Institute for Sustainable Finance, and Christelle Francois, Chair of the Table of Impact Investment Practitioners, came together with Ava Yaskiel, an Independent Board Director at TMX Group. They opened the market at Rogers Centre Ottawa to mark the start of the Sustainable Finance Forum 2024. This significant event brought together industry and community leaders, elected officials, and policy makers to explore how finance can drive the growth of a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Highlighting the Presenting Partners

The Canadian CED Network, the Institute for Sustainable Finance at Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, and the Table of Impact Investment Practitioners played crucial roles as presenting partners. These organizations collaborated to create a platform where diverse stakeholders could come together and discuss the vital role of finance in sustainable development. Their joint efforts aimed to foster innovation and drive positive change in the financial sector.

Industry and Community Leaders' Participation

The gathering of industry and community leaders at the Sustainable Finance Forum 2024 was a testament to the growing importance of sustainable finance. These leaders brought with them a wealth of experience and expertise, sharing insights and perspectives on how to integrate sustainability into financial practices. Their active participation ensured that the forum became a hub of knowledge exchange and collaboration.

For example, Ryan Turnbull, with his extensive background in politics and finance, was able to provide valuable insights into the policy landscape and its impact on sustainable finance. Michael Toye, with his deep understanding of social innovation and the CED network, brought a unique perspective on how community-driven initiatives can be supported through sustainable finance. Maya Saryyeva and Christelle Francois, with their expertise in the field of sustainable finance, facilitated important discussions on investment strategies and best practices.

Elected Officials and Policy Makers' Role

The presence of elected officials and policy makers at the forum was crucial in shaping the future of sustainable finance. They brought a regulatory and policy perspective, discussing how policies can be designed to encourage sustainable investment and promote a more inclusive economy. Their engagement highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable development.

For instance, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, along with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, were actively involved in the discussions. Their support and guidance were essential in ensuring that the recommendations and initiatives emerging from the forum would have a real impact on the ground. Policy makers also had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of industry and community leaders, which would inform their future decision-making.