Mediaplanet spoke with sustainability leaders Leah Perry and Helen Watts to gain insights into the pressing environmental challenges today, and their experiences in entering the field.
What inspired you to pursue a career in sustainability, and how did you find your path to become a leader in the field?
I’ve known of the ramifications of climate change, not only to our planet but also to humans since childhood, with kudos to my parents who have always been advocates for climate action. While I was at Export Development Canada, I was fortunate enough to
become a founding member of its Cleantech Team, which was my first realization that I could mix my two passions: supporting entrepreneurs and helping to tackle the biggest problem of our generation. Through my work at MaRS Discovery District, I have the privilege of working with early-stage climate tech ventures, of which, many of the founders have deep technical backgrounds. I’m inspired by their incredible inventions (and minds) every day. However, without capital and connections, the climate impact of these inventions will never be realized. Therefore, how did I find my path to become a leader in the field? Understanding your strengths and being incredibly inspired by those around you.
From your perspective, how can organizations in Canada enhance their
commitment to sustainability, and what role can young professionals play in driving this change?
Improvements to enhance a company’s sustainability can be made throughout the full value and supply chain. It’s important to conduct a deep analysis of where improvements can be made and be open to new innovations. Innovative clean technologies have the potential to help us reach our climate goals; however, without corporate adoption, they’ll never realize their true climate impact potential. Young professionals can, and should, hold their organizations accountable for the climate plans they put forward. These organizations need your talent — your voice and influence matter.
Animals Club at school around Grade 7, a club of one member (me) giving impassioned talks about
the future of the Vancouver marmot to a pretty uninterested classroom of 13-yearolds. I went to my first climate protest at 19 years old while interning at the UN, and incidentally this would end up being the largest climate change march in history, the People’s Climate March, where I marched with 300,000 people.
As someone recognized for their achievements in sustainability, what do you believe are the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the field today?
A just and clean energy transition that closes the energy access gap is a critical and complex challenge that will take years of sustained work, but seriously including young people in this work is still not happening at the scale it needs to. I want people to recognize that empowering this generation of over two-billion young people to care about and work on solutions throughout their lives is
one of the most powerful strategies we have for climate and energy action.
By 2027 I want to see us in a place where we’ve mobilized millions of dollars for youth-led climate and clean energy projects and inclusive capacity-building programs, equipping our generation with everything they need to take action now. In my role at Student Energy and in my networks, I plan to keep pushing for meaningful and inclusive youth engagement because it’s something I still don’t see happening. Too many institutions still rely on tokenistic engagement which erodes the ability of youth movements to get traction and influence in spaces where decisions are being made.
There’s credible research, dating back as early as 2003 that supports the value of youth participation in policymaking and decision-making, but youth are still widely left out of these spaces.
Q&A WITH Helen Watts
Q&A WITH Leah Perry
Helen Watts Executive Director, Student Energy
Leah Perry Senior Manager Cleantech, MaRS Discovery District
CHow Canadian Universities are Leading the Fight Against Climate Change
limate change is one of our most pressing challenges and requires innovative solutions. Canada’s universities have been playing their part. They’ve been at the forefront by reducing their own emissions, conducting leading-edge research, partnering with business and communities to address the impact of a changing climate, and training the workforce needed to commercialize new technologies and propel forward a green economy.
Contributing to sustainabilityfocused careers
Universities across Canada are developing programs and certifications that are preparing students for sustainability careers across several disciplines, including science and tech, engineering, business, and project management. But it’s not just dedicated programs, universities are also working to integrate sustainability education across all faculties, introducing students to sustainability principles and practices.
Increasingly, partnerships with communities and the private sector are leading to sustainability-focused hands-on
learning opportunities through co-ops and internships for students. In addition, universities are using their campuses as living labs, providing students with opportunities to work with and test new technologies and approaches in real time. Graduates develop the confidence, skills, and tools to tackle climate change’s biggest challenges.
Inspiring action
“Some universities are already carbon neutral. Some are close to achieving net-zero emissions, while others are committed to this goal,” says Philip Landon, Interim President and CEO, Universities Canada, an organization that is the voice of 97 Canadian universities. “While universities have been involved in sustainability for decades, we asked ourselves: how can we help universities advance their environmental sustainability work and goals? This was the inspiration for our Action for net zero initiative.”
“Universities are an anchor in many communities, and they have an opportunity to inspire other sectors,” says Landon. “The importance of universities in responding to climate change can’t be underestimated. We have extensive research experience and leading experts, and universities have a moral imperative to tackle the biggest problems in our society.”
Landon adds that universities don’t need
convincing of their role, because they know how research can have a multiplying effect. New concepts and technology developed at universities get leveraged by the private sector, and campus accelerators and incubators have a track-record of success in taking ideas to market. This leads to new green businesses and more sustainabilityfocused jobs.
It’s not all A+'s, as the off-campus environment is constraining the potential for universities to be the catalyst for innovative solutions. “The private sector in Canada doesn’t invest in university research at the same levels as other countries, and government funding for research has stagnated and we’re falling behind our comparators,” says Landon. “We’re missing out on opportunities and losing research talent to other countries.”
Universities Canada notes that the severe underfunding of universities should be a huge concern to all of us. “It impacts the work we do,” Landon adds. “Were the voice that allows government and the public know that universities are playing a leading role in addressing the impacts of climate change, but this can only happen with continued investment.”
Building the World’s Leading Environmental Workforce
ECO Canada acts as the steward for the Canadian environmental workforce across all industries. From job creation and wage funding to training and labour market research, they champion the end-toend career of all environmental professionals. We aim to promote and drive responsible, sustainable economic growth while ensuring that environmental best practices remain a priority.
ECO Canada has been working towards advancing the careers of environmental professionals for over 30 years. In today’s competitive job market, having a recognized designation can set candidates apart from other candidates.
“Being an EPt has been wonderful for my career. I work with many people who have other designations (P.Bio, APEGA), and it’s very common to be designated where I live. There’s no reason someone shouldn’t be designated,” says Stephanie B., an EPt since 2020.
About 3,000 environment professionals (EP®) are recognized across Canada and internationally as a mark of excellence in the environmental sector thanks to ECO Canada's EP® designation. These individuals have demonstrated their commitment to continuous learning and professional development, as well as possessing specialized skills and a constant work ethic in their respective fields.
Designations that follow your career path From young professionals to experienced environmental auditors to committed organizations, ECO Canada’s designations provide an end-to-end career validation of skills and commitment to best practices.
“My EPt designation, followed by the EP® designation, allowed me to join
the environmental professional’s family in Canada for the last 10 years. My network was expanded by attending events, webinars, and the mentorship program,” says Zhongzhi C., an EP® since 2016.
Designations that carry multiple benefits
Validation of Skills and Knowledge: a valuable tool when job searching or looking for career advancement opportunities.
• Professional Development: the commitment to ongoing learning.
• Access to a Professional Network: As an EP®, access to a network of environmental professionals across Canada, including mentorship, networking, and career advancement.
Exclusive Events and Resources: privileged access to exclusive events and resources such as webinars, job postings, and career development tools.
A designation that shows an organization’s commitment Enjoy instant authority and recognition as a Canadian environmental leader with our EP® Employer designation, which helps companies recruit and retain environmental professionals, access industry-leading training programs and elevate their presence in the environmental sector.
Being an EPt has been wonderful for my career. I work with many people who have other designations (P.Bio, APEGA), and it’s very common to be designated where I live. There’s no reason someone shouldn’t be designated.
- Stephanie B., an EPt since 2020
My EPt designation, followed by the EP® designation, allowed me to join the environmental professional’s family in Canada for the last 10 years. My network was expanded by attending events, webinars, and the mentorship program.
- Zhongzhi C., an EP since 2016
Ken Donohue
The Perfect Program for Those Passionate about Creating a Just Future
For students seeking to turn a passion for environmental and social justice into a rewarding career, York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) is the place to be. The Faculty prepares students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, hands-on experience, and global perspectives they need to achieve personal success and make positive change.
The EUC’s undergraduate programs include Cities, Regions, Planning (BES), Environmental Arts and Justice (BES), Environmental Science (BSc), Global Geography (BA), and Sustainable Environmental Management (BES). Following three years of study in one of these programs, students can proceed to two years of graduate study in the EUC’s Master in Environmental Studies (MES) program, a self-directed and interdisciplinary program aimed at equipping students to create positive social and environmental change.
Starting in Fall 2024, student can also choose to include EUC’s new Co-op program in their university experience at York U.
The diversity of careers in sustainability
“The EUC is a very interdisciplinary faculty,” says Mike Layton, Chief Sustainability Officer at York University. “We have programs and research projects between EUC and our Osgoode Hall law school, our Schulich School of Business, our Faculty of Arts, Media, Performance and Design, our Lassonde School of Engineering, and more. You can see an element of sustainability across every Faculty at YorkU.”
Did You Know?
Launching in Fall 2024, EUC will offer a co-op experience in all programs!
That’s because nowadays, sustainability concerns are relevant in just about every field and industry — from energy, agriculture, fashion, and transportation to construction, technology, and corporate ESG concerns at every
major corporation. This opens up a whole world of enriching and rewarding careers in sustainability for EUC graduates.
“Environmental studies really open up a lot of doors in so many different fields,” says Quin Douris, BES ’23, a senior environmental consultant at Canadian Tire. “Every field in our changing world will require some focus on the environment.”
Opening up possibilities
“There are a lot of different possibilities and opportunities out there right now within the environmental field,” says Rajbalinder Ghatoura, BES ’22, a political mobilizer with the Ontario Green Party and project coordinator with the City of Brampton. “The BES program provided a great foundation in a variety of different environmental fields, from environmental management and urban planning to environmental justice and politics. That foundation really helped prepare me for the workforce.”
“We’re experiencing a rise of climactic events and changes, and I think the centrality of us being in environmental studies, engaging in a really nuanced and critical way, is going to be super important in every career,” adds Alyssa Marchese, BES, current MES/JD candidate, an Environmental, Social and Governance manager. “It’s not one particular job or one particular field.”
Preparing students for the future of work
Not only is EUC interdisciplinary, it’s also supportive of students’ independence, autonomy, and various areas of interest. Students in the MES program can choose their own direction, exploring critical issues in a range of topics including: environmental conservation and management; climate change and sustainable energy transitions; sustainable food systems; environmental and Indigenous justice; international development and global inequities; decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion; and environmental education, arts, and culture.
“The MES program allowed me to think outside of the typical planning box,” says Bria Hamilton, BES and MES-Planning alumni,
It’s
that mix of interdisciplinary education, faculty members with lived experience in the field, and experiential education that really prepares students for having an impact.”
a freelance geographic information systems technician and community engagement worker. “I’m interested in creating planning practices that are more equitable, taking the needs of marginalized communities into consideration. I was able to do a unique final project that let me consider how to do that in new ways.”
Empowering students
EUC graduates are the future policy-planners, decision-makers, and project leaders that organizations around the world need — and they’re proud to be working to make positive change for a just and sustainable future.
“Getting to work with one of the largest corporations in Canada and to help them reach their ESG goals, and to see the tangible difference in waste reduction, more sustainable buildings, and net-zero renewable energy is incredible,” says Douris.
The program empowers students with not only the education and experience they need, but also a powerful sense of agency.
“What the MES taught me is that if you want to do something, you can do it,” says Marchese. “You just have to find it within yourself and find the proper community to support you.”
The graduate and undergraduate programs in EUC are designed to do exactly this — to give students the tools they need to change the world. “It’s that mix of interdisciplinary education, faculty members with lived experience in the field, and experiential education that really prepares students for having an impact,” says Layton.
York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change prepares students to thrive in a variety of sustainability careers.
Tania Amardeil
Mike Layton Chief Sustainability Officer, York University
Canada’s Green Revolution: C2R2 Takes the Lead in the Post Pandemic Era
As Canada navigates post-pandemic recovery, The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) leverages the unique strengths of Canadian colleges to fuel the transition to a green economy.
In the aftermath of the far-reaching economic repercussions of the COVID19 pandemic, Canada stands at the brink of a transformative post-pandemic recovery. Amid unparalleled job losses across numerous sectors, the ongoing climate crisis, and increasing socio-economic inequality, a resilient and sustainable longterm economic transition will mean training a workforce poised to take on these urgent challenges.
With a commitment to ’building back better,’ both public and private sectors are now concentrating their efforts on cultivating jobs, infrastructure, and growth aligned with the imperatives of a 21st-century green economy. From Alberta’s burgeoning hydrogen sector to Ontario’s developing electric vehicle manufacturing industry, the future rests on training and upskilling workers to stay current in a rapidly shifting economy.
Building back better with C2R2
The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) — a nationwide coalition initiated by Mohawk College — has formed to facilitate that recovery. With 14 member colleges, institutes, cégeps, and polytechnics across the country, C2R2 is in a position to fuel Canada’s clean economy transition and help furnish a green, sustainable future. The goal isn't merely a return to economic growth but a strategic pursuit of sustained future prosperity.
“Colleges across the country are already doing amazing work with business and industry, but we all have different areas of expertise,” says Paul Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer Mohawk College and Co-chair, C2R2. C2R2 members’ respective specialties span across sustainable forestry, construction, agriculture, clean energy, and the circular economy — to name just a few areas.
“We thought, how could we bring together a coalition of leaders to leverage our collective knowledge and accelerate access to education on a national level? The result is C2R2.”
Fully funded microcredentials across a range of industries
Following a substantial investment of $46.5M
by the Government of Canada, C2R2 introduced Quick Train Canada. Through this initiative, workers and their employers can access fully funded microcredentials from accredited institutions across the country, with a specific focus on upgrading skills in sectors critical to Canada’s low-carbon economy.
“Our collective network and deep relationships with industry led to a breadth of understanding about what’s needed when it comes to workforce development across the nation,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, Red River College Polytechnic and Co-chair, C2R2. “Again and again, employers expressed that they need access to flexible, short-term training. That’s why we centered our initial focus on microcredentials.”
Available courses offer a mix of hard skills and high-level overview, giving workers a chance to become well-versed in both the theory and application of cutting-edge innovation. “It’s not just about staying competitive locally,” says Watson. “It’s broadly about staying competitive as a country and making sure we have the talent and skills to drive economic growth and innovation on the international stage.”
Inclusion, equity, and diversion built into the coalition
Courses are offered in a wide range of formats to accommodate working professionals, including hybrid, in-person, online at your own pace, or online scheduled. Through Quick Train Canada, 160 microcredentials were developed and there are currently over 80 open for registration with more to launch in January in areas like construction, clean tech, transportation, natural resources and environment, and Indigenous engagement.
Upskill to stay relevant in the coming low-carbon economy
“Regulatory and technological changes come about rapidly in this day and age,” says industry expert Kevin Nilsen, President, ECO Canada. “Professionals who don’t regularly upskill to stay current will quickly become obsolete.” In one of many possible examples, auto mechanics trained as recently as five years ago may not have been trained in electric vehicles. Today, it’s an essential skillset—but mechanics may not have time to go back and complete another two-year diploma. Instead, they can opt for a course focused on EV from C2R2 members Mohawk College, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Nova Scotia Community College, Red River College Polytechnic, or Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
All C2R2 founding members are committed to bringing underrepresented voices to the table, and to collectively understanding barriers to participating in the emerging green economy. “The diversity of our coalition and the local knowledge each of our members’ bring to the table help us center inclusivity as a key part of the work we do together,” says Watson.
In its second major initiative since the launch of Quick Train Canada, the coalition recently announced a specialized training program focused on resilient housing and sustainable building. Offered to more than 200 workers in Indigenous and rural communities across four provinces, the project entails consultation with Indigenous communities to identify and co-develop housing opportunities and training needs.
It will also develop resources, certification, and training to support the building and upskilling process.
In the pursuit of a resilient and sustainable post-pandemic recovery, the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) stands as a beacon for hope and progress.
As the coalition continues to expand its offerings and address critical issues, it's poised as a major catalyst for meaningful, nationwide economic recovery.
Veronica Stephenson
Learn more about how C2R2 is fueling Canada’s sustainable economic recovery at resilientcolleges.ca
Paul Armstrong Chief Operating Officer, Mohawk College & Co-chair, C2R2
Dr. Christine Watson Vice President, Academic, Red River College Polytechnic & Co-chair, C2R2
Kevin Nilsen President, ECO Canada
Gain Employable Skills in an Immersive Environment and Build a Greener Tomorrow
Niagara College offers a selection of innovative programs in horticulture and environment that lead to increasingly important jobs.
Katherine Cappellacci
As the world faces the impacts of a changing climate, it’s become clear that sustainable practices must be adopted by every sector.
The environmental job market is growing rapidly as more specialized experts are required. Companies, governing bodies, and organizations will need professionals who can help them make these significant shifts. Jobs in environmental site assessment, corporate greening, waste management, and pollution prevention are only going to get more popular. Canada’s food industry provides an excellent current example — answering the societal call for greener groceries, there’s a higher demand for locally-grown options.
Niagara College (NC) has noticed these trends. Its School of Environment and Horticulture gives students a chance to work towards a sustainable future. Along with responding to the demand for horticulturalists, NC’s programming covers many other unique areas of study.
Building a better tomorrow
“We work hand-in-hand with industries to ensure we’re delivering the most relevant, job-ready curriculum to our students,” said Christopher Treschak, Associate Dean. “The goal is employabil-
ity. Our programs, co-ops, and placements reflect that.”
NC students can create ecologically healthy relationships with nature, work with Geographic Information Systems, or preserve water supplies and wetlands. They can focus on sustainable growing and biodiversity protection, learn eco-friendly, compelling landscaping techniques, or even enroll in Commercial Beekeeping - a specialized program that is meeting the need for pollination services nationally and internationally.
“We offer a hands-on educational approach,” said Alan Unwin, Dean of Business and Environment. “Students work on real projects within their industry, so they graduate with a portfolio already.”
NC’s Environmental Technician – Field and Laboratory Co-op program is popular with scientifically-inclined problem solvers. A mix of hands-on data collection and in-lab analysis, graduates have ample career opportunities, including working as water treatment operators and analytical chemistry technicians.
Living lab campus
A graduate program to note is Environmental Management and Assessment. The first of its kind in Canada, students attain marketable skills and experiences that make them qualified for many critical jobs, including corporate carbon management, environ-
How One Company Is Building a Better Future For Communities — and its Employees
A Canadian engineering consulting firm finds success in addressing societal challenges through a holistic and sustainable approach, considering technical, social, ethical, and environmental factors.
Ken Donohue
We believe that engineering exists to improve and enhance the lives around us,” says Denis Thivierge, President and CEO, CIMA+, a leader in sustainable engineering. “We're committed to developing innovative and sustainable projects that meet the needs of our business partners and clients, and contribute positively to local communities, while minimizing environmental impacts.”
We're committed to drive positive change in the workplace and value giving purpose and meaningful work by building with us a better, sustainable future.
Sustainable engineering stands as a pivotal force in shaping resilient solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. As climate shifts prompt a crucial shift towards sustainability, leading firms like CIMA+ are championing innovative approaches to decarbonization, renewable energy, transportation electrification, and resilient infrastructure, amongst others. With an unwavering commitment to supporting partners and clients through environmental uncertainties, CIMA+ emphasizes a systemic approach in each project to minimize environmental impact and fortify civil infrastructure resilience.
mental assessment and risk analysis, and much more.
A unique option for those who may want to become wildlife biologists or ecological restoration practitioners is the Ecosystem Restoration program. “It’s a boots-on, in-field experience,” said Treschak, as he referred to the College’s impressive 125-acre Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-theLake. “Our students get to practice right in their own backyard.”
The campus is a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve with its own orchard, vineyard, trails, and restored lagoon and wetland – all developed and maintained by students.
“We’re equipping our students to handle the massive environmental issues facing our planet,” said Unwin. “They’re forward thinkers who want to be part of the sustainability solution, and they go on to have meaningful careers.”
IDEAS in STEM: The Key for a Sustainable and Inclusive
Future
Since 1981, the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) has been advocating for increased diversity and representation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Over the years, SCWIST’s commitment to these core goals has evolved to encompass the comprehensive IDEAS framework, consisting of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Sustainability.
The inherent interconnectivity of IDEAS in STEM is pivotal for shaping a future where STEM not only advances rapidly but does so ethically, equitably and sustainably.
Inclusion and diversity are catalysts for innovation, helping foster environments where a multitude of perspectives can address societal challenges while pushing the boundaries of what is achievable within the STEM sectors.
Equity and accessibility are integral to ensuring that the benefits of STEM contribute to improving quality of life worldwide. An inclusive and accessible STEM landscape also addresses the digital divide, allowing innovations to be distributed more equally.
The IDEAS framework also places sustainability at its core, guiding responsible development in STEM by considering longterm environmental and social impacts.
SCWIST actively champions these principles through programs like MakePossible mentorship, Make DIVERSITY Possible to create inclusive work environments, STEM Forward to address systemic challenges and the SCWIST Job Board and Career Fair to connect diverse talent with STEM opportunities.
In every sector, from transportation to energy and resources, to environmental, to buildings, and infrastructure, CIMA+ is dedicated to sustainable engineering practices. As a rapidly growing firm with ambitious goals, CIMA+ leverages over three decades of engineering expertise. With 3,000+ employees across 30+ locations in Canada, the company’s employee-owned structure fosters a deep sense of accomplishment and commitment. This unique model allows CIMA+ to offer locally tailored, innovative solutions while drawing on global expertise and a diverse pool of talent nationwide. Beyond its distinctive strategy, CIMA+’s workplace culture sets it apart. Consistently ranked among the best employers by Kincentric (formerly known as Aeon), the company was the first in consulting engineering in Canada, to achieve parity organization recognition by Women in Governance. According to Thivierge, the firm’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and positive workplace change reflects its dedication to building a better, sustainable future.
IDEAS is an essential compass for navigating the future of innovation in STEM. By embracing these principles, we can ensure that progress in STEM serves as a force for sustainable growth and prosperity for all.
Christopher Treschak Associate Dean, Niagara College
To learn more and apply today, visit niagaracollege.ca
This article was sponsored by Niagara College Canada
Alan Unwin Dean of Business and Environment, Niagara College
