On Leadership, Diplomacy, and Climate Action with Catherine Mckenna

Join us for an inspiring and timely conversation with the Honourable Catherine McKenna, former Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on Thursday, February 19 in Vancouver.

Centered on her acclaimed memoir Run Like a Girl: A Memoir of Ambition, Resilience, and Fighting for Change, this event explores what it takes to lead with courage, resilience, and purpose in the face of complex global challenges. Drawing on her journey from grassroots activism to senior roles in government, McKenna reflects on leadership under pressure, gender and power in public life, and the realities of driving change within political institutions.

The conversation will also draw on McKenna’s experience in international climate diplomacy, including her work engaging global partners, navigating multilateral climate negotiations, and advancing climate action on the world stage. These reflections offer valuable insight for anyone interested in international affairs, diplomacy, and global governance.

Grounded in lived experience, McKenna’s story is both personal and universal. The evening will feature a presentation followed by a fireside chat, inviting thoughtful discussion on leadership, climate action, and how individuals and institutions can contribute to meaningful change in Canada and beyond.

Light refreshments will be provided at the event.

Event Ticket & Book Pricing

You can choose to purchase an event ticket on its own or bundle it with a signed copy of Run Like a Girl at a special event-only price. There will be a dedicated book-signing session at the end of the event.

A) Event Ticket Only

• Non-CIC Members: $20

B) Event Ticket + Signed Book (must pre-order by Feb 6, 2025)

• Non-CIC Members: $40

Event Agenda

• 5:00 pm: Doors open & check-in
• 5:30–6:00 pm: Presentation by Catherine McKenna
• 6:00–6:45 pm: Moderated discussion & audience Q&A
• 6:45 pm–7:00 pm: Book signing & reception

About the Speaker

Catherine McKenna is the founder and principal of Climate and Nature Solutions. She is Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s new High-Level Expert Group on Net-Zero Commitments of Non-State Entities (companies, investors, cities and regions) and is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Columbia University's Climate School and launched “Women Leading on Climate” at COP26.

Catherine was Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government where she was asked by France to facilitate the negotiations of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (the market text) at COP 21. She led negotiations of Canada's first national climate plan which included a price on pollution across the country. In this role she helped establish a number of global initiatives including the Powering Past Coal Coalition, the Ministerial on Climate Action and the Nature Champions Summit.

Later, as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities she made historic investments in public transit and green and resilient infrastructure, leveraged private sector investment to get more public infrastructure built through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and led the development of Canada’s first National Infrastructure Assessment to drive Canada to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Before politics, Catherine practiced trade law in Canada and Indonesia, worked as a legal advisor for the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor, and co-founded Canadian Lawyers Abroad. She is a mother to three and spends her free time swimming.

About CIC Vancouver

Founded in 1928 as one of the Canadian International Council’s (CIC) first branches, CIC Vancouver is a non-profit, independent forum dedicated to providing a platform for dialogue on international issues and foreign policy. Our mission is to provide professionals, academics, students, and community members across the Greater Vancouver Area with a platform to connect, learn, and contribute to discussions shaping global affairs. To become a member, please visit: https://thecic.org/become-a-member/.

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