Welcome to the 2023 Pollution Probe Annual Conference and Gala! 

Our state of preparedness for the transition to a clean economy has been
brought more keenly into focus in light of condensed timelines to take
meaningful action to meet our environmental commitments. Science tells us that there are absolute environmental limits, and it has become increasingly clear that our current development and economic trajectories are unsustainable in this context.

At the same time, we are not starting from scratch in facing this challenge. There are numerous examples of success in preparing for a clean economy, both right here in Canada and abroad. Necessary progress is already being made and we have an important window of opportunity right now to create the clean economy that we desire and need for the future.

This year, we’re bringing together our community to focus on what we can
do to support much needed change in preparation for a clean economy. Our theme, Right Here, Right Now: Readiness for a Clean Economy, tasks us with exploring where we are seeing success and how it can be built upon or replicated; what gaps and challenges remain and how we can overcome them.

Fortunately, we have the people, knowledge, tools and technology to build
innovative and effective solutions. Today, we celebrate our successes, while recognizing the challenges ahead and re-committing ourselves to crafting the solutions that will ensure a better tomorrow.

Please enjoy the event. We appreciate your support and look forward to
continuing our collective, collaborative efforts.

Yours truly, 

Christopher Hilkene

Julie Dabrusin was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Toronto—Danforth in 2015.

Ms. Dabrusin has previously served as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage and the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. She was also a member of various other committees, parliamentary associations, and interparliamentary groups.

Ms. Dabrusin grew up in Montréal and completed her undergraduate degree in Near and Middle East Studies at McGill University, before attending law school at the University of Toronto. She then practised litigation, including for a time as commission counsel to the Toronto External Contracts Inquiry, which reviews municipal government procurement.

Ms. Dabrusin was an active volunteer in her community. She founded Friends of Withrow Park, served on the Board of Directors of Park People, and started initiatives such as the local Second Harvest Hunger Squad. In 2012, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community service.

Ms. Dabrusin has been a strong advocate for her community on issues of gun control, healthy eating, and banning single-use plastics. She is also a champion of Canada’s creative and cultural industries.

She and her family have lived in Toronto for over 20 years.

Andrea Khanjin is Ontario’s newly appointed Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie-Innisfil.

At the age of four, Andrea immigrated to Canada with her grandparents to Barrie. She is proud to be the first female Progressive Conservative Jewish cabinet Minister in Ontario’s history.

Andrea is no stranger to the environment portfolio. She formerly served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks from 2018-2022, and successfully introduced an Act to proclaim the Provincial Day of Action on Litter which takes place every second Tuesday in May each year.

She is also the longest serving Deputy Government House Leader for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario since 2019. In addition, she has served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Deputy Government Whip.

Andrea lives in Innisfil with her husband Kevin and 2-year-old son Oliver.

Bob McDonald is a renowned Canadian science communicator and broadcaster, celebrated for his passion for unraveling the scientific mysteries of our world and inspiring curiosity across many generations – through television, radio, print, and live media. Bob McDonald is an officer of the Order of Canada and currently lives in Victoria, BC. This year marks 50 years of extraordinary achievements in Bob’s science communication career, including his reporting as science correspondent for CBC Television’s “The National” and hosting CBC Radio’s award-winning program, “Quirks & Quarks”.

Known for his enthusiasm and insightful interviews, he brings the wonders of the natural world and the frontiers of scientific discovery into the daily lives of Canadians. His most recent publication, “The Future Is Now: Solving the Climate Crisis with Today’s Technologies” explores how we can achieve a greener future. His commitment to making science accessible has inspired many to embark on their own journeys of discovery.

Congratulations Bob!