À propos de QUEST Canada
QUEST Canada is a national non-profit that supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net-zero. Since 2007, we’ve been facilitating connections, empowering community champions and influencing decision-makers to implement efficient and integrated energy systems that best meet community needs and maximize local opportunities. We develop tools and resources, convene stakeholders and rights holders and advise decision-makers — all with the goal of encouraging and enabling communities to contribute to Canada’s net-zero goals.
Vision
Le Canada est un pays de communautés énergétiques intelligentes.
Mission
Accélérer l'adoption de systèmes énergétiques efficaces et intégrés à l'échelle communautaire au Canada en informant, en inspirant et en connectant les décideurs
Les caractéristiques de QUEST
Objectif: Nous sommes indépendants, non-partisans, et défendons l’intérêt public.
Credible: Nous produisons et partageons recherche et information.
Collaboratif: Respectful and inclusive of the QUEST Canada network.
Innovant: Nous sommes engagés dans un processus d’amélioration continue et nous accueillons nouvelles technologies et nouvelles approches.
2022 Impact Report
Look at what we achieved together in 2022!
As a non-profit, we could not do this important work without the support of you — our network! If you are not already a part of the network cliquez ici to join.
THÉORIE DU CHANGEMENT
We are proud to present our first theory of change.
We undertook this rigorous planning and evaluation process to hold ourselves accountable to the change our organization can make in Canada — and to identify HOW we’re going to do that.
EQUAL BY 30
OUR COMMITMENT
Equal by 30 is a public commitment by both public and private sector organizations to work towards equal pay, equal leadership and equal opportunities for women in the clean energy sector by 2030. QUEST Canada’s commitments to being Equal by 30 are outlined in the following three goals:
Our Challenge to the Sector
GOAL – Equal Pay
Establish and internally identify, pay scales for all staff positions and levels.
QUEST Canada has established pay scales for all staff positions and levels and publishes salary ranges on all job postings.
GOAL – Equal Leadership
50% of leadership roles held by women.
QUEST Canada is not only led by a woman, but the Senior Management team is made up of 80% women as of April 2020.
GOAL – Equal Opportunities
Creation of policies to support flexible work hours, telecommuting, and working part-time.
QUEST Canada has adopted a cloud-based coordination and management approach that operates across Canada. We also encourage and support a flexible work environment.
Rencontrer l'équipe


Karen Ashton
Finance Director

Cristian Hurtado
Manager, Business Development
Based in Mississauga, Ontario
“The true mind can weather all the lies and illusions without being lost. The true heart can touch the poison of hatred without being harmed. Since beginningless time, darkness thrives in the void, but always yields to purifying light.” – Lion Turtle
Bio
Karen joined QUEST Canada in May 2023 as the Finance Director, supporting the organization in achieving its mission to help communities in Canada establish coordinated local action on energy and emissions. She’s responsible for ensuring the organization has strong financial systems, and sound reporting from which to make impactful strategic decisions. The role collaborates with and supports internal departments, including the Projects team and the Audit & Finance Committee. Karen also connects with external parties including Funders, Supporters, Partners, and the Board of Directors.
Karen is originally from Montréal, Quebec, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (B. Comm.) from Concordia University and a Graduate Degree in Public Accounting (GDPA) from McGill University. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) with over 20 years experience in strategic and operations finance. Her experience in the non-profit sector and member-focused entities aligns perfectly with QUEST Canada’s vision to create a sustainable, net-zero future.
Bio
Omar has a B.Sc. in Petroleum and Energy Engineering and continued on to a Master’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Management (MSEM) at the University of Saskatchewan. Omar had the chance to work with Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan to help them with implementing renewable and energy efficiency projects. He believes that the way to a sustainable future is found by optimizing energy usage and utilizing energy resources to their best use. Omar hopes to make a positive impact by supporting communities across Canada on their quest to an energy secure future.
Bio
More than anything, Cristian wants to personally contribute to a global economic shift away from mass consumption towards a more equitable, environmentally benign, and harmonious future. Having worked in the climate action space since 2016, his experience spans for- and non-profit organizations focused on green buildings and infrastructure, green energy, and climate action.
Cristian’s foray into the world of sustainability began with installing solar systems across Ontario. After a year of this, he entered the Master of Environmental Studies program at York University, where he studied sustainable energy systems and policies, sustainability accounting and business approaches, and environmental/climate policies and frameworks. His education at York was rounded out by a Diploma in Business & Environment from Schulich School of Business and a semester at Aalborg University in Denmark studying Sustainable Energy Planning and Management.
During his graduate studies, Cristian worked at several climate-focused organizations, including Sierra Club Canada Foundation, Green Infrastructure Foundation, Rethink Sustainability Initiatives, and Canada’s Clean50 Organization. Upon graduating, Cristian interned at QUEST Canada before joining Mantle Developments where he developed and implemented climate resilience strategies, managed net-zero construction initiatives, and led sustainability reporting for some of the largest developers, REITs, and charities in Canada. After Mantle, Cristian worked at Alectra Utilities, where he led stakeholder engagement initiatives and designed programs tackling the challenge of low-carbon mobility.
Now back at QUEST Canada, Cristian is leading business development efforts to enable the organization to deliver greater positive impact to Canadian communities.

Karen Ashton
Finance Director
Bio
Karen joined QUEST Canada in May 2023 as the Finance Director, supporting the organization in achieving its mission to help communities in Canada establish coordinated local action on energy and emissions. She’s responsible for ensuring the organization has strong financial systems, and sound reporting from which to make impactful strategic decisions. The role collaborates with and supports internal departments, including the Projects team and the Audit & Finance Committee. Karen also connects with external parties including Funders, Supporters, Partners, and the Board of Directors.
Karen is originally from Montréal, Quebec, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (B. Comm.) from Concordia University and a Graduate Degree in Public Accounting (GDPA) from McGill University. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) with over 20 years experience in strategic and operations finance. Her experience in the non-profit sector and member-focused entities aligns perfectly with QUEST Canada’s vision to create a sustainable, net-zero future.

Omar Farag
Senior Lead, Projects
Bio
Omar has a B.Sc. in Petroleum and Energy Engineering and continued on to a Master’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Management (MSEM) at the University of Saskatchewan. Omar had the chance to work with Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan to help them with implementing renewable and energy efficiency projects. He believes that the way to a sustainable future is found by optimizing energy usage and utilizing energy resources to their best use. Omar hopes to make a positive impact by supporting communities across Canada on their quest to an energy secure future.

Cristian Hurtado
Manager, Business Development
Based in Mississauga, Ontario
“The true mind can weather all the lies and illusions without being lost. The true heart can touch the poison of hatred without being harmed. Since beginningless time, darkness thrives in the void, but always yields to purifying light.” – Lion Turtle
Bio
More than anything, Cristian wants to personally contribute to a global economic shift away from mass consumption towards a more equitable, environmentally benign, and harmonious future. Having worked in the climate action space since 2016, his experience spans for- and non-profit organizations focused on green buildings and infrastructure, green energy, and climate action.
Cristian’s foray into the world of sustainability began with installing solar systems across Ontario. After a year of this, he entered the Master of Environmental Studies program at York University, where he studied sustainable energy systems and policies, sustainability accounting and business approaches, and environmental/climate policies and frameworks. His education at York was rounded out by a Diploma in Business & Environment from Schulich School of Business and a semester at Aalborg University in Denmark studying Sustainable Energy Planning and Management.
During his graduate studies, Cristian worked at several climate-focused organizations, including Sierra Club Canada Foundation, Green Infrastructure Foundation, Rethink Sustainability Initiatives, and Canada’s Clean50 Organization. Upon graduating, Cristian interned at QUEST Canada before joining Mantle Developments where he developed and implemented climate resilience strategies, managed net-zero construction initiatives, and led sustainability reporting for some of the largest developers, REITs, and charities in Canada. After Mantle, Cristian worked at Alectra Utilities, where he led stakeholder engagement initiatives and designed programs tackling the challenge of low-carbon mobility.
Now back at QUEST Canada, Cristian is leading business development efforts to enable the organization to deliver greater positive impact to Canadian communities.

Tonja Leach
Directeur exécutif
Basé à Ottawa, Ontario
“Ne manquez pas quelque chose qui pourrait être génial, car il pourrait également être difficile” ~ inconnu

Seth Leon
Manager, Programs and Projects

Eddie Oldfield
Senior Lead, Projects
Bio
Tonja Leach became Executive Director of QUEST on July 20, 2018, having been with QUEST since its inception in 2007 in a number of roles of increasing responsibility. She has been instrumental in establishing QUEST’s extensive national network and ensuring that QUEST is known as the Canadian organization that accelerates the adoption of efficient and integrated community-scale energy systems in Canada by informing, inspiring, and connecting decision-makers.
Ayant passé les 15 dernières années dans le secteur de l’énergie en aval, Tonja est hautement considéré comme un penseur stratégique et un homme de métier passionné par la recherche de solutions aux problèmes énergétiques complexes au niveau local. Dernièrement, en tant que directeur exécutif par intérim et auparavant directeur général, Opérations et services, Tonja a joué un rôle de premier plan dans les opérations de l’organisation en développant et en mettant en place l’infrastructure, les systèmes et les ressources humaines nécessaires au développement et à la croissance de QUEST. soutenir le marché des communautés énergétiques intelligentes.
Avant de rejoindre QUEST, Tonja travaillait pour l’Association canadienne du gaz dans le secteur des communications depuis 2003. Au cours de cette période, Tonja a servi de secrétariat à une coalition de 19 associations du secteur de l’énergie dénommée Energy Dialogue Group, qui se sont réunies pour encourager la création d’un cadre pour le Canada.
Bio
Seth Leon is the Manager of Programs and Projects at QUEST Canada, focusing on the Net-Zero Communities Accelerator. He brings over a decade of experience planning and initiating local economic development projects across Alberta, with expertise in renewable energy, local financing, and business succession. Since 2017 he has worked to advance community energy development by leading workshops and project incubators that have connected municipalities, industry, Indigenous communities, and co-operatives to advance local energy goals. Seth has been active in the not-for-profit and grassroots sector in Calgary, as the former Board Chair of the CommunityWise Resource Centre. He holds a Masters of Development Economics from Dalhousie University (2008).
Bio
Since 1998, Eddie Oldfield coordinated initiatives focused on local sustainability, GHG emissions reduction, clean energy and efficiency, transportation/fleets, climate adaptation and resilience planning. Eddie Chairs the QUEST NB-PEI Caucus, working to advance Smart Energy Communities, and is Senior Lead, Projects and Advisory Services, QUEST. In this role, he helps deliver regional and national projects and supports FCM Partners for Climate Protection members in Atlantic Canada. Eddie also co-chairs the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)’s Energy and Utilities working group and is a Charter member of the OGC Smart Cities working group. He led development of innovative web-based map services & distributed spatial data infrastructure, to support decision making including for a cross-border pandemic exercise in 2007. He is a board member of the Canadian Risk and Hazards Network, and participated in the Resilient Communities Working Group of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Eddie holds a BA (2008), with Interdisciplinary Honours (Sociology, Political Science, Environment, Science & Technology) from St. Thomas University, and owns and operates Spatial Quest based in Fredericton NB.

Tonja Leach
Directeur exécutif
Basé à Ottawa, Ontario
“Ne manquez pas quelque chose qui pourrait être génial, car il pourrait également être difficile” ~ inconnu
Bio
Tonja Leach est devenue directrice exécutive de QUEST le 18 octobre 2019, après avoir été au service de QUEST depuis sa création en 2007 dans un certain nombre de rôles aux responsabilités croissantes. Elle a contribué à établir le vaste réseau national de QUEST et à faire en sorte que QUEST soit reconnue comme l'organisation canadienne qui accélère l'adoption de systèmes énergétiques efficaces et intégrés à l'échelle communautaire au Canada en informant, en inspirant et en connectant les décideurs.
Ayant passé les 15 dernières années dans le secteur de l’énergie en aval, Tonja est hautement considéré comme un penseur stratégique et un homme de métier passionné par la recherche de solutions aux problèmes énergétiques complexes au niveau local. Dernièrement, en tant que directeur exécutif par intérim et auparavant directeur général, Opérations et services, Tonja a joué un rôle de premier plan dans les opérations de l’organisation en développant et en mettant en place l’infrastructure, les systèmes et les ressources humaines nécessaires au développement et à la croissance de QUEST. soutenir le marché des communautés énergétiques intelligentes.
Avant de rejoindre QUEST, Tonja travaillait pour l’Association canadienne du gaz dans le secteur des communications depuis 2003. Au cours de cette période, Tonja a servi de secrétariat à une coalition de 19 associations du secteur de l’énergie dénommée Energy Dialogue Group, qui se sont réunies pour encourager la création d’un cadre pour le Canada.

Seth Leon
Manager, Programs & Projects
Bio
Seth Leon is the Manager of Programs and Projects at QUEST Canada, focusing on the Net-Zero Communities Accelerator. He brings over a decade of experience planning and initiating local economic development projects across Alberta, with expertise in renewable energy, local financing, and business succession. Since 2017 he has worked to advance community energy development by leading workshops and project incubators that have connected municipalities, industry, Indigenous communities, and co-operatives to advance local energy goals. Seth has been active in the not-for-profit and grassroots sector in Calgary, as the former Board Chair of the CommunityWise Resource Centre. He holds a Masters of Development Economics from Dalhousie University (2008).

Eddie Oldfield
Senior Lead, Projects
Bio
Since 1998, Eddie Oldfield coordinated initiatives focused on local sustainability, GHG emissions reduction, clean energy and efficiency, transportation/fleets, climate adaptation and resilience planning. Eddie Chairs the QUEST NB-PEI Caucus, working to advance Smart Energy Communities, and is Senior Lead, Projects and Advisory Services, QUEST. In this role, he helps deliver regional and national projects and supports FCM Partners for Climate Protection members in Atlantic Canada. Eddie also co-chairs the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)’s Energy and Utilities working group and is a Charter member of the OGC Smart Cities working group. He led development of innovative web-based map services & distributed spatial data infrastructure, to support decision making including for a cross-border pandemic exercise in 2007. He is a board member of the Canadian Risk and Hazards Network, and participated in the Resilient Communities Working Group of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Eddie holds a BA (2008), with Interdisciplinary Honours (Sociology, Political Science, Environment, Science & Technology) from St. Thomas University, and owns and operates Spatial Quest based in Fredericton NB.

Norma Panetta
Lead, Engagement and Business Development

Gemma Pinchin
Senior Lead, Research and Projects

HELDAGARDIS (HELDA) RENYAAN, M.ENV.SC., B.ENG.
Lead, Projects
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” ~ Edmund Burke
Bio
All her life, Norma knew she was destined for great things and in 2015 her dream came into fruition. Since then she has been a strong advocate for sustainable, efficient and affordable renewable energy that will transform Canada and its communities into global leaders in the energy transition movement. As the Lead, Engagement and Business Development at QUEST Canada, her role includes building and forming relationships with Supporters, Sponsors, Partners and Funders; providing them with the necessary tools to reach their energy goals within their community, as well as opportunities to engage and connect with the QUEST Canada network.
Prior to joining QUEST Canada, Norma worked at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association as the Membership and Business Development Specialist as well as being the Member Program Specialist at the Canadian Wind Energy Association. Her previous experience also includes marketing, graphic design and communications for various companies in Toronto. Norma holds a diploma in graphic design from St. Lawrence College as well as certificates in web design, JavaScript and CSS.
Bio
Since she was a child, Gemma has cared about helping people and the planet, which translated into a professional passion for community mobilization and addressing the climate crisis. These passions drove Gemma to join QUEST Canada in May 2023 as the Senior Lead of Research and Projects. She’s responsible for leading the Motivating Net Zero Action in Rural and Remote Communities research project.
Gemma has enjoyed a career in a variety of fields focusing on research and policy analysis. She completed a Master’s degree in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa and an undergraduate degree in History from Glendon College, York University. Most recently she had the pleasure of working with Indigenous communities across Ontario building energy capacity and resilience.
Bio
Helda is an environmental enthusiast, holding a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering from Indonesia, Master of Science from Taiwan and Master of Environmental Science at the University of Toronto. Helda has extensive experience in diverse fields including environmental assessments in the mining industry and compliance audits in the geothermal industry in Indonesia. In addition, Helda is also an expert in sustainability and conducted research where she was successfully able to accomplish Phosphorus to evaporate into a vapour through the development of an enhanced energy-efficient method of extracting Phosphorus from Steel Slags during her Masters in Taiwan.

Norma Panetta
Lead, Engagement and Business Development
Bio
All her life, Norma knew she was destined for great things and in 2015 her dream came into fruition. Since then she has been a strong advocate for sustainable, efficient and affordable renewable energy that will transform Canada and its communities into global leaders in the energy transition movement. As the Lead, Engagement and Business Development at QUEST Canada, her role includes building and forming relationships with Supporters, Sponsors, Partners and Funders; providing them with the necessary tools to reach their energy goals within their community, as well as opportunities to engage and connect with the QUEST Canada network.
Prior to joining QUEST Canada, Norma worked at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association as the Membership and Business Development Specialist as well as being the Member Program Specialist at the Canadian Wind Energy Association. Her previous experience also includes marketing, graphic design and communications for various companies in Toronto. Norma holds a diploma in graphic design from St. Lawrence College as well as certificates in web design, JavaScript and CSS.

Gemma Pinchin
Senior Lead, Research and Projects
Bio
Since she was a child, Gemma has cared about helping people and the planet, which translated into a professional passion for community mobilization and addressing the climate crisis. These passions drove Gemma to join QUEST Canada in May 2023 as the Senior Lead of Research and Projects. She’s responsible for leading the Motivating Net Zero Action in Rural and Remote Communities research project.
Gemma has enjoyed a career in a variety of fields focusing on research and policy analysis. She completed a Master’s degree in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa and an undergraduate degree in History from Glendon College, York University. Most recently she had the pleasure of working with Indigenous communities across Ontario building energy capacity and resilience.

HELDAGARDIS (HELDA) RENYAAN, M.ENV.SC., B.ENG.
Lead, Projects
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” ~ Edmund Burke
Bio
Helda is an environmental enthusiast, holding a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering from Indonesia, Master of Science from Taiwan and Master of Environmental Science at the University of Toronto. Helda has extensive experience in diverse fields including environmental assessments in the mining industry and compliance audits in the geothermal industry in Indonesia. In addition, Helda is also an expert in sustainability and conducted research where she was successfully able to accomplish Phosphorus to evaporate into a vapour through the development of an enhanced energy-efficient method of extracting Phosphorus from Steel Slags during her Masters in Taiwan.

MELISSA SCHWEYER - MA
Chef principal, Communications

ERICKA WICKS - MBA, CEM, EP
Managing Director
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Bio
Melissa is a writer, communicator, and change-maker with eleven years of progressive work experience in the not-for-profit sector. Coupled with years of related volunteer experience, she’s had the fortunate privilege of funding, planning and advancing several projects and programs relating to international development, emergency response, migration, youth empowerment, local health care, affordable housing, and most recently, sustainability.
As the Senior Lead of Communications, Melissa oversees the development, management, and delivery of QUEST Canada’s communications and marketing strategy. Her expertise includes communications, marketing, stakeholder relations, community engagement, and sustainability.
Melissa holds a bachelor of arts degree in English and Women’s Studies from McMaster University and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
Bio
Ericka became Managing Director of QUEST in 2020 and prior to that was QUEST’s Director of Projects & Advisory Services. Ericka was successful in growing Projects & Advisory Services department revenues by 138% over 2 years while diversifying revenue sources, leading numerous organizational effectiveness initiatives, and creating and implementing a variety of tools and supports to ensure QUEST can achieve its vision of Canada as a nation of Smart Energy Communities. As Managing Director, Ericka oversees the alignment and strategic growth of all of QUEST’s operational areas to support the acceleration of Smart Energy Communities in Canada, and is responsible for financial, human resource, and performance management of the organization.
Prior to joining QUEST, Ericka held roles at various non-profits including Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Colchester Regional Development Association, and has also held roles in local and provincial governments. Ericka has extensive experience working with governments at all levels, and the private and non-profit sectors. Her areas of expertise include demand-side management, program and project management and delivery, non-profit organization management, and economic development. Ericka is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) with the Association of Energy Engineers, and a Certified Environmental Professional (EP) with ECO Canada. Ericka holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Environmental Science from Dalhousie University

MELISSA SCHWEYER - MA
Chef principal, Communications
Bio
Melissa is a writer, communicator, and change-maker with eleven years of progressive work experience in the not-for-profit sector. Coupled with years of related volunteer experience, she’s had the fortunate privilege of funding, planning and advancing several projects and programs relating to international development, emergency response, migration, youth empowerment, local health care, affordable housing, and most recently, sustainability.
As the Senior Lead of Communications, Melissa oversees the development, management, and delivery of QUEST Canada’s communications and marketing strategy. Her expertise includes communications, marketing, stakeholder relations, community engagement, and sustainability.
Melissa holds a bachelor of arts degree in English and Women’s Studies from McMaster University and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto.

ERICKA WICKS - MBA, CEM, EP
Managing Director
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Bio
Ericka became Managing Director of QUEST in 2020 and prior to that was QUEST’s Director of Projects & Advisory Services. Ericka was successful in growing Projects & Advisory Services department revenues by 138% over 2 years while diversifying revenue sources, leading numerous organizational effectiveness initiatives, and creating and implementing a variety of tools and supports to ensure QUEST can achieve its vision of Canada as a nation of Smart Energy Communities. As Managing Director, Ericka oversees the alignment and strategic growth of all of QUEST’s operational areas to support the acceleration of Smart Energy Communities in Canada, and is responsible for financial, human resource, and performance management of the organization.
Prior to joining QUEST, Ericka held roles at various non-profits including Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Colchester Regional Development Association, and has also held roles in local and provincial governments. Ericka has extensive experience working with governments at all levels, and the private and non-profit sectors. Her areas of expertise include demand-side management, program and project management and delivery, non-profit organization management, and economic development. Ericka is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) with the Association of Energy Engineers, and a Certified Environmental Professional (EP) with ECO Canada. Ericka holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Environmental Science from Dalhousie University
Conseil d'administration
Dale Beugin
Member
Bio
Dale Beugin is the Vice President of Research and Analysis at the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices. An expert in environmental economics, policy and technical communications, he now leads the Institute’s work in developing rigorous analysis and practical climate policy advice for governments across the country. Dale was former Executive Director and Research Director of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, and has previously worked as an independent consultant. Notably, he worked with the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy as policy advisor and has provided analysis and advice to governments and organizations across Canada and internationally. He holds a Masters Degree in resource and environmental management with a specialization in energy-economy modelling, and an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
Ron Clark
Member
Bio
Ron Clark is a partner at Aird & Berlis LLP law firm based in Toronto, Ontario. Specializing in intersections amongst corporate, commercial, energy and municipal law, he has guided numerous clients through the historical and institutional development of the energy market in Ontario. His corporate and commercial practice includes advising corporations, financial institutions, municipalities and individuals on commercial agreements, asset and share purchase transactions, mergers and acquisitions, private placements and secured lending transactions. The energy side of his practice involves guiding clients through transactions, as well as counselling stakeholder groups, retailers, distributors and generators on legislative and policy matters relating to electricity markets. Ron is deeply interested in the intersection of law and public policy, and enjoys meeting the unique challenges of the evolving energy market.
Ron has a background in public international law and previously served as a diplomat with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa and Brussels. He is listed as a “Leading Lawyer” in Energy: Power by The Legal 500 Canada and in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in the area of Energy (Electricity). He was also recommended by Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a top practitioner in Energy, Power (Transactional) (Canada), and is recognized by Who’s Who Legal: Government Contracts. He has served as an Instructor of the Professional Master of Laws program in Energy and Infrastructure Law at Osgoode Hall Law School. Ron holds a BA in Political Science from Carleton University, a LL.B. from Osgood Hall Law School and a LL.M. from New York University.
Mike Cleland
Président du conseil
Bio
M. Cleland est un consultant privé possédant une vaste expérience en matière de politique énergétique et environnementale.
Mr. Cleland was Former President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association (CGA), as well as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA). Before joining CEA, he was Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Energy Sector in the Department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and prior to that, Director General of the Energy Policy Branch. From 1987 to 1990, he was Assistant Director, Resource Policy Division in the Department of Finance.
Before joining the federal government in 1987, Mr. Cleland worked in Nova Scotia where he was a principal in the firm of Cleland, Dunsmuir Consulting Ltd. At that time, he was also a lecturer in business/government relations at the school of Public Administration at Dalhousie University and academic editor of Plan Canada, the journal of the Canadian Institute of Planners. From 1982 to 1985, he was Associate Director of the Centre for Development Projects at Dalhousie University where he was responsible for various management training projects in Zimbabwe and the countries of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Prior to joining Dalhousie University, he occupied a number of positions at the Nova Scotia Departments of Development and Municipal Affairs.
M. Cleland est né à Quesnel, en Colombie-Britannique, et a étudié à l'Université de la Colombie-Britannique (BA en sciences politiques en 1972) et à Queens (MPL, planification urbaine et régionale de 1974).
Dr. Karen Farbridge
Vice-président du conseil
Bio
Karen Farbridge is President & Urban Connector of Karen Farbridge & Associates where she works with business, governments and organizations to build healthy and prosperous communities.
She is well-connected in the community energy sector in Canada, and has over 25 years of experience leading community innovation. Karen has a diverse background managing complex multi-stakeholder environments to enable change. Her experience includes 17 years in municipal politics, 11 of which were as the mayor of Guelph, Ontario where she gained a reputation for sustainability leadership. She advises federal, provincial and municipal policy makers and industry leaders on building sustainable and resilient communities, with an emphasis on community energy.
Karen is a thoughtful change agent who effectively challenges status quo thinking to encourage new conversations and inspire innovation. In addition to QUEST, she currently serves as the Chair of the Board for Meridian Credit Union and motusbank as well as on the Board of Silence. She is also a member of the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) at York University where she is adjunct faculty, and a partner with the Community Energy Knowledge and Action Partnership (CEKAP).
Karen is a respected speaker who has delivered hundreds of talks both locally and internationally on matters of current urban interest, including sustainability, engagement and community energy. She has a doctorate from the University of Guelph and a Chartered Directors designation from McMaster University.
Marty Klyne
Member
Bio
Hon. Marty Klyne was sworn into the Senate of Canada on September 27, 2018. Prior to the Senate he served several organizations in the following capacities: Publisher / CEO of Saskatchewan’s two major daily newspapers, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post; President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation; EVP, MAACO Systems Canada; COO, Regina’s Economic Development Authority; CEO, Sasknative Economic Development Corporation; Managing Partner, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada (Regina); and, Account Manager, Mercantile Bank of Canada (Regina).
Marty currently serves on the FHQ Development Ltd. Board of Directors and has served on numerous other boards and councils including: Vice-Chair of the SaskPower Board; Chairperson of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board; Economic Development Regina Board; Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Labour Market Council; Globe Theatre Regina Board; Regina Palliative Care Board; the Mackenzie Art Gallery Board; and, Ignite Adult Learning Corporation Foundation Board. He was also President of Grey Cup 2003, “Flat-Out in Saskatchewan.”
Over the years Marty has been the recipient of multiple awards and recognition including the University of Regina Alumni Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Business Hall of Fame Inductee – Junior Achievement, Southern Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Men of Influence – Saskatchewan Business Magazine, and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal.
Hon. Marty Klyne graduated With Distinction from the University of Regina, B.Admin., Finance Major and has achieved a Pro.Dir™ designation from the Johnson-Shoyoma Graduate School of Public Policy and Brown Governance Inc.
Karen Lockridge
Président du comité de gouvernance
Bio
Karen Lockridge is Director of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing at Canada Post Corporation (CPC) Pension Plan. Named one of Canada’s Clean 50 leaders in the field of sustainable capitalism in 2019, she is responsible for developing and implementing the CPC Pension Plan’s ESG investment strategy and risk management framework.
Prior to joining Canada Post, Karen was a member of Mercer’s global Responsible Investment team. There she developed “Investing in a Time of Climate Change – The Sequel” (2019) a research report, and co-authored “Building a Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure” (2016) and “Crossing the Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure Investing” (2017) during a 25-year long career with Mercer.
Karen has held a variety of leadership roles in defined benefit risk management, strategy execution, knowledge management, and operations. In addition to her time at Mercer, she spent 18 months as Director, Pension and Benefits at BMO Financial Group. Karen was also a member of the Government of Canada’s Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Results (2017/18).
Karen graduated from the University of Alberta with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics in 1990. She is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.
Morgan McDonald
Member
Bio
Morgan McDonald works on high performance buildings and process innovation with Ledcor Construction. He leads Ledcor Renew, which supports commercial and institutional building owners in understanding the financial and technical feasibility of high performance projects for both new construction and retrofit. He also heads up Ledcor Construction’s Innovation Lab. Morgan has a background in renewable energy, carbon finance, and sustainability education. In addition to QUEST, he also volunteers with Living Future Vancouver and the Canada Green Building Council. Morgan has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University.
Dr.Shahrzad Rahbar
Chair, Audit & Finance Committee
Bio
Dr. Shahrzad Rahbar is President of the Industrial Gas Users Association (IGUA). Dr. Rahbar brings 20 years of progressively senior experience from the gas industry.
Prior to joining IGUA, she served as Senior Vice-President with the Canadian Gas Association for over a decade, and has been an active contributor to the development of energy, technology and regulatory policy in Canada. Dr. Rahbar served on the Executive Committee of the International Gas Union and on the Board of Natural Gas Technology Centre as Vice-Chair. She is also founding director of QUEST and a director on Eastern Breeze, a community-based art initiative.
Dr. Shahrzad Rahbar has a PhD in mechanical engineering from the UK and two patents to her name.
Karen White
Member
Bio
Karen White is the Vice President at NATIONAL Public Relations. She brings a can-do attitude and more than 20 years of communications experience to every project. Her deep understanding of the energy sector and energy efficiency stems from more than a decade in public service, in a range of departments from Conserve Nova Scotia, Environment, to Energy. Since joining the team at NATIONAL, Karen has worked with electric utility and renewable energy companies on a wide range of stakeholder, regulatory, and customer initiatives.
Her collaborative approach to communications has encouraged responsible development of energy initiatives among government departments, industry, advocates, and communities. She led communications to support public consultation regarding demand side management programs and legislative changes to establish EfficiencyOne. Working with energy partners and stakeholders, Karen has provided advice for complex and high profile regulatory, policy, and public affairs files in the energy sector. She encourages energy sector development through effective community and public engagement and communications planning.
Her passion for the energy sector extends outside the office where she is the Past Board Chair of the Maritimes Energy Association, and a Board Director with Net Zero Atlantic. She holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University.
Of note, Karen is both public engagement and crisis management certified, leveraging her International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) and Incident Command System (ICS) certifications to provide crisis communications counsel to many organizations.
Geoff Wright
Member
Bio
Geoff Wright is the Vice President of Market Research at Brookfield Renewable where he contributes to global market and commercial strategies for renewable and distributed generation businesses at the utility scale. In this role, Geoff has been actively involved in underwriting multi-billion dollar transactions in numerous countries. Geoff is keenly interested in understanding how local energy systems need to evolve in the face of an increasingly carbon constrained world and finding cost-effective solutions to enable this transition.
Associés Senior
QUEST Canada Senior Associates are independent practitioners committed to the success of the organization and collaborate to deliver QUEST Canada initiatives. Senior Associates have specialized knowledge and expertise, and contribute to the development of Smart Energy Communities by advancing innovative practices and projects, delivering support services, and participating in broader knowledge exchange and mentoring.
Bruce Cameron
Senior Associate
Basé à Halifax, en Nouvelle-Écosse
Bio
Bruce Cameron est le principal consultant et fondateur d'Envigour Policy Consulting Inc. Bruce est un chef de file de longue date dans l'élaboration de politiques énergétiques. De 1999 à 2016, il a travaillé pour le ministère de l'Énergie de la Nouvelle-Écosse (y compris son prédécesseur, la NS Petroleum Directorate), où il a dirigé l'élaboration de politiques, stratégies, plans, programmes et initiatives réglementaires. Avant sa retraite en 2016, il était directeur exécutif, Électricité, énergies renouvelables et efficacité. De 2014 à 2015, il a dirigé l'élaboration du plan d'électricité de la province, qui soulignait l'importance de la collecte et de la gestion de données sur l'énergie dans le cadre d'un programme d'innovation énergétique. De 2009 à 2016, il a été un chef de file de la collaboration énergétique régionale (porte d'entrée de l'Atlantique). Il a pris sa retraite de la province de la Nouvelle-Écosse en 2016 et a fondé Envigour Policy Consulting Inc.
Bruce travaille avec QUEST en tant que conseiller principal et consultant sur un certain nombre de projets, notamment l’élaboration de propositions et l’appui stratégique au caucus QUEST Nouvelle-Écosse.
Pour en savoir plus sur Envigour Policy Consulting Inc., visitez le site http://www.envigour.ca/
Bio
Rebecca Fiissel Schaefer is a leader in the energy efficiency industry in Canada. With almost 20 years of experience, Rebecca has a depth of experience in leading teams to research, design and deliver on climate change policy and DSM plans from coast-to-coast.
For the first decade of her career, Rebecca worked within the public service to forward environmental initiatives and make a difference. She was instrumental in designing and launching some of the first ever residential energy efficiency programs in Saskatchewan and Alberta. More recently, Rebecca has been spearheading corporate strategic growth for industry leaders in the energy efficiency implementation space in Canada. During this time, Rebecca has gained perspective from outside of government and been honoured to support and advise government agencies and utilities across the country on their respective DSM plans and program portfolios.
In 2020, Rebecca founded RFS Energy Consulting to apply her experience and knowledge to push climate change policy, research and planning into action across Canada.
A mission driven, results-oriented professional passionate about energy efficiency, climate change policy and her kids. Rebecca believes that individuals can make a difference and hopeful to support in some small way through volunteer roles in her community – including Acting Chair of the Board of Directors for the Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA); Acting Chair for the Climate Change Innovation Fund Executive Advisory Committee for the City of Calgary; and Brownie Leader for Girl Guides of Canada.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geography and Geology, as well as a master’s degree in Public Administration, and Public Management (MPA) from the University of Regina.
Bio
Rob Kerr est actuellement un consultant indépendant basé à Guelph, en Ontario, qui fournit des services énergétiques communautaires. Rob a plus de 35 ans d'expérience dans de nombreux aspects du marché de l'énergie en transition, en mettant l'accent sur l'élaboration de politiques et la mise en œuvre de projets / programmes sur l'énergie et le changement climatique dans les espaces municipaux et communautaires.
L'expérience de travail de M. Kerr est un équilibre entre le secteur privé et le secteur public, ayant travaillé avec les villes de Guelph et de Mississauga, Honeywell, Hydro-Québec, Toronto Hydro Energy Services Inc. et Energy Advantage. Rob a occupé des postes de direction chez ICLEI - Gouvernements locaux pour le développement durable, offrant un soutien en matière de politiques et de programmes aux villes du monde entier engagées dans des activités d'atténuation du changement climatique et d'adaptation à leurs effets. Il a développé une expertise dans la gestion des relations intergouvernementales - de son travail de plaidoyer au niveau mondial (en commençant par la Conférence des Nations Unies sur le climat à Kyoto, au Japon, en 1997) - à des relations consultatives permanentes avec les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux du Canada, ainsi qu'avec la Fédération. des municipalités canadiennes.
Rob travaille avec QUEST en tant qu'associé principal pour poursuivre le développement des communautés énergétiques intelligentes et la mise en œuvre de la planification énergétique communautaire grâce à un soutien politique.
Bio
À son grand étonnement, Richard travaille depuis près de 15 ans sur les politiques et technologies énergétiques et climatiques avec divers organismes publics, privés et à but non lucratif. Il a également animé et présenté des dizaines d'ateliers et d'événements à travers le Canada.
Richard fournit aux entreprises, aux services publics et aux administrations publiques son expertise en matière de politique, de stratégie et de communication en matière d'énergie et de carbone, au sein de son cabinet de conseil, Laszlo Energy Services.
En tant qu'associé principal chez QUEST, Richard préside le Consortium ontarien de la cogénération, le groupe de travail sur la cogénération de l'Alberta et le National District Energy Network, représentant des centaines de leaders de l'énergie issus de plus de 200 organisations engagées dans la mise en œuvre de politiques et de projets combinés de chauffage et d'électricité.
Le travail de recherche et de plaidoyer de Richard auprès de QUEST comprend des tuyaux et des fils résilients, un examen des actions des distributeurs d'énergie et des politiques gouvernementales en réponse à des phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes et de la mise en œuvre au Canada! une initiative visant à aider les communautés à mettre en œuvre leurs plans énergétiques communautaires.
Richard est le fier auteur du premier ouvrage d'introduction aux systèmes énergétiques de Pollution Probe au Canada et a contribué à l'élaboration de l'approbation de l'énergie renouvelable de l'Ontario en vertu de la Loi sur l'énergie verte et l'économie verte.
Pour en savoir plus sur Laszlo Energy Services, visitez www.laszloenergy.com
Bio
Andreea Lupascu is a Partner and Co-Founder of Sapling Financial Consultants Inc. Andreea is a finance and consulting professional with a specialization in financial modelling, forecasting and data analytics. Andreea’s work experience in the electricity space is focusing on developing Energy As A Service financial models, used to secure financing and analyze customer savings for microgrids projects across North America, evaluating electricity and gas pricing tariffs, DER programs, and regulatory requirements for various electricity markets in Canada and the US, as well as auditing and enhancing financial models developed by various energy developers and distributors in the public and private sector.
Sapling Financial Consultants Inc. is a consulting firm focusing on financial modelling and data analytics. In the electricity space, the goal of our practice and our philosophy is to come up with creative finance solutions that assist our clients to price projects sustainably while fully reflecting the capabilities of the technical solution and all the potential costs and risks and regulations related to the project, while also providing a solid financial picture that makes it appealing to an investor.
Andreea Lupascu holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from Utrecht University, and a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from University of Toronto.
Bio
Motivated by the climate emergency, Emma has been working in Nova Scotia’s energy sector for nearly a decade, specifically in the areas of energy efficiency and deep energy retrofits. Emma has effectively intervened in provincial utility hearings to ensure increasing ambition of demand-side management programs. She ran the Climate Jobs Roundtable, a series of events that focused on job creation and transitioning the energy economy. As the Nova Scotia lead for the international project Smarter Energy Communities in Northern and Arctic Regions of Europe, Emma facilitated knowledge transfer between communities in Canada and Europe who were seeking to reduce their carbon footprint through smarter energy use. Currently, Emma is the Director of Communications and Atlantic Organizer for the Climate Emergency Unit, a project of the David Suzuki Institute. Emma is also one of the founders and co-directors of the ReCover Initiative, a deep energy retrofit solution that responds to the climate crisis at the speed and scale necessary to meet our greenhouse gas targets.
Emma has a certificate in Building Science and Net Zero Building Design from Yestermorrow Design/Building School in Vermont. In 2012, she graduated from the University of King’s College with the University Medal in Environment, Sustainability and Society (ESS), and combined honours in ESS and International Development Studies. She holds her levels 1 and 2 in Co-Resolve, Deep Democracy Facilitation.
Daniel Savard
Senior Associate
Bio
Integrated Planning has always been of interest to Daniel Savard. Energy efficiency and its integration in development projects are facilitated through integrated planning. Throughout his career, Daniel worked in research and development in planning with the Province of New Brunswick, and with his own firm Decodesign. He developed the balanced weighted IRM concept, the Sustainable Community Design (SCD) Approach, and he oversaw planning innovations and administration of the Community Planning Act, holding temporarily the positions of Senior Planner and Director of planning for the Province of New Brunswick.
Daniel holds a Master’s Degree of Urban Planning from McGill University, and an Master’s of Business Administration from UNB. He coordinated the implementation of the first SCD subdivision project in Canada at ‘Le Village en haut du Ruisseau’ (Dieppe NB), which received national and international awards and recognitions. His work with the SCD Approach was recognized in 2014 with an international Visionary Award. Daniel was one of the founding members of the Sustainable Communities Partnership in New Brunswick.
QUEST objectives and the SCD Approach fit very well together with mutual benefits for communities and sustainable developments. Daniel is proud to be a Senior Associate with QUEST.
To learn more about Decodesign: http://www.decodesignds.ca
Opportunités d'emploi
Current Opportunities:
Currently, QUEST Canada has no job opportunities available.
Employment Equity
QUEST Canada is an equal opportunity employer which has been operating since 2007. We welcome diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified individuals in equity deserving and traditionally marginalized groups such as racialized people, Indigenous people, LGBTQIA2S+ people, and persons with disabilities to apply. We encourage applicants to self-identify if they are a member of an equity-deserving group through our application link below.
QUEST Canada is committed to and working toward developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If you are contacted to be considered for a job opportunity, advise the QUEST Canada representative of accommodation measures that should be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information relating to these measures will be addressed confidentially.
Benefits of Working at QUEST Canada
Vous travaillerez avec une équipe fun et passionnée qui souhaitent avoir un impact positif. Mais aussi :
- Environnement de travail flexible en termes de lieu et d'horaire
- Salaire compétitif
- Assurance santé et dentaire
- Temps de vacances payé
- Budget dedié à la formation et aux développement professionnels