Inside Canada Powered by Women’s Toronto summit: policy, priorities, and the path forward

At one table, a woman spoke about trying to manage a utility bill that had suddenly tripled while caring for an aging parent. At another, a participant questioned how regulatory uncertainty was eroding investor confidence. Nearby, a group discussed how regulation could affect long-term affordability, reliability and progress on emissions reduction and the importance of a diverse energy mix.

These conversations took place in Toronto, where more than 160 engaged women, business and community leaders from a variety of sectors, gathered for Canada Powered by Women’s (CPW) first Summit in the city.

The Summit was held the day after Canadians elected a new minority government. The timing was top of mind for participants, many of whom expressed a clear expectation that Prime Minister Carney and his team will reflect the priorities of engaged women in the energy conversation ahead.

Across the room, there was a shared sense that this is a pivotal moment for Canada’s energy future. Ongoing global trade uncertainty has created a new urgency, and many see an opportunity for the country to lead with strength, clarity, and common purpose.

A foundation built on data and focus

The day began with remarks from Ontario Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff, who shared that he first discovered CPW on social media and was struck by the message. He commended the organization for creating a space where people can engage with complex policy in a focused, practical way.

He also emphasized the province’s commitment to reliable, affordable energy and the importance of an integrated energy plan that supports Ontario’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

A video message followed from Ontario Minister of Energy Stephen Lecce, who reinforced these themes and noted that affordability and energy reliability must remain top priorities.

Underpinning the day were the results from CPW’s national research that show strong support for expanding the energy sector, building energy independence, and investing in infrastructure.

Among engaged women, 89 per cent believe Canada should prioritize energy independence, 85 per cent agree that a strong energy sector is essential to the country’s long-term prosperity, and 80 per cent say the sector plays a critical role in driving job creation and economic stability.

A working session designed to inform policy

After the research deep dive, participants joined a structured workshop facilitated by Deloitte.

Each table worked through scenario-based questions designed to surface how federal energy policy is being felt in different regions and sectors. Participants were asked to consider each issue from both a personal and national perspective, weighing trade-offs and real-world impacts. The questions explored:

• To what extent should Canada focus on reducing domestic emissions versus contributing to global reductions
• How much are people willing to pay for energy if it helps accelerate environmental goals
• Should Canada support energy independence even when it creates tension with other policy areas, including environmental or Indigenous commitments
• Would people support infrastructure projects like pipelines, transmission lines or small modular reactors being built in their own communities
• Should Canada limit activity in key economic sectors to make faster progress on emissions

The conversations reflected a wide range of perspectives. Participants pointed to rising energy costs, overlapping regulations and long approval timelines as real barriers to progress. Many questioned whether federal targets align with operational realities. Others emphasized that emissions goals and affordability must be tackled together, with regional nuance and practical execution in mind.

Leadership grounded in operational reality

In the afternoon, the summit shifted to a panel discussion led by Becky Penrice, executive vice president, corporate services at ATCO. It featured executives leading significant businesses and who handle major operations across the energy sector. Each brought a clear view of what it takes to deliver results under complex regulatory conditions and rising public expectations.

Panelists included:

• Michele Harradence, executive vice president and president, gas distribution and storage, Enbridge
• Sue Riddell Rose, president and CEO, Rubellite Energy, and founder and board chair, Canada Powered by Women
• Jana Mosley, president and CEO, Toronto Hydro
• Shelley Powell, senior vice president, operational improvement and support services, Suncor

Mosley spoke about the investment required to prepare for a projected 75 per cent increase in electricity demand, stressing the need to modernize the grid alongside housing, transit and industrial growth.

Powell explained that Suncor is working to lower emissions over the long term while continuing to deliver reliable performance and strong business results today. She highlighted the need for greater public understanding of how industrial choices, such as investing in cogeneration systems that produce both heat and electricity from a single energy source, can improve efficiency, reduce waste and help keep energy costs down.

Riddell Rose spoke to the urgency of expanding energy exports, saying Canada’s LNG could reduce global emissions and grow the economy, especially if export clarity becomes a near-term policy focus.

Harradence raised concerns about regulatory overlap, pointing out how unclear or competing policies delay project approvals and reduce investor confidence in Canada’s energy landscape.

What comes next

The Toronto Summit was the first of a three-city national tour, with additional events taking place in Calgary and Vancouver.

The perspectives shared are part of a broader effort to ensure energy policy reflects the priorities of women who lead businesses, manage households, drive economic growth and shape their communities.

The workshops, facilitated by either Deloitte or PwC depending on the city, gather inputs that will form a national report with actionable insights for federal and provincial policymakers to help shape future energy policy that reflects the priorities of engaged women.

CPW will use the report to support cross-country advocacy efforts, with meetings planned in Ottawa, Toronto, Victoria and Edmonton later this year. The aim is to equip decision-makers with the facts, context and perspectives they need to make more inclusive, practical and informed decisions when it comes to Canada’s energy future.

Among engaged women, 89 per cent believe Canada should prioritize energy independence, and 85 per cent say a strong energy sector is essential to long-term prosperity.

The event series is helping ensure those priorities are not just heard, but reflected in future policy decisions and drive meaningful change.