This is not a traditional conference. It’s a working session designed for those ready to move beyond discussion and into action. Participants will collaborate to develop concrete recommendations and strategic pathways that will shape the future of Canadian postsecondary education and its role in building a resilient and regenerative future. 

Participants will be invited to remain engaged to implement agreed recommendations and to pursue identified pathways through an ongoing community of practice focused on climate action across sectors and domains. 

We’re looking for passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds and various institutions and organizations across Canada — people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and co-create solutions. If you’re tired of incremental change and want to help shape bold, systemic action, this is your opportunity.

To maximize national representation and minimize ecological footprints, the event will run simultaneously at McGill University and the University of Calgary. Both locations will follow the same program, adapted for time zones.

Participants will work in one of three thematic teams: 

• Teaching and learning that creates action:
  This theme will explore how to embed climate literacy across disciplines, strengthen faculty engagement, and overcome barriers to interdisciplinary approaches.  

• Community engagement that builds partnerships:
  This theme will explore how to amplify positive impact through effective collaboration with public, private and plural sector actors such as local governments, Indigenous communities and industry; co-create projects; and develop shared impact metrics. 

• University governance that fosters agility and innovation 
  This theme will explore how to remove barriers to integrating climate action into institutional governance, foster senior-level leadership that focuses on institutional resilience and implement transparent accountability systems. 

Throughout the event, we’ll create intentional touchpoints to connect participants across both locations, fostering collaboration and bringing diverse ideas together to develop actionable solutions.

This event is designed to be generative and action-oriented, moving from theory to tangible impact. Key outputs will include the following at minimum: 

• A final report that includes a vision and set of recommendations for climate resilience and regenerative futures in Canadian higher education, to be shared across all institutions in Canada.  

• A roadmap for collaborative projects and future funding proposals aligned with our three themes. 

• The launch of a national community of practice to sustain momentum and support institutions in driving change. 

Detailed event agenda to come.  

• Prior to event: Review workshop materials and introductory team meetings.  

• March 4: Evening opening plenary and complementary networking dinner and reception.  

Opening remarks by Gabriel Miller, CEO of Universities Canada and keynote by Alex Usher, President and Co-Founder of Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA) 

• March 5: Full-day collaborative workshops, complementary lunch and closing keynote.  

• Post-Event: Teams finalize recommendations via online meetings.  

• April 2026 : Final report published.