For nearly a decade The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper led Canada through the world’s most complex geopolitical, economic and security challenges as the country’s 22nd Prime Minister. He created the modern Conservative Party of Canada, won three successive national elections, and was the longest serving Conservative Prime Minister since Canada’s founding Prime Minister in 1891. Since leaving office in 2016, Mr. Harper founded and is Chairman and CEO of Harper & Associates, a global consulting and strategic advisory business, and is Chairman and a founding partner of Vision One, a fundamental value-oriented investment fund based in Miami, Florida. He serves as Board Chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), Director of Colliers International Group Inc. and Alimentation CoucheTard Inc., and is President of the Advisory Committee of Awz Ventures, a technology focused Canadian-Israeli venture capital firm. Mr. Harper is also the author of “Right Here, Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption” and a frequent speaker on geopolitical trends, populism, and business. His latest book “Flags of Canada” was published in February 2025 in association with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society commemorating the 60th anniversary of Canada’s national flag. Mr. Harper serves as Chairman of the International Democracy Union and is a member of the Global Advisory Board of India’s Observer Research Foundation. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Calgary, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Tel Aviv University and received an honorary degree from the Jerusalem College of Technology. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, and is the recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence plus numerous international recognitions including the Order of Liberty, Ukraine’s highest civilian honour. Mr. Harper resides in Alberta, Canada with his wife Laureen; they have two adult children, Benjamin and Rachel.
Honourable Jeremy Harrison Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission Minister Responsible for Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan, SGI, SaskEnergy, SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskWater Mr. Harrison grew up in the Meadow Lake area. He completed an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Canadian History from the University of Alberta, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and a Juris Doctor (Law) Degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He was elected to Parliament in 2004, and at the age of 26 became one of the youngest Canadians ever to sit in the House of Commons. He was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 2007. He has previously served as the Minister of Trade and Export Development, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Minister of Enterprise Saskatchewan, Minister of the Economy, Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, Minister responsible for the Global Transportation Hub, and government House Leader. He also served as chair of the cabinet committee on Government Operations, and as a member of the House Services Committee. Mr. Harrison and his wife Alaina have one son, MacGregor, and one daughter, Finnley.
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.
With over four decades of experience in the nuclear energy industry, Rumina is a senior leader
and strategic advisor to investors, project proponents, and technology developers worldwide, as
well as governments, international organizations, and regulatory agencies.
Rumina is sought after by organizations around the world for her strategic and operating advice
on matters ranging from safety, compliance, and regulatory issues, leadership, to investment
due diligence, strategic transactions, and innovative nuclear projects, including small modular
reactor projects.
Over the course of her career Rumina, worked in various capacities as a senior executive at
Ontario Hydro and Ontario Power Generation. She most recently served as President and CEO
of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, a role she held for five years after previously
serving as a Commission member for seven years. Rumina is currently on the Board of
Directors of SaskPower and Hydro Ottawa. She is also a cofounder and principal of a startup
nuclear energy company, ZettaJoule,in Japan and Strategic Advisor at Torys LLP.
Rumina also holds numerous positions with international nuclear organizations, including:
- Member, International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group to the Director General of the
International Atomic Energy Agency;
- Chair, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency High Level Group on Stakeholder Engagement
and Trust; and
- International Expert Advisor to Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority.
- Recognition and Awards
- In November 2023, Rumina was presented the “Icon of Nuclear” award by the
International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation in recognition for her global
leadership as a nuclear regulator, the vision she has demonstrated as an agent of
change and the mentoring she has provided to people around the world, especially
women in the nuclear sector.
- Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Nuclear Energy Policy initiative, May
2024
- Distinguished Fellow at Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Dustin Davidson currently serves as the Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy (C&E), where he leads initiatives to drive sustainable energy solutions and manage natural resources effectively across the state. Appointed in 2025 by Governor Jeff Landry, Secretary Davidson is the youngest person to ever serve in this role. In this position, Secretary Davidson leads the state in advancing Louisiana’s energy strategy, promoting environmental stewardship, and overseeing the regulatory frameworks that ensure resource efficiency, safety and resilience. Before joining the department, Dustin advocated for an advanced inland waterways and ports system at the Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI). His career in public service includes his work as a professional staff member on the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, addressing critical energy and environmental issues. Secretary Davidson also served as a legislative assistant to Congressman Garret Graves, contributing to significant legislation in energy revenue-sharing, conservation, and ecosystem protection. During his tenure with C&E, Secretary Davidson has also helped author, write and lead legislative efforts to deliver and coordinate statewide business solutions to meet the needs of the workforce, the state economy, and regions of Louisiana.
Aida Cipolla is OPG’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Aida and her team are responsible for providing OPG with strategic leadership and strategy for Finance, Human Resource, Information Technology including the Digital Strategy, Real Estate, and Corporate Business Development. Aida joined OPG in March 2022 as Chief Financial Officer and SVP Finance from Toronto Hydro, where she had worked since 2008 as Executive Vice President and CFO. Prior to joining Toronto Hydro, Aida worked for KPMG LLP in Toronto and Dublin, Ireland, leading audit and advisory engagements. Aida is a fellow chartered professional accountant (FCPA, FCA), has received the Institute of Corporate Directors’ designation (ICD.D) and holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce diploma with a minor in economics from McMaster University, Michael G. Degroote School of Business. She was recognized as a 2026 Best Executive from the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business, as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2020 and as an Honouree in Canada's Top 40 Under 40 in 2019. Aida sits on the Board of Directors of Women’s College Hospital as Vice Chair and is the Chair of the Quality, Academic, & Equity Committee of the Board. She is also a Board of Director of Laurentis Energy Partners.
Alena Thouin is a seasoned public and private sector executive with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in financial services, strategy, operations, and public finance. She brings a strong track record of building high-performing teams, leading complex initiatives, and driving organizational transformation. Prior to joining Building Ontario Fund, Alena served as Chief Operating Officer at the Ontario Financing Authority (OFA), where she provided executive oversight for corporate affairs, strategic project financing, indigenous financing, information technology, and risk management of the provincial borrowing program. As Executive Lead of Building Ontario Fund Secretariat at the OFA, she also played a foundational role in shaping the vision and operational framework of BOF. Alena is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and holds an LL.B. from the University of Windsor. She has also completed executive education at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Wharton Business School Executive Education, and the Rotman School of Management’s Director Education Program. A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and mentorship, Alena actively supports initiatives focused on housing, social services, healthcare, and gender equality. Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of diverse perspectives to drive better outcomes.
Heather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. She serves as a Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada, and Managing Editor of the Arctic Yearbook. She is an internationally recognized scholar and policy expert whose work focuses on natural resource development, energy security, critical minerals, Arctic governance, Indigenous economic participation, and Canadian competitiveness. Dr. Exner-Pirot has held board and fellowship appointments with Indigenous, Canadian and international institutions and is a frequent contributor to public policy discussions on resource development, trade, energy, and northern affairs. Her research emphasizes practical approaches to strengthening Canada's economic prosperity, resilience, and strategic position through responsible development of its natural resources.
Jake Kincer develops and manages ClearPath’s nuclear policy portfolio to advance the U.S. role as a global nuclear energy leader. In this capacity, he leads the development of ClearPath’s work on nuclear in export policy, development finance and energy markets. He also works on federal policy to support emerging fusion technology.
Joanne Jacyk is the Director, Site Selection ILW at the NWMO, bringing more than 25 years of experience in environmental monitoring, impact assessment, and participatory design and decision-making. Since joining the NWMO in 2009, she has progressed through roles including Senior Environmental Scientist, Manager – Environment Program, and Siting Director – Ignace, building on earlier consulting work across the mining, waste management, and nuclear sectors. She helped lead the NWMO’s northwest engagement team through the final years of the site selection process, culminating in a national siting decision. Joanne holds a degree in Biosystems Engineering and a Masters in Environmental Science and is both a Professional Engineer and Certified Professional Facilitator. The granddaughter of Polish and Ukrainian immigrants, she continues her Reconciliation journey by learning more about historic and modern treaties while reconnecting with her own cultural traditions. She also enjoys coaching her kids’ sports and contributing to her community—while staying a loyal prairie raised Jets fan.
Jun Tang is the vice president of Marketing & Sales for BWXT’s Commercial Operations, which serves the global commercial nuclear power industry with engineering, critical components, services and fuel, and it serves the nuclear medicine industry with medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. Mr. Tang’s 30-year career with BWXT includes 18 years leading marketing and sales for Commercial Operations’ nuclear equipment and service business. He first joined BWXT in Canada as a design engineer and has held progressively responsible positions, including project manager and manager of Marketing and Sales. As the vice president of Marketing & Sales, Mr. Tang leads the company’s product and service sales activities in both Canadian and international markets. He served on the board of directors of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries from 2008 to 2018, where he helped strengthen the nuclear supply chain and promote a robust nuclear energy sector in Canada. Mr. Tang holds a Bachelor Degree of Engineering from Tongji University, a Master Degree of Engineering from McGill University and a Master of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. He also completed the Ivey Executive Development Program at Western University.
Lori was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2022. Prior to this, she held various roles of increasing responsibility with NB Power including Senior Vice President - Operations, Vice President - Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, Executive Director - Human Resources, and Managing Director – Finance. Lori leads a team of energy professionals who provide electricity services to nearly 400,000 customers in New Brunswick. This team is focused on the energy transition and ensuring clean, reliable and affordable energy to all New Brunswickers. Lori’s career path at NB Power is a testament to her strong leadership abilities, her utility knowledge, her strength of character, and her tenacity. She prides herself in being open, honest, transparent, and authentic. As a leader she has high standards, drives accountability and is seen as firm but fair. Lori holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. She has also studied Nuclear Reactor Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Governance at the Rotman School of Management, and Leadership at the Wharton School of Business. She is the first female to hold the position of President and CEO in NB Power’s 100+ year history. In addition, she is the first female to be named CEO of a utility with a nuclear plant in its fleet in Canada. In her spare time Lori enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time with her family and her yellow lab, Murphy.
With more than 40 years in the nuclear industry, Milt Caplan specializes in advising governments and utilities on how to increase confidence and reduce risk for large energy projects with a focus on managing projects for success. He is currently providing independent oversight of the Darlington Refurbishment Program, the Darlington New Nuclear Project (BWRX-300 SMR) and the Pickering Refurbishment Project to the Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines and is the technical advisor to the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) on the Bruce refurbishment program. He has recently completed studies related to developing the skilled nuclear workforce of the future as well as feasibility studies for both SMRs and Large nuclear. Milt is the co-chair of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) Economics and Law Working Group and lectures on nuclear economics and nuclear plant structuring and financing for the World Nuclear University (WNU).
Norm, as he is known by his friends and colleagues, built his extensive knowledge base on an early technical
and regulatory foundation, leading to key C-Suite Nuclear Industry Executive roles. Norm’s distinguished
career in the energy field has included extensive experience in both the commercial operation, and the
regulation of, large Canadian nuclear generation facilities. His significant knowledge and extensive experience
have been recognized by the Government of Canada with his ‘Governor General in Council’ appointment as a
member to the National Research Council, regarded as Canada’s premier science and engineering institution.
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.
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 several
Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMNR) technology and deployment approaches and reviews, including
industrial SMNR integration strategies for large energy corporations.
Currently, 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 business opportunities and assist
Investors, Banks and Executive Teams with critical decision making.
Robert (“RJ”) Johnston is the Director of Energy and Natural Resources at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy. His work focuses on the intersection of energy, natural resources, geopolitics, policy, and markets. He is also a Professor (Teaching) at the Haskayne Business School at the University of Calgary. Previously, he was Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. RJ was previously the founder and Managing Director of the Eurasia Group’s Energy, Climate, and Resources practice, and served as the firm’s CEO from 2013 to 2018. RJ is an independent advisor to the First Nations Climate Initiative and serves as an advisor on North American energy policy to a New York-based diversified investment management firm. Recent notable achievements include serving as a counselor for the Canada-US Trade Council and co-chairing the Open Minds Next Generation initiative on the dual energy/climate policy challenge. He also served as Project Director for the Aspen Institute Task Force on US Critical Minerals Policy. RJ is a member of the Trilateral Commission and. He was a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center from 2017 to 2021. RJ holds a doctorate in international relations from American University, a master’s degree in political science from McMaster University, and a bachelor’s degree in political studies from Bishop’s University.
Robert Nicholson is a Managing Director and Canadian Head of the Power, Utilities and Infrastructure Group at RBC Capital Markets. He is responsible for providing solutions for Corporate clients’ capital raising needs. This can include both public and private equity, investment and non-investment grade debt and either in the public or private markets. He also provides strategic advice to his utility, power generation and clean technology clients having advised on over $30 billion of company sales and acquisitions. Rob has been based in both the US and Canada in his 30 year banking career with the last 20 years at RBC in Canada. Robert holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley and B.A.Sc. (Civil Engineering) from the University of Waterloo
Tracy has been breaking glass ceilings and blazing new trails in the nuclear industry for thirty-five years. As a corporate director she brings this experience with her as a current member of the boards of Ontario Power Generation, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, University of Waterloo, the United College Board of Governors, and the Ingenium Board of Trustees. She is also the Founder and Principal of Agile Bear where she consults extensively with uranium mining companies. She is a proud Anishnabekwe from the Nipissing First Nation and strives to use the Seven Grandfather Teachings in her leadership.
