Meet our Speakers, Panelists and Moderators!
CWMA Conference Committee is proud to bring a great line up of topics and speakers to our community in 2022! Check out the PROGRAM for topics and discussion themes.
Provincial Perspectives: Updates (Oct 13)
ALANNA MCPHEE | DivertNS
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Alanna McPhee is the Director of Programs and Development for Divert NS. A member of the leadership team, she works to advance waste diversion solutions and deliver engaging environmental education.
In her role as Director, she is responsible for stimulating innovation through research and development initiatives, liaising with industry on EPR and stewardship programs and overseeing many external funding contracts. In recent years, she’s worked to build several exciting new partnerships with like-minded organizations.
Alanna graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours). She began her career in waste management with the Municipality of Colchester immediately following graduation and was hired by Divert NS in 2003 to manage their education programs. Almost 20 years later, she still finds her work challenging and, most importantly, FUN.
Alanna enjoys many outdoor and sport-related hobbies and believes in the importance of being active every day – something she’s working hard to instill in her two kids.
LYNDSAY POAPS | Recycling Council of British Columbia
- Before joining the Recycling Council of BC Lyndsay as the Executive Director of Leadnow, an independent citizen’s advocacy organization. She co-founded Check Your Head and is the founder of Frontrunner: a campaign school for women in post-secondary education.She has served as an elected Commissioner to Vancouver’s Board of Parks and Recreation and was an Urban Fellow with the City of Toronto. Lyndsay is passionate about engaging people in social and environmental policy to improve community building and decision making.
JOANNE FEDYK | Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council
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Joanne Fedyk has been the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council (SWRC) since 1991. SWRC works toward a waste-free Saskatchewan by promoting waste reduction practices to municipalities, businesses and the public. Joanne’s educational background is in home and family economics. She lives in Saskatoon with the legally allowed number of spouses and cats.
CHRISTINA SEIDEL | Recycling Council of Alberta
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Christina holds a PhD in Engineering Management, a Masters degree in Environmental Design (Environmental Science), as well as a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering. She operates sonnevera international corp., a waste reduction consulting firm, and is the current Executive Director of the Recycling Council of Alberta. Christina loves rural life, choosing to live on a farm near Bluffton, Alberta, where her and her family raise Warmblood horses, and enjoy many other outdoor activities.
JO-ANNE ST. GODARD Circular Innovation Council
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Jo–Anne St. Godard has served as Executive Director of Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO) since 2001 and her expertise focuses on the development of policies, programs, and practices that advance the circular economy and drive positive environmental outcomes with market-based approaches.
Moderator: ALDA NICMANS | BC Product Stewardship Council
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Alda Nicmans is the Executive Director of the BC Product Stewardship Council, a coalition of BC regional districts that are responsible for solid waste management and waste reduction, recycling and re-use in their jurisdictions. One of the primary objectives of the Council is to provide a forum for ongoing dialogue between local governments and stewardship agencies on program operations and other related issues.
Since 1985, Alda has developed extensive experience designing and implementing progressive zero waste management systems in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Alda has served in executive positions for SWANA Pacific Chapter, two stewardship organizations: The Electronics Stewardship Association of BC; and The Tree Marking Paint Stewardship Association, gaining insight and understanding into the future of extended producer responsibility programs in Canada. She has also served on the Board of both the Recycling Council of BC and Ontario.
Marquee Speaker: Ryan Parmenter with an Update from Environment and Climate Change Canada ~ Plastics and Marine Litter Division (Oct 17)
RYAN PARMENTER | Environment and Climate Change Canada
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Ryan Parmenter is the Director of Plastics and Marine Litter at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
Ryan began his career at the Conference Board of Canada working on Energy Security and Sustainability Projects. His first positions in the public service were with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) working on energy and climate change. Ryan also worked for the Northern Contaminated Sites Program at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) on the Giant Mine Remediation Project. He worked at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on green growth and global relations. Most recently, he was the Chief of Staff to the Associate Deputy Minister responsible for the Laboratories Canada initiative at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).
Ryan holds an undergraduate degree in geography and biology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Masters in environmental science from the University of Calgary.
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Ryan Parmenter est le directeur des plastiques et des déchets marins à Environnement et Changement climatique Canada (ECCC).
Ryan a commencé sa carrière au Conference Board du Canada en travaillant sur des projets de sécurité énergétique et de durabilité. Ses premiers postes dans la fonction publique fédérale ont été auprès de Ressources naturelles Canada (RNCan), travaillant sur des dossiers relatifs à l’énergie et aux changements climatiques. Ryan a également travaillé pour le programme des sites contaminés du Nord à Affaires autochtones et du Nord Canada sur le projet d’assainissement de la mine Giant. Il a également travaillé à la direction de l’environnement de l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE) où il a dirigé une équipe chargée de l’intégration de la croissance verte. Plus récemment, il a été chef de cabinet du sous-ministre délégué responsable de l’initiative Laboratoires Canada à Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada (SPAC).
Ryan détient un diplôme de premier cycle en géographie et biologie de l’Université Wilfrid Laurier et une maîtrise en sciences de l’environnement de l’Université de Calgary.
Moderator: SHEILA MOLLOY | Coast Waste Management Association
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Sheila Molloy is the Executive Director of Coast Waste Management Association where she builds and facilitates forums for leaders in the solid waste management industry to share knowledge and work towards real solutions. This great role is one of many contracts over her 25 years as an interim executive for operations, strategy, and marketing projects across North America.
She has proudly contributed to the success of well over 150 organizations in array of sectors and amongst these as a leader for a venture group that built and sold three private technology firms, including one bought by Microsoft.
Her passion for the environment is now a key focus in her work and life. Sheila holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree with Distinction, a Diploma in Creative Communications, and was inducted as a lifetime member to Beta Gamma Sigma the international business honour society.
Inspiring Repair, Reuse, and Reduction Programs (Oct 18)
ASHLEY HOWE | SUPPLY Victoria
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Ashley Howe, SUPPLY’s Executive Director, has worked for several reuse meets social justice organizations including the ReBuilding Center, SCRAP Portland, and ReClaim It. She presented her creative reuse model to audiences all over Canada and abroad through various speaking engagements and has been featured on tv, radio and press (see her most recent article in CBC Arts & coverage of SUPPLY’s tiny free thrift store for art supplies in VicNews). She is passionate about building community, accelerating the adoption of a Zero-Waste Victoria, and fostering an inclusive hub that supports and activates the artistic community. Follow SUPPLY Victoria on Instagram (@supplyvictoria) or check out their website for more info: www.supplyvictoria.ca
FAY WELLER | C2C Threads
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Fay Weller is a community organizer, writer and researcher with a PhD focused on social transformation. Fay co-initiated Gabriola Island’s C2C Threads, which turns textile waste into repurposed products She is involved in the development of community investment and energy co-operatives as well as a broader cooperative network. She has been involved in the creation and implementation of a community bus system, turning waste vegetable oil into fuel and soap, and other community enterprises. She worked in the Green Economy Secretariat, Cabinet Policy, and Community Partnerships within the BC government prior to moving to Gabriola Island. In 2018 she released her first book entitled Changemakers: embracing hope, taking action and transforming the world. She believes in the magic of re-thinking, re-using, and transforming waste.
LEANNE KOEHN | Ridge Meadows Recycling
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Leanne Koehn (she/they) spearheads Community Engagement for Ridge Meadows Recycling Society, a community-based, social profit organization that works in partnership with the City of Maple Ridge to provide responsible waste reduction services, environmental education, and inclusive work opportunities for people with diverse abilities. She organizes Maple Ridge’s annual Earth Day festival and is the founder of Maple Ridge Repair Cafes. Leanne lives with their family in an Arts & Crafts style heritage house her grandparents built in 1923, which she and her husband are renovating to high energy efficiency standards.
OWEN MILLER-WHITE | A&W Canada
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Owen Miller-White emigrated from Ireland in 2013 and landed at A&W in the Finance Department. In the intervening years, Owen has worked in Operations, Purchasing and Distribution and People Potential in increasingly senior roles. Owen is currently Manager, Restaurant Food Safety & Environment, and responsible for developing and implementing system wide food safety and environmental programs in our 1000+ restaurants across Canada. Owen works with cross functional teams, partnering with franchisees, internal and external partners to bring these programs to life. Owen is passionate about pursuing excellence in these areas and his current focus is achieving zero waste across the A&W system.
Moderator: SUE MAXWELL | Ecoinspire
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Sue Maxwell is the principal of Ecoinspire, a consulting business which focuses on sustainability and zero waste planning, working with governments, NGOs, EPR programs and businesses.
She has been a councillor and an active volunteer in Whistler for waste reduction and community planning and more broadly with Zero Waste BC, the Climate Caucus, and others. S
he has a Master of Arts in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University.
Emergency & Disaster Planning for SWM (Oct 26)
CAMERON BAUGHEN | Baughen Consulting
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Cameron Baughen served as the Solid Waste Management Coordinator for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) for over 16 years. At the RDOS he was highly active in the Emergency Operations Centre over successive fires, floods and landslides. In June 2021 he started his own company called Baughen Consulting providing local government assistance on solid waste and emergency management. Cameron has been active in the City of Merritt and the Thompson Nicola Regional District providing rapid damage assessment coordination and disaster debris clean up for fires and floods. He is also sitting on the Integrated Project Team for debris management for the Village of Lytton.
JORDAN BEST | Recycle BC
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As the Western Canada Director, Collection for Recycle BC and Multi-Material Stewardship Western (MMSW), Jordan is responsible for overseeing the operation of robust collection systems for packaging and paper products in BC and Saskatchewan. Prior to his current role, Jordan held positions with Product Care Association, the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable and the Recycling Council of BC.
DAVID HEWSON | Emergency Management BC
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David Hewson is the Manager of Logistics and Critical Infrastructure with Emergency Management BC (EMBC). David has a Master’s Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography from the University of Winnipeg. He joined EMBC in 2015, and has previously served in roles that included coordinating EMBC’s business continuity file, cross-ministry work on after action reports following the 2017 and 2018 floods and wildfires, and coordinating work on the modernization of BC’s emergency management legislation. During emergencies, David has been deployed in various response and recovery roles within EMBC’s Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre throughout events such as the 2017 and 2018 floods and wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 wildfire season, and the recent 2021 atmospheric river events.
Moderator: ANDREA PANICH | Capital Regional District
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Andrea is working with the Capital Regional District’s Environmental Resource Management policy and planning group as the Waste Diversion Coordinator. Her work involves supporting the implementation of the CRD’s Solid Waste Management Plan by researching and assisting with developing options for the long term management of waste at Hartland Landfill.
She is passionate about learning better ways to manage C&D waste and reducing plastic use. She has been with CWMA Board and the C&D working group since 2020. Andrea has a background in environmental science and health and safety. She has experience working on the front line at Hartland Landfill implementing procedures and plans to ensure environmental, health and safety compliance.
Contemplating Compostables (OcT 26)
LYN MAYES | The Packaging Forum
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Lyn Mayes, Scheme Manager, The Packaging Forum
Lyn established Mad World in 2001, to build networks and collaboration between the private sector, NGOs and local and central government to improve New Zealand’s environmental performance. Lyn studied French and German at Trinity College Oxford. Her early career was in Supply Chain Management before she moved into managing Mergers & Acquisitions and then changed direction to focus on Corporate Communications. Her commitment to sustainable business practices was initially inspired by working with BOC to find alternative fuels for its vehicle fleet. This passion continued at Kimberly-Clark where, as Corporate Communications Director (EMEA), Lyn introduced Sustainability as a Key Performance Indicator at EMEA Board Level. Lyn set up and manages The Packaging Forum’s Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme in 2015. This is a voluntary product stewardship scheme which is accredited under the Waste Minimisation Act. She is Vice President Weightlifting NZ and competes competitively around the world for New Zealand at Olympic Weightlifting and holds NZ masters’ records in this sport. She is an external appointee to the Board of the Association of Metal Recyclers; Board Trustee of Be a Tidy Kiwi and immediate Past Chair of the Government appointed Auckland Conservation Board.
BELINDA LI | Food Systems Lab
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Belinda is the Co-Founder and Director of Food Systems Lab, a research and innovation hub at Simon Fraser University that works on solutions for equitable collaboration for sustainable food systems. She uses a combination of participatory design and data-driven approaches to develop, test, and evaluate solutions to improve food system sustainability from farm to fork. She led the methodology design and Canadian team implementation of the Social Innovation for Management of Bioplastics (SIMBIO) project. SIMBIO is a joint research initiative between universities in Canada, Brazil, Poland, and the United Kingdom on finding systemic solutions to the social and environmental challenges of bioplastic food packaging. Belinda also works as a waste management consultant and is currently pursuing a Masters in Sustainable Development at the University of Graz in Austria.
SEAN KAWAKAMI | Convertus Group
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Sean is the Business Development Manager for Convertus Group who specialise in the design, construction, finance, and operation of organic waste processing facilities. Convertus operates four facilities in Canada, notably including the Nanaimo Circular Waste BC and Surrey Biofuel sites. Sean started in the industry working for Rehrig Pacific where he had the opportunity to supply containers for residential and commercial collection to municipalities and haulers across British Columbia and Alberta. From there he moved to Waste Connections for a year, before joining Convertus. His experience in supply, collection and processing affords him a unique perspective of the solid waste industry in our province.
Moderator: TAMARA SHULMAN | Tamara Shulman & Associates
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Tamara is a sustainability and waste reduction practitioner with over 25 years of experience developing and implementing zero waste and circular economy initiatives. She has consulted with and contributed to the success of over 50 organizations across public sector, First Nations, commercial businesses, institutions, and nonprofits in western Canada and California. She uses her demonstrated practical experience combined with her academic research capability to support graduate student applied research through Simon Fraser University’s Sustainability Office. As a consultant, she supports zero waste planning processes and stakeholder engagement. She co-leads Coast Waste Management Association Single Use Plastic Working Group and serves on the Conference Planning Committee.
ELECTRIC FLEETS (OCT 26)
STEVEN WIEBE | Innotech Fleet Strategies
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Steven Wiebe, Managing Director (Innotech Fleet Strategies) P.Eng., PMP, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Change Management Certification
Steve has over 15 years experience in the transportation and vehicle industry in both Operational and Project leadership roles. This has given him exposure to vehicles commonly used in transit, municipal and construction industries with propulsion technologies including diesel, renewable diesel, gasoline, CNG, and electric. Throughout his career he has visited over 75 vehicle maintenance and manufacturing facilities around the globe. Notable experience includes 9 years with BC Transit leading vehicle projects and developing maintenance standards; plus 5 years as Manager Fleet & Solid Waste at the District of Saanich. He’s also an active member of the American Public Works Fleet Management Technical Committee.
WAYNE MCDONALD | Mack Trucks
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Wayne Joined Volvo Trucks Canada “ Mack Trucks is a Subsidiary of the Volvo Group” in 2005 as a District Parts Manager for Eastern Canada , then progressed as Regional Parts Director for both Mack Trucks Canada and Volvo Trucks Canada.
In 2013 Wayne Joined the Mack Truck Sales organization as District Sales Manager for Central Canada until 2020, when he became Fleets Sales Director for Mack Trucks Canada and is responsible for Customer Account Management across the country for Regional and National Accounts. Wayne is committed to the Mack Sustainability statement of “ The Choices we make today define the world we live in tomorrow”.
Dedicated to durability, reliability and meeting the needs of customers, Mack Trucks has provided purpose-built transportation solutions since 1921 in Canada.
JIM HUTCHINSON | Republic Services
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Jim Hutchinson, Director of Municipal Services, NW has been with Republic Services for over 10 years and has had increasing responsibilities as the Northwest Area has grown from 2 states to over 10. Jim leads a team of 13 managers with a municipal book of business over $500m in annual revenues. He is responsible for all municipal partnerships including collection, landfill (operations and volume), processing and host agreements. Jim spends a significant amount of time working with communities to promote Republic Services sustainability goals.
Jim was born and raised in the Puget Sound region, and except for a few small stints when he was away serving in the Army Reserves, has lived his entire life in Washington State. Jim joined Republic Services after an 11- year career as the Local Government and Community Relations manager at Puget Sound Energy. Worked for the Washington State House of Representatives for 6 years and has spent over two decades working with state and local elected officials on numerous boards to help build the infrastructure necessary to run our communities. Jim earned his jurist doctorate degree from Seattle University and undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Public Relations from Central Washington University. He and his wife and son enjoy their RV and travel around the Northwest.
JAMIE MADILL | Pro-Claim Group
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Jamie Madill is the CFO and Director of Sustainability for The Pro-Claim Group. The Pro-Claim Group is a growing collective of restoration companies operating in Western Canada that aims to elevate their industry in terms of sustainability, innovation, and performance. Jamie has become an EV procurement leader, not only in his industry – but in the country. He has helped all seven Pro-Claim Group offices begin their journey in electrifying their fleets, while also embedding purpose-driven sustainable business practices into their culture.
In 2021, Jamie was featured on The Current with Matt Galloway, providing advice and guidance on how to embed sustainability into businesses.
Moderator: KRIS ORD | KO Consulting
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Kris has over 30 years experience in the development and delivery of provincial environmental protection and sustainability programs. She spent most of her career with the BC Provincial Government developing policy, programs, legislation and
regulations on a range of topics including Extended Producer Responsibility, Circular Economy, Air Quality and the provincial Plastics Action Plan. Currently, Kris runs a part-time consultancy which includes providing facilitation and policy support to the Coast Waste Management Association working groups. She also sits on the Board of the Synergy Foundation, teaches yoga and is represented by Coultish Talent Management for background and advertising media roles. Kris has a passion for creating and supporting programs and groups that ‘move the dial’ in both communities and provincewide in the areas of environmental protection and sustainability.
Welcome & Special Greetings | Keynote Speaker (Oct 27)
SHEILA MOLLOY | Coast Waste Management Association
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Sheila Molloy is the Executive Director of Coast Waste Management Association where she builds and facilitates forums for leaders in the solid waste management industry to share knowledge and work towards real solutions. This great role is one of many contracts over her 25 years as an interim executive for operations, strategy, and marketing projects across North America.
She has proudly contributed to the success of well over 150 organizations in array of sectors and amongst these as a leader for a venture group that built and sold three private technology firms, including one bought by Microsoft. Her passion for the environment is now a key focus in her work and life. Sheila holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree with Distinction, a Diploma in Creative Communications, and was inducted as a lifetime member to Beta Gamma Sigma the international business honour society.
BRENDAN MCSHANE | Recycle BC
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Brendan is the Manager, Collection Quality and Development for Recycle BC, and currently sits as Chair for CWMA. Brendan has worked with Recycle BC for 7 years, overseeing partnerships throughout the Province, with a focus on Coastal operations. Throughout this time he has had the pleasure of working with the broad spectrum of waste management partners and is grateful for the strong relationships developed throughout the province. In 2017, Brendan joined the Board of Directors with CWMA to further involve himself within the industry and provide a greater service to those partnerships he values. Brendan lives in Victoria with his young family, enjoying all things coastal BC has to offer.
MAYOR LISA HELPS | City of Victoria
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Lisa Helps became the 52nd Mayor of Victoria when she was elected on November 15, 2014, and was sworn into office for her second term on November 1, 2018. Prior to being elected as Mayor, she served as a Victoria City Councillor for one term, from 2011 to 2014.
Mayor Helps works hard at City Hall and in the community to ensure that the city is prosperous, affordable, sustainable, and ready for the future. Taking a long-term, big-picture perspective, she looks both around the city and around the world for innovative solutions to the pressing challenges facing us including climate change, lack of affordable housing, and growing social isolation and loneliness, especially among youth and seniors.
Mayor Helps believes that the best way to address complex challenges is to bring people from a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences together and to truly listen to each other. In her experience, listening deeply with empathy and generosity and taking in new information can enable us to change our minds or at least to broaden our perspectives. She’s honoured to have been elected as Mayor of Victoria and to serve her community in this capacity.
RORY TOOKE | City of Victoria
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Rory is the Manager of Sustainability and Asset Management at the City of Victoria. He established and leads the solid waste engineering and planning function of the City with responsibilities for zero waste and circular economy policies and programs, planning and design of municipal solid waste services and corporate sustainability initiatives.
Rory is the current Vice Chair of the Capital Region’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee. He was a founding member of the BC Energy Step Code Council that developed BC’s regulatory pathway to achieve net zero energy buildings and was a member of the project team that led the design of Surrey’s Clayton Community Centre – the largest Passive House facility of its kind. Rory holds a Masters and PhD in natural resources management from the University of British Columbia.
KEVIN VALLELY | Inspirational Adventurer
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Inspirational Adventurer, Leadership, Teamwork and Resilience Expert, Author
After spending nearly twenty years testing the limits of human endurance in the most inhospitable environments on the planet, Kevin Vallely inspires audiences with his core belief that it doesn’t take a hidden talent or a gift to achieve big goals, it’s something we’re all capable of doing.
As a keynote speaker, award-winning architect and internationally recognized adventurer, Kevin offers a unique perspective that no matter what the goal, the fundamentals to achieving success as a trusted leader is to walk the talk, create purposeful collaboration, and build psychological trust. Kevin has learned that these fundamentals allow any team to operate at their peak performance regardless of where they operate.
Kevin has proven that he can thrive in the most adverse conditions imaginable. He has overcome insurmountable setbacks by seeing them as opportunities for creative thinking and innovation rather than as impediments to success. Through his experiences he has garnered a powerful understanding of leadership, resilience and perspective in unpredictable and fast-changing environments and has translated this knowledge into a business acumen that activates and amplifies leadership instincts.
Connecting to WHY he does what he does – the purpose behind his goals – is key to what drives Kevin’s actions and the legacy he hopes to create.
Named one of Canada’ leading adventurers by the Globe and Mail, Kevin is a member of the esteemed Explorer’s Club and was an Explorer’s Club Flag recipient when attempting his first human-powered traverse of the Northwest Passage in 2013.
He has skied the length of Alaska’s 1180-mile Iditarod Trail in the dead of winter, has retraced the infamous Sandakan Death March through the jungles of Borneo for the first time since WWII and in 2009 broke the World Record for the fastest unsupported trek from the edge of the Antarctic continent to the Geographic South Pole.
A lead facilitator and expedition manager for the leadership development company The AIP Group (Adventures Inspiring Performance), Kevin uses exciting immersive learning adventure simulations with the latest in neuroscience and performance research to optimize leadership learning.
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Inspirational Adventurer, Leadership, Teamwork and Resilience Expert, Author
After spending nearly twenty years testing the limits of human endurance in the most inhospitable environments on the planet, Kevin Vallely inspires audiences with his core belief that it doesn’t take a hidden talent or a gift to achieve big goals, it’s something we’re all capable of doing.
As a keynote speaker, award-winning architect and internationally recognized adventurer, Kevin offers a unique perspective that no matter what the goal, the fundamentals to achieving success as a trusted leader is to walk the talk, create purposeful collaboration, and build psychological trust. Kevin has learned that these fundamentals allow any team to operate at their peak performance regardless of where they operate.
Kevin has proven that he can thrive in the most adverse conditions imaginable. He has overcome insurmountable setbacks by seeing them as opportunities for creative thinking and innovation rather than as impediments to success. Through his experiences he has garnered a powerful understanding of leadership, resilience and perspective in unpredictable and fast-changing environments and has translated this knowledge into a business acumen that activates and amplifies leadership instincts.
Connecting to WHY he does what he does – the purpose behind his goals – is key to what drives Kevin’s actions and the legacy he hopes to create.
Named one of Canada’ leading adventurers by the Globe and Mail, Kevin is a member of the esteemed Explorer’s Club and was an Explorer’s Club Flag recipient when attempting his first human-powered traverse of the Northwest Passage in 2013.
He has skied the length of Alaska’s 1180-mile Iditarod Trail in the dead of winter, has retraced the infamous Sandakan Death March through the jungles of Borneo for the first time since WWII and in 2009 broke the World Record for the fastest unsupported trek from the edge of the Antarctic continent to the Geographic South Pole.
A lead facilitator and expedition manager for the leadership development company The AIP Group (Adventures Inspiring Performance), Kevin uses exciting immersive learning adventure simulations with the latest in neuroscience and performance research to optimize leadership learning.
The Future of Building Waste Diversion (Oct 27)
ADAM CORNEIL | Unbuilders Deconstruction
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Adam is a certified Passive House builder and a deconstruction & reclaimed wood expert. He flipped his first house at 16 with his father and after years as a green builder he launched Unbuilders Deconstruction in January 2018 and Heritage Lumber in 2019. Adam, and his companies, have the vision of a construction industry where deconstruction and remanufacturing replaces demolition and disposal. Passionate about his family, skiing, hiking mountains and spending as much time outdoors, he is committed to providing a sustainable future for generations to enjoy.
CHRISTIAN DIETRICH | Ecowaste Industries
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Christian Dietrich is the Vice President of Recycling and Waste Services at Ecowaste Industries that operates a Construction and Demolition transfer station in New Westminster and a recycling and landfill operation in Richmond.
Christian’s entire work experience centers around waste management. He has worked in and led teams to design, commission, operate and maintain five separate waste processing plants ranging from a hazardous waste fuel blending facility in Tennessee, to fuel production from residential waste in London UK, to anaerobic digestion of food and garden waste in Surrey BC. Christian holds a BSc Environmental Science from Lake Superior State University and an MBA from Seattle University.
ZOSIA BROWN | NEXII
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Dr. Zosia Brown, Vice President, Sustainability, Nexii, PHD, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
Zosia’s passion for shaping a future in which both people and natural systems thrive drives her position as Vice President of Sustainability with Nexii. Her notable past roles include Head of Resource Conservation and Sustainability at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, WA, Sustainability Associate with BuroHappold Consulting Engineers and Corporate Sustainability Analyst with SGS Group Management.
Zosia brings over 15 years’ experience in driving sustainable change and environmental policy in organizations across North America and Europe to Nexii.
Together with teams from across the company, Zosia leads Nexii’s environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy.
RITA FARKAS | National Zero Waste Council
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Rita Farkas is a Senior Policy Advisor for the National Zero Waste Council, an initiative of Metro Vancouver. Rita builds relationships and collaborations with key stakeholders across the country to advance waste prevention and circular economy initiatives in Canada. She is currently leading initiatives related to construction waste and advancing reuse systems. Her background is in environmental policy, having previously worked within the federal regulatory environment as well as with several environmental non-profits. Rita is passionate about discovering the ways in which we can leverage regulatory and business initiatives for environmental protection. She holds an MA from the University of Guelph. Rita enjoys cooking, reading and long forest and ocean adventures with her family.
Moderator: MICHAEL ZARBL | Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable
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Michael joined the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable as the Executive Director in July 2017.
Prior to that he was the Director of Operations at Recycle BC (formerly MMBC) the extended producer responsibility program for packaging and printed paper. Before joining Recycle BC, Michael was the Senior District Manager for Waste Management of Canada for four years, where he was responsible for the entire operation of the Vancouver Hauling District.
Michael also has an extensive supply chain management background with direct experience in the key activities along the supply chain, culminating in direct waste management industry experience. Michael has a BA from Concordia University in Montreal and is fluent in both English and French.
The Plastics Value Chain: Actions For a Circular System (Oct 27)
PAUL SHORTHOUSE | Circular Economy Leadership Canada
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Paul is one of Canada’s leading experts in the emerging circular economy. In February 2021, Paul took on the role of Managing Director of Circular Economy Leadership Canada (CELC), a network of leaders from all industries and sectors who are fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Canada.
Paul is also currently serving as the Interim Managing Director for the Canada Plastics Pact.
CODY IRWIN | ShareWares
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Cody has a deep connection and love for nature, with a strong draw to technology and innovation. He was born on a remote farm in Manitoba, raised in Toronto, and then studied Mechanical Engineering at McGill University in Montreal. Over a decade ago he moved to Vancouver and started his first venture, Natural Source, offering corporate food services for technology companies. He grew this business into a local industry leader until the pandemic closed offices, and Natural Source’s client base almost completely evaporated overnight. As devastating as this was, it proved to be an amazing opportunity.
By repurposing his company’s resources he built ShareWares, a company on the forefront of the circular economy and on a mission to end the global waste crisis.
SAM BAKER | Recycle BC
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Sam Baker (Western Canada Director, Post-Collection and Material Regeneration): Sam has been with Recycle BC for over 5 years where he oversees the reverse supply chain team responsible for receiving, reporting, and responsibly recycling all material within the Recycle BC extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper products. In this role, Sam is responsible for identifying new and innovative approaches to responsible recycling and ensuring chain of custody of obligated materials through standards, audits, and due diligence.
Sam holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and an MBA in International Business from Marquette University.
AL BOFLO | Reclaim Plastics
- Al Boflo is co-founder of Reclaim Plastics, an organization that specializes in processing hard-to-recycle plastics. Reclaim got its start recycling automotive plastics, such as bumper covers and headlights, both of which have embedded metals and non-homogeneous materials. The company has embarked upon new industrial and commercial waste stream challenges including nylon fishing net, ocean rope, industrial containers, and contaminated plastics such as paint pails.Al sits on the Board of Advisors of Mother Earth Recycling Inc. He holds an undergraduate degree from the Ivey School of Business, and is also a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Moderator: CINDY COUTTS | Return-It
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Cindy Coutts is the President & CEO of Encorp Pacific Canada.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph and an MBA from York University in Toronto. Over the past 25 years she has worked in the Mining, Waste and Recycling industries and has spent her career to date developing sustainable recycling practices in the private sector while assisting in the development of a regulatory framework that supports the circular economy. She was also President of Recycling Solutions, the world leader in electronics recycling for 15 years.
Cindy has been involved in waste/recycling issues from an environmental, economical, and social business perspective. She has experience working with governments at both the International level (UN and OECD) and the domestic level.
A Shared Vision: Collaborations with First Nations (Oct 27)
PETER REID | GRT
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Peter Reid, M.Eng., P.Eng., MBA, CSAP | Peter is the CEO of GRT, a Victoria-based waste-to-resource company focused on producing clean, regenerated aggregates from excess soils. Before leading GRT, Peter was the Vice President, Site Assessment and Remediation at Hemmera Envirochem Inc.
Peter has completed over 1400 environmental projects globally, including some of the largest in Western Canada while cultivating excellent working relationships with other consultants, governments and the broader environmental industry. As a CSAP, Peter has completed over 40 submissions and as an expert witness Peter has completed 50 reports for legal proceedings in a variety of claims within five Canadian Provinces. Peter is a past President of CSAP and has won several awards over his career for contributions to the field of Contaminated Sites Remediation and Redevelopment
ERRALYN THOMAS | Snuneymuxw First Nation
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Erralyn is the Assistant Negotiator for Snuneymuxw First Nation, and the President for Petroglyph Development Group. She is a board director for the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and the newly formed Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation. Erralyn’s goals and responsibilities are focused primarily on advancing Snuneymuxw title and rights and treaty implementation for the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854 and strengthening the Snuneymuxw economy. Since 2020, Snuneymuxw has signed constructive arrangements or agreements that are geared towards treaty implementation for the Snuneymuxw Peoples. Erralyn is committed to strengthening the Snuneymuxw economy by facilitating economic and business development that helps improve the quality of life for Snuneymuxw Peoples.
LUCINDA PHILLIPS | IZWTAG
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Lucinda Phillips is the Executive Director for the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group (IZWTAG) who offers training and resources to First Nations to implement zero waste systems.
Lucinda previously worked as a Band Administrator for N’Quatqua and was also a Chief for her community for 4-years.
She has over 30+ years of experience in Management/Administration in working with First Nations communities and ISC programs and services.
Lucinda loves the country life (born and raised) and is currently working on expanding her new passion within the Farm life 😊
Moderator: MARCIA DICK | City of Kamloops
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Marcia is the Solid Waste Reduction Coordinator with the City of Kamloops and has served on the board of directors for the Recycling Council of British Columbia since 2021, and joined the CWMA conference committee in 2022.
Prior to beginning her work with the City, Marcia operated Waste Naught BC, performing waste audits and waste management planning services for institutions, businesses, and non-profits. She also worked with the TNRD for several year on their waste reduction programs. She has led many successful projects in her tenure at the city, and has been crucial in the development of an upcoming curbside organic waste collection program.
Marcia is active in promoting waste reduction in her community – speaking on the topic in the media and community events, coordinating Repair Café events, and administrating a Zero Waste Kamloops Facebook page with over 5000 members sharing ideas and exchanging unwanted items.
CRYSTA STUBBS | Coastal Restoration Society
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Crysta Stubbs is a Senior Project Manager and Biologist with Coastal Restoration Society. As the lead for their aquatic invasive species program, she works directly with Indigenous governments and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to control and mitigate the spread of European green crab within the Pacific region.
Crysta leads a collaborative pilot project focused on testing the efficacy of industrial style trapping as a method for green crab management known as the South Coast European Green Crab Control Project.
After graduating from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2017, Crysta relocated to the west coast. In 2020 she began a career in the non-profit sector with Coastal Restoration Society, an environmental non-profit based out of Vancouver Island.
CHIEF GORDON PLANES | T'Sou-ke First Nation
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Bio to follow!
WILL BURROWS | BC Used Oil Management Association
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Will Burrows is Director Consumer Collection & Sustainability with BCUOMA: a not-for-profit group dedicated to the collection and recycling of lubricating oil, oil filters, oil containers, antifreeze and antifreeze containers across British Columbia.
Will brings 27 years of experience in the waste and recycling industry and has served on a number of provincial advisory committees to help with the development of strategies to better manage the waste and recyclables that we all produce.
Will’s experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Coast Waste Management Association, and prior to this role was a Manager for the largest recycler of metal and wood products on Vancouver Island.
Will emigrated from England in 1988 and he and his wife settled in the Cowichan Valley in 1995 to raise their family.
Marquee Speaker: Kelly Drennan & Interview Host Tracy Lydiatt (Oct 28)
KELLY DRENNAN | Fashion Takes Action
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Kelly Drennan is a systems thinker, thought leader and disruptor devoted to making change within the fashion industry. In 2007 she founded Fashion Takes Action, out of her desire to create a better, more sustainable future for her, then, two young daughters. Kelly’s efforts to make fashion circular began in 2017 by convening the Ontario Textile Diversion Collaborative (OTDC) – a multi-stakeholder group (municipalities, charities, collectors, retailers, NGOs, policy makers and academics) committed to textile diversion, reuse and recycling. elly has co-wrote and published Canada’s textile recycling feasibility report; and currently, Kelly is leading a national stakeholder group through a mechanical recycling pilot, with a consumer-facing end product. Amongst many other accolades, in 2017, Kelly was the recipient of the prestigious Clean 50 award given to Canada’s climate leaders, where she was recognized for Education & Thought Leadership, and was the first recipient of the award for the fashion industry. In 2022 Kelly won the Sustainability Award given out by the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA). She resides in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.
Interview Host: TRACY LYDIATT | Textile Lab for Circularity
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Tracy holds a M.Sc in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability, is a 3x TEDx speaker and an award-winning author of the personal sustainability guidebook, Your Green Family Blueprint. She is the founder of Sustainable Living School, an online, on-demand education platform focused on providing sustainable living guidance for individuals to accelerate their positive impacts from home.
Tracy transitioned from a career in geology in 2007 into sustainability roles and brings a diverse background of experience that includes corporate social responsibility reporting, training & education, and sales & marketing roles in the mining, engineering, manufacturing and food industries. She is passionate about the power of community to come together around common problems & to find solutions for the creation of a sustainable society & healthy planet.
Producer Roles in Developing Circular Solutions (Oct 28)
KATIE WILSON | ARC'TERYX Equipment
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Katie leads the Social and Environmental Sustainability team at Arc’teryx, where she and her team drive forward progress across the company’s impact goals. Her role involves working across all areas of the business to set the company’s vision and goals for sustainability through a commitment to climate action, circularity, responsible manufacturing, and community partnerships.
Following twelve years working in communications, Katie started her career at Arc’teryx building a team that develops systems and processes to ensure products, materials and chemicals meet and exceed industry-recommended standards for sustainability.
Proud to call Vancouver’s North Shore mountains home, Katie is an avid skier, trail runner and mountain biker. She’s also mom to three amazing and outdoor-loving daughters.
PAUL GRENIER | The Clorox Company
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Paul is the Manager of Government Affairs at Clorox Canada. He is the lead contact for Glad products responsible for building Municipal and Provincial relationships and partnerships around use of Glad Blue, Clear and Composting bags.
Prior to Clorox, Paul served 15 years as an elected Councillor in the Niagara Region of Ontario.
Since 2009, Paul has acted as Treasurer for Canadian Public Safety Operations (CANOPS) a national non-profit public safety group delivering emergency response dispatch and training. From February 2019 until January 2020 he acted as President as the board searched for a full time candidate.
Paul is a graduate of Brock University in Economics, has extensive experience providing business development and advocacy for environmental and green energy companies. He lives in Welland and is married to Wendy Ward, Professor at Niagara College. They have two grown children, Luc and Claire.
MELODIE REYNOLDS | Elate Cosmetics
- With the vision of a world without single-use packaging, Melodie Reynolds created Elate Cosmetics with a simple message: our daily choices create global impact, and choosing ethical products means a more positive result.Since 2014, she has been creating innovative beauty products that encourage simplicity, self-love and empower everyone to make sustainable choices for their daily rituals. At the end of the day, she believes that the ethics and purpose of a company all distill down to one thing: how did we leave the people and planet?Her personal mission is to change the world, one lipstick at a time.
Moderator: DAVID LAWES | BC Used Oil Management Association
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David is an experienced environmental professional. David is the CEO of the BC Used Oil Management Association, an environmental organization serving the automotive industry. David previously worked with the BC Ministry of Environment from 2005-2014, overseeing all of BC’s EPR programs. David has served as Chair of the Global Product Stewardship Council, Vice Chair of the Canadian Product Stewardship Council, Co-lead of CCME’s EPR Task Force and as a Director on the Recycling Council of BC Board. David’s volunteer Board experience includes the Vancouver Island Soccer League (Treasurer) and Vic West Soccer (President).
David’s education includes the Institute of Corporate Directors (Financial Management for Non-profit programs, Cyber-security for Executives) and Royal Roads University.
Marine Debris: Solutions for Today and the Future (Oct 28)
LISA HEDDERSON | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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Lisa Hedderson is the Regional Ghost Gear Program Coordinator at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Lisa is based in the unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and is responsible for Ghost Gear Fund* program delivery including policy development, grants and contribution agreements and regulatory permitting. Lisa has been with the public service for 6yrs and has over 10yrs’ experience working as a biologist in BC.
The Ghost Gear Fund is a federally funded program intended to support Canada’s commitment to preventing and mitigating the risk of ghost fishing and encouraging the development of sustainable fishing practices, particularly as it applies to abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) domestically and abroad. To date DFO’s Ghost Gear Fund has distributed a total of $16.7 million and supported 49 projects focused on retrieval of ALDFG, responsible disposal, piloting technology and international leadership.
LUCAS HARRIS | Surfrider Foundation Canada
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Before becoming Surfrider Foundation Canada’s first Executive Director, Lucas Harris volunteered with Surfrider Foundation for over 15 years, including serving as an Executive Committee member of the Vancouver Island Chapter for six years. As Chairperson with the Chapter, Lucas spearheaded several campaigns and programs focused on beach access and plastic pollution.
Lucas also served as a regulator with the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, where he led the introduction of several groundbreaking pollution reduction policies and programs. In 2020, Lucas developed and led the Clean Coast Clean Waters Initiative, the largest shoreline cleanup project in the history of the province.
Lucas currently lives in Victoria BC with his wife and two sons. When he is not working, Lucas enjoys surfing, cooking, bike touring and spending time with his family at the beach.
CHLOE DUBOIS | Ocean Legacy Foundation
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Chloé Dubois is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Ocean Legacy Foundation. Ms. Dubois has led the development and implementation of the largest industrially scaled ocean plastic processing hub and depot program for the Pacific Northwest. She has worked in the non-profit, community development and entrepreneurial field for the last 15 years, founding the EPIC program, an emergency response program designed to help end the plastic pollution crisis. Ms. Dubois has organized more than 40 extensive remote cleanup expeditions in Canada and internationally, targeting ecologically sensitive remote complex terrain, and has engaged hundreds of thousands of people in direct-action cleanup, education, and recycling initiatives. She has an honors undergraduate degree in Environment and Resource Management with a diploma in Strategic Environmental Assessment from the University of Waterloo, Canada and holds a masters degree in International Studies with interests in international economic development at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Canada.
Moderator: VERONICA BARTLETT | Morrison Hershfield
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Veronica Bartlett is an environmental and waste management consultant with over 15 years’ experience. With a postgraduate degree in ecotoxicology from Uppsala University, Sweden; Veronica started her career developing “waste management and minimization plans” for municipalities across New Zealand. New professional challenges and the beautiful coast mountains attracted Veronica to North Vancouver where she joined Morrison Hershfield’s growing team in 2012. Over the last ten years, Veronica has worked on many projects: from the development of solid waste management plans to communication and engagement strategy development. Away from work, Veronica is an active Council member of her strata complex and enjoys having fun in the outdoors – trail running, mountain biking, hiking, and skiing.
Epilogue: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (Oct 28)
AVERY GOTTFRIED | Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
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Avery Gottfried has been working in solid waste management since 2010 when he started working as a consultant and was asked to figure out why the waste sorting data wasn’t adding up to 100%. He is now the Senior Policy Specialist and Unit head for the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy’s Circular Economy team where he’s supporting the development of the circular economy strategy in partnership with the Climate Action Secretariat. His work includes the oversight of provincial waste management regulations and policies that support the pollution prevention hierarchy and a circular economy.
MEEGAN ARMSTRONG | Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
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Meegan has worked in the area of environmental protection since 1995 and been with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in British Columbia, Canada, since 2008. For over ten years she was Unit Head in the Extended Producer Responsibility Section in the Ministry. Meegan is proud to have had a role in the regulating and implementation of many of BC’s nationally recognized Extended Producer Responsibility Programs, including the expansion to the electronics product category in 2012, and North America’s first EPR program for packaging and printed products, in 2014. Recently she moved over the Clean Communities Section in the Environmental Standards Branch and is heading a team implementing several initiatives under CleanBC’s Plastics Action Plan. Meegan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Concordia University in Montreal, and a Diploma in Environmental Protection Technology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Vancouver, BC.
DAISY LILLEY | Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
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Daisy Lilley is the Unit Head for the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy’s Extended Producer Responsibility team, where she leads the development of EPR policy and plan reviews. Daisy has been working in climate change and environment protection policy since 2012. Her career has spanned 3 countries, 2 levels of government, and countless policy challenges, throughout which she is continually striving to implement progressive legislative approaches to address some of our most challenging environmental issues. Daisy’s experience in the field of waste and resource recovery includes reforming waste management under the State of Victoria’s 50-year-old Environment Protection Act, overhauling its governance and infrastructure planning framework, and leading development of its Circular Economy policy.
Moderator: SONAM BAJWA | Regional District of Nanaimo
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Sonam Bajwa is the Solid Waste Planner at the Regional District of Nanaimo. Sonam holds a B.A. major in Geography with a Specialty in Environmental Studies, complemented by a certificate in Spatial Information Systems. In her time at the RDN, she has been responsible for the consultation and implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan, the region-wide curbside collection program and departmental communication. Prior to the RDN, Sonam was Program Coordinator for province and nation-wide product stewardship programs. She got her start in the solid waste industry working for Tetra Tech, where she was a Solid Waste Auditor and Outreach Ambassador.