Save Your Spot
Co-hosted by the Smith School of Business Research Office and the Institute for Sustainable Finance (ISF), this joint event warmly welcomes all staff, faculty, students, and members of the Kingston community. Join us for an inspiring afternoon with the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s former Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister of Infrastructure, in conversation with the Honourable Bob Rae, Matthews Faculty Fellow in Global Public Policy at the Queen’s School of Policy Studies.
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- 3:30 – 5:30 pm (ET)
- Goodes Commons, Smith School of Business
143 Union Street, Kingston, ON - This free event is open to all
Through a dynamic fireside chat, Catherine McKenna will share insights from her global advocacy work and her experiences championing climate action and women’s leadership. This honest and thought-provoking conversation will resonate across the Queen’s community — especially with those interested in sustainability, policy, leadership and driving meaningful change.
A book sale and signing will also be available on site for those interested in purchasing Catherine’s memoir.
About the Book
Run Like a Girl: A Memoir of Ambition, Resilience, and Fighting for Change is Catherine McKenna’s inspiring reflection on stepping into leadership, pushing past limits, and standing up for what matters. With honesty and heart, she shares the experiences that shaped her — from the intensity of political life to the courage it took to forge a new path. It’s an empowering read for anyone looking to lead with purpose, rise above challenges, and make a meaningful impact.
About Catherine McKenna
Catherine McKenna is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Climate and Nature Solutions. She is Canada's former Minister of Environment and Climate Change as well as Minister of Infrastructure. She is Chair of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Expert Group on Net-Zero Commitments of companies, financial institutions, cities and regions. She founded Women Leading on Climate and was a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Columbia Climate School. She is a member of Temasek’s Global Sustainability Advisory Panel and Singapore's International Advisory Panel for Carbon Credits. Catherine was named Chevalier (Knight) of the Légion d’Honneur by the French government in recognition of her contribution to the landmark Paris Agreement and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society for her public service and commitment to environmental conservation, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from McMaster University. She also advises many private sector boards and is a frequent speaker on climate action, net zero leadership and women's empowerment. She is a mother to three children and is an avid open water swimmer.
About Bob Rae
Bob Rae is the Matthews Faculty Fellow in Global Public Policy at the Queen’s School of Policy Studies (SPS). He has been deeply engaged in a full range of public policy issues at the international, national, and provincial levels of government throughout his career. Most recently he served as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, including a term as President of the Economic and Social Council, one of only three Canadians elected in their personal capacity to preside over UN Charter bodies since 1945. Mr. Rae served as Premier of Ontario from 1990-1995, and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011-2013. He was elected to federal and provincial parliaments 11 times between 1978 and 2013. He has been honoured by the alumni of both bodies for his distinguished service. Bob Rae is a Privy Councillor, a Companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of Ontario, and has numerous awards and honorary degrees from around the world.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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