The Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in shaping the conference agenda to ensure it aligns with our strategic objectives. The board is responsible for curating a diverse roster of speakers and panelists, including key industry experts, government officials, Indigenous leaders, representatives from non-governmental organizations, and international delegates.
Tony has had a long and distinguished career in politics, law, and business spanning four decades. Tony served as a Member of Parliament from 2006 to 2019 and a member of the provincial legislature in Ontario from 1995 to 2003. At the federal level, Tony held senior portfolios in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Cabinet, including Minister of Health, Minister of Industry and President of the Treasury Board. Among the many mandates given to him by the Prime Minister, he was tasked with initiating the cost reductions and business transformations that allowed for balancing the federal budget, and he negotiated the deal with Chrysler, GM, auto sector unions, and the US Government, which helped save the domestic auto sector in 2013. He also helped to fashion the first National Pandemic Plan and helped to establish the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and the Mental Health Commission. As Industry Minister, he initiated Canada’s Digital Strategy and later Canada’s open data strategy as part of the worldwide Open Government Partnership. Before federal politics, Tony Clement served in the cabinets of Ontario Premiers Mike Harris and Ernie Eves, where he was Minister of Transportation, Minister of the Environment, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Since leaving elected office in 2019, Tony has engaged with several entrepreneurial projects, led IT startup companies, and served on various IT and healthcare boards while providing strategic advice to clients nationally and internationally. He also served as Pierre Polievre’s fundraising director during the 2022 leadership campaign and was subsequently appointed to the Conservative Party’s fundraising committee. Today, Tony works internationally, with strong connections in the USA, UK, Europe, South America, Asia, and India. He is a trained lawyer who enjoys analyzing and supporting clients with strategic advice from legal, geopolitical, and financial perspectives. Tony hosts the daily television program “Boom and Bust” on The News Forum, focusing on business, the economy, tech and national security. He also co-hosts his regular podcast, “And Another Thing Podcast,” and hosts a monthly radio program. Tony Clement lives in Muskoka, Ontario, with his wife Lynne, a lawyer and successful author. They have three adult children.
Adam joined Clean Prosperity from the Government of Alberta, where he helped establish Canada’s first ESG Secretariat as its Executive Director, ESG Coordination and Integration. Prior to this, Adam led the Government Relations team at the University of Alberta and held various roles with local economic development, consulting, and business organizations, and also led a local strategic advisory firm. Adam returned home to Alberta in 2013 following many years in Ottawa working on Parliament Hill, including in Canada’s Environment Minister’s Office in 2011-13. Prior to that, Adam spent time in Canada’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., and served nearly two years on the ground in Afghanistan deployed with the Canadian Government. A fervent believer in the power of people to create positive change in their communities, Adam is a former Canadian Army Reservist and very active national, provincial, and local volunteer, currently serving on the Concordia University of Edmonton’s Business Advisory Council, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and as a local minor soccer coach.
Ash Miller is the Senior Political and Economic Relations Officer for the Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta, GA. He has been in this position for eleven years and focuses, primarily, on congressional and state affairs; security & defence; and energy. Prior to his time at the Consulate, Ash worked for two U.S. Senators – Saxby Chambliss and Zell Miller, both from the state of Georgia. He worked as a regional representative, military academy coordinator and Director of Constituent Services, during his tenure with Senators Chambliss and Miller. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Valdosta State University and his Masters in International Relations from Georgia State University. Ash is an active marathoner and lives with his wife, Christie, and their son, Asher, in Acworth, GA.
Brenda Black is a District Manager at Graham Construction. She has been with the company
for over 20 years holding various roles such as Senior Manager of Operations, and Project
Manager. Brenda is based in Saskatoon SK and earned her Bachelor of Engineering in
Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.
A Senior Executive with 37 years of extensive experience in the energy business, including over 20 years in the nuclear industry at Ontario Hydro and Ontario Power Generation between 1981 and 2002. He worked as a Resident Project Engineer at Bruce and Darlington during the construction and commissioning phases, and subsequently advanced to a senior leadership role as the Vice President of Supply Chain where his responsibilities included all nuclear procurement, materials management and source surveillance activities. In 2002, Mr. Smith joined Siemens Canada rising to become the Senior Vice President of Siemens’ energy business in Canada, which included power generation and transmission, oil and gas and smart technologies across the energy sector. He was responsible for all sales and marketing, manufacturing, service delivery and project management and successfully built the business into a billion-dollar enterprise. During Mr. Smith’s tenure in both the private and public sector, he has developed deep experience and capability in major project execution, building team capability and managing external interfaces with clients, suppliers and regulators. Mr. Smith holds a B. Eng (with Distinction) from Carleton University and an MBA from the Schulich School at York University. He is a P. Eng registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) and with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
Bryan N. Detchou is the Senior Director of Natural Resources, Environment, and Sustainability at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada’s largest and most activated business network, representing 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and over 200,000 businesses across the country. Prior to joining the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Bryan was a Government Relations Consultant at Crestview Strategy, one of Canada’s leading public affairs agencies. During this time, Bryan worked with multinational corporations, non-profit organizations, and grassroots advocates, providing critical insight on parliamentary affairs, public policy, and government relations, informed by many years of work experience on Parliament Hill. He also has experience working on political campaigns at the provincial and federal levels of government. While working on the Hill, Bryan occupied various positions both at the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada, including stints in the Office of the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Office of a Senator from the Independent Senators Group (ISG), and the Office of the Usher of the Black Rod. While living in Europe, Bryan also acquired significant experience in international criminal law and human rights, working as a Legal Intern at the International Criminal Court (ICC). An internationally recognized young leader, Bryan was named a 'Global Shaper' by the World Economic Forum in 2021 in recognition of his exceptional potential for future leadership roles in society and was also named to The Peak's Emerging Leaders list for 2023, which highlights young leaders shaping Canada's economy, culture, and society. Bryan holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s in World Politics and International Relations from l’Università degli Studi di Pavia, graduating from both institutions with honours. Born in Quebec City, Quebec, and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Bryan is fully bilingual (French and English), and also speaks Italian. Bryan now serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Club of Ottawa.
Daniel Jurijew is currently Vice-President, Regulatory, Siting and Stakeholder Engagements (SMR) for Capital Power. Prior to his appointment to this role in April 2024, Daniel served as Vice-President, Government Relations, Regulatory & Environmental Policy for Capital Power since 2020, and prior to that was Vice-President, Government & External Relations. Daniel has over 23 years of experience in electricity markets. In his current role, Daniel is responsible for leading Capital Power’s regulatory and policy activities, stakeholder and Indigenous community engagement, and government relations initiatives relating to potential development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and nuclear power generation in Alberta. Daniel has participated on behalf of Capital Power in numerous processes undertaken by the Government of Alberta, AESO and other market agencies regarding a range of issues, including reviews relating to Alberta’s climate change policies and electricity market design, and has also led Capital Power’s advocacy and engagement in various policy initiatives undertaken by the Federal government on environment and carbon policy matters. Daniel also served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Independent Power Producers Society of Alberta (“IPPSA”) for a two-year term from 2018 – 2020, and as Vice-Chair from 2016 – 2018. Prior to Capital Power, Daniel was with EPCOR Utilities Inc. from 2001 - 2009, where he held roles relating to regulatory affairs as well as strategic initiatives. From October 1990 – July 2001, he was employed with the Alberta Department of Energy in various capacities including Economist, Senior Economist and, at the time of his departure, Director, Natural Gas. Daniel graduated from the University of Alberta in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), with a specialization in Economics.
Duane Bratt is a political science Professor in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. His research interests include Canadian nuclear policy, Canadian foreign policy, and Alberta politics. Recent publications include: co-editor of Blue Storm: The Rise and Fall of Jason Kenney (University of Calgary Press, 2023), co-editor, Orange Chinook: Politics in the New Alberta (University of Calgary Press, 2019), co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 3rd edition (Oxford University Press, 2015) and author of Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2012). Current projects include a book on the politics of covid in Alberta. Duane is also a regular commentator on political events.
Grace Meikle is the Director for Technology Impact at Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA). Through the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund, ERA reinvests carbon tax from heavy industrial emitters into emissions reduction and technology innovation projects from technology readiness levels 7-9. Grace has over 12 years’ experience in clean energy technology scale-up, business development and project management. Previously, Grace worked in the US and Canadian nuclear industries and in oil and gas field operations in Alberta. She has a B.Sc. in Physics and Mandarin from the University of Notre Dame.
Mr. Lonechild (White Bear First Nations- Treaty #4) is a well-known advocate in creating new economic opportunities and serves as President and CEO of First Nations Power Authority connecting both Indigenous and Industry leaders in renewable and alternative energy development. As a first of its kind organization, Mr. Lonechild heads the organization as our strategic leader and serves the FNPA Board and provides leadership direction to the FNPA Team. Guy served as Vice-Chief and Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (1999- 2008 and 2009-2011), where he oversaw the 25-year Economic Development Strategy highlighting important work in Alternative Energy, Oil and Gas, Agriculture, Tourism, Gaming, Housing and Community Infrastructure, Education, Health and Social Development. Before entering politics, Guy served in various capacities as band administrator and private consultant to First Nations in Business and Community Development. He holds a Masters of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership from Cape Breton University and Associates Degree in Golf Complex Operations Management. He and his wife Leah have one child, Darian Lonechild and enjoy quality time with friends and extended family.
As the Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations for western Canada at the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, Kai Horsfield represents the association in the western provinces. He has full responsibility for the development and implementation of government relations strategies to effectively communicate and advocate for the chemistry and plastics sector in the region. Prior to Joining CIAC, Kai spent over seven years leading and supporting government relations, public policy and regulatory initiatives with the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association. Kai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from the University of Alberta and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Calgary
Kevin Bosch is the Chair of the Advisory Board of the Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors (CASMR). The Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors (CASMR) is a organization dedicated to advocating and promoting SMRs as a transformative wave of nuclear energy innovation that meets Canada’s environmental, economic, and social objectives. The mission of CASMR is to accelerate the development and deployment of SMRs to fulfill Canada’s net-zero ambitions. Kevin is also a managing partner and co-founder of Sandstone Group. Kevin was named one of the Top 100 lobbyists in Canada in a ranking compiled by the Hill Times in 2021. He has a vision and a commitment to helping clients. After over four years as Vice President of Hill and Knowlton he co-founded Sandstone Group to continue delivering outstanding government relations support to clients. He is a seasoned government relations and communications professional who has helped clients achieve success across a wide range of industries including technology, health, finance, environment, infrastructure manufacturing, energy, defence, transportation, telecommunications and the charitable sector. Prior to his work as a consultant, over a period of nineteen years, Kevin held senior roles in successive Liberal governments and opposition leaders’ offices including for Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, Bill Graham, Stéphane Dion, Michael Ignatieff, Bob Rae and Justin Trudeau. From 2015- 2017, Kevin was deputy director of the Liberal Research Bureau. He has worked on countless political campaigns and was part of the rapid response and research teams in the national Liberal Party of Canada campaign headquarters for six consecutive elections from 2000-2015. Kevin previously worked in the offices of the federal Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Human Resources Development. Originally from Calgary, Kevin worked for the Alberta Liberal Caucus at the Alberta Legislature from 1993-1998 In 2019, Kevin was elected by his peers to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Government Relations Institute of Canada and currently serves as Chair of its Legislative Affairs Committee. He is bilingual in both official languages.
Naresh Raghubeer is a managing partner and co-founder of Sandstone Group. Naresh was ranked by the Hill Times as one of the top 100 lobbyists in Canada. He is passionate, driven and results-oriented. He has proven that effective public affairs and government relations depend on clear communications, building trust and working collaboratively with all stakeholders across government. After four successful years at Davie Shipbuilding (Quebec) and its sister company, Federal Fleet Services (Ottawa), holding executive roles as Vice President – Communications and Regulatory Affairs and then Vice President – Federal Government Relations, Naresh decided to establish Sandstone Group to continue to deliver exceptional government relations support to clients across the spectrum. During his time at Davie Shipbuilding, he was able to help the senior executive management team reset the company’s public image and relationship with the Government of Canada during extremely difficult times and then supported the efforts to win contracts and significantly increase its order book. Naresh is also an advocate for a strong national security and defence posture for Canada. This has been demonstrated during his work in the Senate of Canada, where he supported Senators on the National Security and Defence Committee, including its Chair, between 2012-2017. Prior to working in the Senate, Naresh was a consultant supporting clients in the public policy and energy sector. He has also worked at the provincial government level in Ontario between 1996-2003. In April 2021, he was appointed a Director to the Board of the Conference of Defence Association Institute, Canada’s premier national security and defence association.
Norm, as he is known by his friends and colleagues, built his extensive knowledge base on an early technical and regulatory foundation, leading to C-Suite Executive roles. Norm’s distinguished career in the energy field has included significant experience in both the commercial operation, and the regulation of, large Canadian nuclear generation facilities, as well as supporting a number of Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMNR) technology reviews, including industrial SMNR integration strategies for large energy corporations. Through ION Nuclear Consulting Limited, Norm provides Canadian and International clients with extensive knowledge and experience to support the design, development and successful implementation of various proven strategies and approaches to enhance performance, support supply chain business opportunities and assist Investors and Executive teams with critical decision making. Norm has previously served as President & Chief Executive Officer at ARC Clean Energy Canada Inc., a Small Modular Reactor technology vendor. Before these roles, Norm served in key Nuclear Industry Leadership roles such as the Executive Vice President & Chief Nuclear Officer at Bruce Power, which is the only privately owned nuclear operator in Canada, and at that time, was the largest nuclear generating site in the world. Additionally, Norm served in senior leadership roles at the Hydro Quebec Gentilly-2 nuclear generating station and at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Early in his career, Norm fulfilled several key roles at the New Brunswick Point Lepreau Generating Station, including holding a license to operate the nuclear facility. Internationally, Norm spent time assisting the World Association of Nuclear Operators.
A proud member of Treaty 6 and descending from the Plains Cree, Ruby Littlechild embodies a legacy of strength, wisdom, and spiritual connection. Her heritage and lineage traces back to Wandering Spirit, a revered spiritual warrior and Big Bear who was signatory to Treaty No. 6, agreed upon in 1876 in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Ruby's leadership is characterized by her commitment to forging mutually successful relationships between Indigenous communities and industry. Her approach emphasizes inclusive and innovative collaboration, authentic stakeholder engagement, and a profound understanding of historical and cultural awareness. These principles guide her successful efforts in Indigenous Community Building and Economic Development. Born as Plains Cree from Maskwacis, Alberta, Ruby's upbringing was a blend of urban life in Edmonton and the rich cultural environment of her First Nation's community. Her belief in traditional ceremony and her connection to her roots have shaped her worldview and career. A proud mother, grandmother, and life-long learner, Ruby holds a Bachelors of Arts, a Masters of Education Degree, and a Masters of Business Administration. Her extensive experience includes working with First Nation's Tribal governments, the Government of Alberta, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, NorQuest College, and her current role as the National Director of Indigenous Relations for ATKINSREALIS. Ruby's service extends to numerous government and national boards, reflecting her dedication to community and social development. Her current and past affiliations include the Alberta Child and Family Services Board, Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies Inc. and the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. At the heart of Ruby's work is a passion for promoting healing, higher education, First Nations awareness, inclusion, and equality within Canada's infrastructure industry and economy. She is a tireless advocate for Indigenous inclusion across all sectors, recognizing that shifts in social consciousness and ethical practice are vital to sustainable socio-economic development in First Nation's communities. Ruby's unique blend of grassroots experience, academic achievement, and professional leadership makes her an invaluable asset to any project. Her insights and advocacy are not only a testament to her personal journey but a beacon for those striving to create a more inclusive and compassionate society
Zaid Keldani is a Senior Manager, SMR Development within Ontario Power Generation’s New Nuclear Growth division. In his role, Zaid supports the development of OPG’s new nuclear opportunities and initiatives, including SMR projects, while leveraging OPG’s rich operational history and expertise in new nuclear builds. Zaid brings extensive experience in the nuclear industry with a focus on strategy definition, project development, and execution. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, and a Master of Science in Radiation Physics.
