Canada Climate Week Xchange Launch Series: Toronto Edition
Register
-
Nov 23, 2026
8:00-9:30 AM EST - SmithToronto, 200 Front St. W., Toronto, ON, Rm. 174
Join the Responsible Investment Association, CPA Canada and the Institute for Sustainable Finance to formally kick off Canada Climate Week Xchange 2026 in Toronto.
The morning will feature Chris Derksen, Director of the Climate Modelling Research Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada and an author of Canada’s Changing Climate Report 2026. He will share key insights from the latest science on how Canada’s climate is changing and what those changes mean for the country. His presentation will be followed by a moderated conversation and audience Q&A exploring the implications for decision makers as Canada looks ahead.
CCWX brings Canadians from coast to coast together, one week a year, to collaborate on solutions and opportunities to address our country’s unique climate-related challenges. This session will be one of six national launch events that together will create a shared national moment for leaders and citizens who care about climate action. Our time together will foster a meaningful morning connection as we embark on a busy week of networking, communicating and working together for a more sustainable future.
For more information about the week go to ccwx.ca.
Presenters
Chris Derksen
Director, Climate Modelling Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Dr. Chris Derksen is the Director of the Climate Modelling Research Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Division is responsible for the provision of climate information from observations and Earth system models to support climate adaptation and mitigation policy- and decision-making. Chris formerly spent more than 20 years as a Research Scientist at ECCC, specializing on the use of satellite data and climate models to understand climate change impacts on snow and ice. Chris holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Waterloo.
Maya Saryyeva
Director, Institute for Sustainable Finance
Maya Saryyeva joined the Institute for Sustainable Finance (ISF) in December 2018 to support the implementation of the Institute’s core programs and outreach efforts. Prior to joining ISF, Maya worked in the international development sector, leading a number of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded governance and economic development initiatives in Eastern Europe as well as South and Central Asia. Maya is also pursuing a PhD in global development with a focus on sustainable finance. She researches the efficacy of global governance frameworks surrounding green bonds and sustainable initiatives.
Patricia Fletcher
CEO, Responsible Investment Association
As Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Fletcher leads the RIA team in pursuit of its mission to firmly entrenching Responsible Investment in Canada’s financial ecosystem. Patricia joins the RIA most recently from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) where she served as Vice President, Education. During her tenure she was instrumental in driving innovation in the ICD’s flagship Director’s Education Program and the development of numerous ESG focused programs for Canada’s director community. Patricia led the establishment of Chapter Zero Canada, the Canadian chapter of the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) and also served on CGI’s global board education committee. Previously Patricia held senior roles at the Canadian Institute, the Hay Group and the Institute for International Research. She is an accomplished executive in the corporate governance and continuing education industries with more than 20 years of experience in leading commercial information businesses and teams committed to creating content that is impactful and of value.