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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Banff Forum acknowledges that this event is taking place on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7 in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy — comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai Nations — as well as the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations of Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney. We also recognize the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, whose history and contributions continue to shape this region. We recognize that the cultures and presence of Indigenous peoples have nurtured and continue to nurture this land, and in the spirit of reconciliation, we are committed to learning from Indigenous perspectives and building meaningful relationships that honour the truth of our shared history and create a path toward a more inclusive future. As we gather for this event, the Banff Forum reaffirms its commitment to creating spaces where all voices are heard and respected, and we recognize our shared responsibility to learn from the past, engage meaningfully in the present, and work collaboratively toward a future rooted in mutual respect and equity for all. We invite all participants to reflect on the land we are privileged to gather upon and to recognize the resilience, contributions, and sovereignty of Indigenous communities across Canada.
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SPEAKER BIOS
Dawn Farrell
Dawn Farrell is one of Canada’s most respected energy and infrastructure leaders, with extensive experience spanning the private sector, Crown corporations, and national economic development. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s Major Projects Office, where she is helping advance the federal government’s efforts to accelerate nation-building infrastructure and resource projects critical to Canada’s long-term economic competitiveness and energy future. Prior to this role, Mrs. Farrell served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Mountain Corporation, overseeing one of the largest and most closely watched infrastructure projects in Canadian history. She also previously served as President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation, where she led the company through a major transition toward lower-emissions electricity generation and significant operational modernization. Throughout her career, she has been widely recognized for her leadership in energy transformation, strategic infrastructure development, regulatory navigation, and stakeholder engagement. Mrs. Farrell has served on numerous corporate and public sector boards and has been a leading voice in conversations surrounding Canada’s economic resilience, energy security, infrastructure investment, and Indigenous partnerships. Her work continues to shape national discussions about how Canada can responsibly build major projects while remaining globally competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Martha Hall Findlay (Moderator)
Martha Hall Findlay is Director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary and the Palmer Chair in Public Policy. A nationally recognized leader in Canadian public policy, she brings decades of experience spanning politics, business, law, international trade, and energy policy. Her work focuses on economic growth, competitiveness, natural resources, trade, and Canada’s evolving role in the global economy. Before joining the University of Calgary, Ms. Hall Findlay served as President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation, where she helped advance national conversations around western Canadian economic development, energy, fiscal policy, and interprovincial trade. Earlier in her career, she practiced international trade and competition law and held senior executive roles in the technology and legal sectors. She also served as Member of Parliament for Willowdale and was a candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. A highly sought-after commentator and policy advisor, Ms. Hall Findlay is widely respected for her thoughtful and pragmatic approach to public policy challenges. Through her leadership at the School of Public Policy, she continues to convene influential voices from government, academia, and industry to address some of Canada’s most pressing economic and policy issues.
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BANFF FORUM CODE OF CONDUCT
The Banff Forum is dedicated to fostering safe and inclusive spaces for everyone. We recognize and encourage the expression of a diversity of views and opinions but expect them to be shared respectfully. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, positive, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religious beliefs or lack thereof. We invite all those who participate in the Banff Forum—community members, conference and event attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, guests, and staff—to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone. CLICK HERE to read our full Code of Conduct.
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CHATHAM HOUSE RULE
All Banff Forum sessions and regional year-round events are held under the Chatham House Rule, which allows the Forum to be an informal, non-advocacy, non-partisan, and non-ideological space that respects individual speakers and participants.
"When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed." — Chatham House Rule