--- title: The MEARIE Conference 2025 | The MEARIE Group description: The 2025 MEARIE Conference brought industry leaders together for insights on leadership, risk management, HR solutions, and professional networking. image: https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Speaker%20TMC%20Announcement.jpg --- # 2025 MEARIE Conference [The MEARIE Conference](https://secure3.mearie.ca/mearie-conference?hsLang=en) [Past MEARIE Conferences](https://secure3.mearie.ca/past-mearie-conference?hsLang=en) ### Speaker Sessions & Presentations **The MEARIE Conference** continues to be a premier platform for exploring the most pressing topics in our industry, with a strong emphasis on **innovation, leadership, risk management**, and **human resources**. This year’s sessions explored the power of working together to drive lasting success through collective power. Please note that while we strive to share as many presentations as possible, some may contain proprietary content and will not be available online. We appreciate your understanding—and thank you for being part of this year’s event! ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Kathryn%20Bakos%20(190x190).png) #### Kathryn Bakos Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation Speaker Bio ##### Wednesday, June 25, 2025 ### Extreme Weather Risk This session focused on the financial implications of climate change and extreme weather, and provided recommendations for limiting physical climate risks. Kathryn's work at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation yielded excellent research on these timely topics, particularly with regard to considerations for insurance. [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Wed%20Stream%20A%20-%20Kathryn%20Bakos.pdf?hsLang=en) × As Managing Director, Finance and Resilience, Kathryn’s work is driving novel insights at the intersection of climate change and finance. Kathryn’s work includes pioneering research to quantify the impact of flooding on Canada’s residential real estate sector and mortgage markets and developing innovative frameworks to mitigate risk and embed climate preparedness into decision-making for investors. ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Doug%20Hart%20(190x190).png) #### Doug Hart Durham College Speaker Bio ##### Wednesday, June 25, 2025 ### Agile Leadership for a Complex World In complex, fast-changing industries, leaders had to challenge assumptions and embrace new thinking. Doug shared insights from the nuclear and automotive sectors, highlighting decision-making frameworks and knowledge strategies for “Leaders of Change.” This session equipped participants with the knowledge to navigate past actions with future opportunities, and to lead effectively in high-stakes, evolving environments. [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Wed%20Stream%20B%20-%20Doug%20Hart.pdf?hsLang=en) × Doug Hart is a strategist at Durham College Corporate Training with over two decades of experience developing leaders. He specializes in strategic thinking and decision-making in complex, high-stakes environments, particularly in the energy sector. Doug has delivered leadership training for Ontario Power Generation, EDF Energy, and U.S. policymakers exploring SMR technology. He also designs programs for major automotive brands. Known for his dynamic style, Doug challenges assumptions and equips leaders with the knowledge to help navigate change with clarity, agility, and purpose. ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Dan%20Gaudette%20and%20Craig%20Makela%20(190x400)-1.png) #### Dan Gaudette & Craig Makela Synergy North Corporation & Greater Sudbury Hydro Inc. Speaker Bios ##### Wednesday, June 25, 2025 ### Leveraging the Ontario Cyber Security Framework to Strengthen Your Risk Practices Participants joined an engaging session on the Cyber Security Advisory Committee (CSAC) and its vital role in strengthening cybersecurity in the LDC sector. They learned about the CSAC, the Ontario Cyber Security Framework, and emerging cyber threats—equipping them with the insights needed to enhance cybersecurity practices across their organizations. [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Wed%20Stream%20A%20-%20Dan%20Gaudette%20and%20Craig%20Makela.pdf?hsLang=en) × Dan Gaudette is the Information Systems Manager at Synergy North, with over 25 years of IT experience spanning education, telecommunications, and energy. He has led initiatives in distance education, remote community infrastructure, and wireless network development. Dan chairs Ontario’s Cyber Security Advisory Committee and serves on the Utilities Standards Forum (USF) IT Advisory Committee. Outside of work, he enjoys hockey, woodworking, home renovations, and spending time with his teenage children. Craig Makela, CISSP, is Manager of IT at GSU with over 25 years of experience and a strong focus on cybersecurity. He serves on the USF IT Advisory Council and the Ontario Energy Board’s Cyber Security Advisory Committee, where he was Chair (2022–2024) and now Co-Vice Chair. Known for his technical expertise and leadership in critical infrastructure security, Craig is also a dedicated family man, outdoors enthusiast, and advocate for mental health awareness in his community. ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Barb%20Martinez%20(190x190).png) #### Barbara Martinez Canada Life Speaker Bio ##### Wednesday, June 25, 2025 ### GLP-1 Drugs, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy offered health benefits but rapidly increased prescription drug plan costs. This session explored their financial impact and strategies to manage the rising spend. The presentation took a deep dive into the impact of GLP-1 drugs on drug plans and discussed strategies to manage prescription drug plan spending. [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Wed%20Stream%20B%20-%20Barbara%20Martinez.pdf?hsLang=en) × Barbara Martinez is the National Practice Leader of Drug Solutions at Canada Life, with over 35 years of combined experience in the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. She specializes in designing and managing drug benefit plans, analyzing utilization trends, and advising on industry developments. Barbara has held roles in consulting, sales, marketing, and government affairs. A frequent speaker and commentator, she is recognized for her insights on employer drug programs and the evolving landscape of drug benefits in Canada. ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Paola%20Accettola%20(190x190).png) #### Paola Accettola True North HR Consulting Speaker Bio ##### Wednesday, June 25, 2025 ### Why AI in HR Matters AI brings efficiency but raises ethical and legal challenges. Participants learned how AI was affected by bias and fairness, and its impact on compliance, employee privacy, and surveillance. [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Wed%20Stream%20B%20-%20Paola%20Accettola.pdf?hsLang=en) × Paola Accettola is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of experience, dedicated to delivering HR success. With razor-sharp critical and analytical skills, Paola excels in crafting innovative HR solutions that drive organizational excellence. Known for her ability to foster positive work relationships, Paola is committed to shaping progressive workplaces through fair and equitable HR policies and practices. ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Perry%20Robinson%20(190x190).png) #### Perry Robinson SecurityScorecard Speaker Bio ##### Thursday, June 26, 2025 ### Third-Party Cyber Risk: Best Practices and Tools with SecurityScorecard As third-party reliance grows, managing cyber risk is vital. Attendees joined SecurityScorecard to learn how data and automation strengthened third-party risk programs. They discovered how to assess vendors, apply segmentation, and streamline workflows with real-time tools. Participants gained practical insights to reduce exposure, boost compliance, and build trust across their vendor ecosystem. [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Thu%20Stream%20A%20-%20Perry%20Robinson.pdf?hsLang=en) × Perry has enjoyed his entire career in a variety of roles related to risk management. Perry began his career at Deloitte & Touche, and over the subsequent 30+ years, he has held roles ranging from practitioner/consultant, to architect and senior leadership at companies such as IBM/OpenPages, Raytheon/Oakley Networks, Oracle, DocuSign/Seal, ProcessUnity, and of course SecurityScorecard. ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Anne%20Gallop%20(190x190).png) #### Anne Gallop Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Speaker Bio ##### Thursday, June 26, 2025 ### Legal Workplace Trends to Watch There are a variety of issues shaping the workplace landscape today. This session featured an overview of a number of recent legislative changes that impacted HR policy and practices, occupational safety, and other LDC workplace/operational topics. [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Thu%20Stream%20B%20-%20Anne%20Gallop.pdf?hsLang=en) × Anne Gallop is a leading employment and labour lawyer with expertise in executive compensation, privacy, and workplace human rights. She advises on M&A, reorganizations, and compliance across sectors including energy and financial services. Anne is recognized by Chambers Canada and Best Lawyers. She holds degrees from Acadia and the University of New Brunswick, and is called to the bars of Ontario and Nova Scotia. Anne serves clients nationally from her base in Ontario. ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Slava%20Sherbatov%20and%20Shane%20Warcop%20(190x190)-1.png) #### Slava Sherbatov & Shane Warcop PH&N Institutional Speaker Bios ##### Thursday, June 26, 2025 ### Financial Plenary: Economic double-header - Canadian Productivity Problems + Tariffs in Focus In this presentation, Shane Warcop and Slava Sherbatov, portfolio managers with PH&N Institutional, addressed two quite different but equally pressing economic topics: Canadian productivity (famously poor in recent years) and the prospects for U.S. tariffs (still highly uncertain and wide ranging). [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Thu%20-%20Plenary%201%20-%20Slava%20Sherbatov%20and%20Shane%20Warcop.pdf?hsLang=en) × Slava is an institutional portfolio manager at PH&N Institutional, specializing in alternatives, equities, and multi-asset solutions. He supports institutional clients by structuring and implementing investment strategies and contributes to the RBC Alternative Investments Committee, focusing on the RBC MultiStrategy Alpha Fund. Since joining RBC in 2012, Slava has held various roles, following earlier experience in distribution and management at a global asset manager. He began his investment career in 2006 and brings deep expertise across diverse investment mandates.  Shane specializes in fixed income mandates. He joined PH&N in 2016 after spending the previous three years as a Director Fixed Income Product Sales & Trading at HSBC Securities. In his role, Shane was responsible for marketing Canadian fixed income products and managing client relationships with pension funds, life insurance companies, central banks, hedge funds and asset managers across Canada, Europe, and the U.S. Shane began his career in the investment industry in 1997 and has worked in institutional fixed income sales for firms in Canada and London, U.K. since 2001. ![Photo](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/Danny%20Persaud%20and%20Adam%20Casciato%20(190x190)%20.png) #### Danny Persaud & Adam Casciato InnPower Speaker Bios ##### Thursday, June 26, 2025 ### AI for LDC Operations The use of AI agents to develop grid assets is now a reality, marking a new era in asset management. InnPower, in collaboration with Senpilot, is leading this innovation. This session explored early successes, essential risk management strategies, and the vast potential of this transformative technology. [ Download Presentation ](https://www.mearie.ca/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202025/Thu%20-%20Plenary%202%20-%20Adam%20Casciato%20and%20Danny%20Persaud.pdf?hsLang=en) × Danny Persaud is the President & CEO of InnPower Corp., InnServices Utilities Inc., and InnTerprises Inc. Together, these organizations deliver electricity, water, wastewater, telecom, and energy services to more than 23,000 customers across Innisfil and South Barrie. Danny holds a Bachelor of Engineering, a Master of Business Administration and is also a licensed Professional Engineer and a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. As Manager of Infrastructure Services at InnPower, Adam oversees Distribution Engineering, Distribution Operations, and Asset Management, bringing adaptive and innovative leadership to the utility industry. Recognized for his ability to identify deficiencies and opportunities, he develops innovative, cost-effective solutions that drive productivity, streamline processes, and enhance organizational effectiveness. With extensive experience in operational management, budgeting, and interdepartmental collaboration, and an MBA specializing in innovation, Adam is committed to fostering growth and delivering impactful results. --- ### Thank You 2025 Sponsors! The MEARIE Conference is supported by the generous contributions of business partners, industry members, local distribution companies, and more. - ![BLANK](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BLANK.png?width=600&height=600&name=BLANK.png) - [![CBS](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/CBS.png?width=700&height=700&name=CBS.png) **Diamond** **Sponsor** **Lakeside Reception ****& Dinner** ](http://www.compben.com/) - [![BFL-CANADA](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/TMC%202023%20Assets/BFL-CANADA_LOGO.jpg?width=946&height=473&name=BFL-CANADA_LOGO.jpg) **Titanium** **Sponsor** **Golf ****Tournament** ](https://www.bflcanada.ca/) - ![BLANK](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BLANK.png?width=600&height=600&name=BLANK.png) - ![BLANK](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BLANK.png?width=600&height=600&name=BLANK.png) Hover message - [![bluewaterPower](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/bluewaterPower.png?width=700&height=700&name=bluewaterPower.png) **Gold** **Sponsor** **Magician Feature &** **Branded Hotel Keys** ](https://bluewaterpower.com/) - [![Sponsor Logos Website Grid_DGT](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/Sponsor%20Logos%20Website%20Grid_DGT.png?width=4861&height=4861&name=Sponsor%20Logos%20Website%20Grid_DGT.png) **Gold** **Sponsor** **Breakfast ****& ****Delegate Pens** ](https://www.doanegrantthornton.ca/) - [![OEC-Logo-Scaled-Energy_Infrastructure-RGB-2](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/OEC-Logo-Scaled-Energy_Infrastructure-RGB-2.png?width=6001&height=3901&name=OEC-Logo-Scaled-Energy_Infrastructure-RGB-2.png) **Gold** **Sponsor** **Wellness ****Afternoon Lunch ****&** **Networking Break** ](https://oec.ca/) - [![PH&N-2](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/PH%26N-2.png?N-2.png&width=700&height=700&name=PH%26N-2.png?N-2.png) **Gold** **Sponsor** **Keynote Speaker** ](https://institutional.phn.com/) - ![BLANK](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BLANK.png?width=600&height=600&name=BLANK.png) Hover message - [![Goodmans LLP](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/Goodmans-LLP.png?width=700&height=700&name=Goodmans-LLP.png) **Ruby** **Sponsor** **Breakfast** ](https://www.goodmans.ca/) - [![JOMAR](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/JOMAR-1.png?width=600&height=600&name=JOMAR-1.png) **Ruby** **Sponsor** **Delegate ****Badge** **Lanyard** ](https://jomarsoftcorp.com/) - [![Milton Hydro](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Milton%20PNG-1.png?width=4861&height=4861&name=Milton%20PNG-1.png) **Emerald** **Sponsor** **Wine & Cheese ****Tasting** ](https://www.miltonhydro.com/) - [![Util-Assist Solutions. Simplified.](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/utilismart%20(1).png?width=600&height=600&name=utilismart%20(1).png) **Emerald** **Sponsor** **Digital ****Photobooth** ](https://utilassist.com/) - [![David Cahill Morrison](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsor%20Logos%20Website%20Grid_DCM_horiz.png?width=300&height=300&name=Sponsor%20Logos%20Website%20Grid_DCM_horiz.png) **Opal** **Sponsor** **Travelling ****Lunch** ](https://dcmlaw.ca/) - [![utilismart](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/utilismart.png?width=600&height=600&name=utilismart.png) **Opal** **Sponsor** **Travelling ****Lunch** ](https://www.utilismartcorp.com/) - [![ENWIN](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/ENWIN%20PNG-1.png?width=3472&height=3472&name=ENWIN%20PNG-1.png) **Quartz** **Sponsor** **Evening ****Entertainment** ](https://enwin.com/) - [![Eckler](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/Eckler.png?width=700&height=700&name=Eckler.png) **Emerald** **Sponsor** **Conference ****Wi-Fi** ](https://www.eckler.ca/) - [![SecurityScorecard](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/SecurityScorecard_grid.png?width=400&height=400&name=SecurityScorecard_grid.png) **Quartz** **Sponsor** **Branded Mints** ](https://securityscorecard.com/) - [![Dion Strategic](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Dion%20Grid.png?width=4861&height=4861&name=Dion%20Grid.png) **Emerald** **Sponsor** **Networking ****Break** ](https://dionstrategic.com/) - [![TGP LLP](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/TGP-LLP.png?width=700&height=700&name=TGP-LLP.png) **Emerald** **Sponsor** **Networking ****Break** ](https://tgplawyers.com/) - [![Aviva Grid](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Aviva%20Grid.png?width=4861&height=4861&name=Aviva%20Grid.png) **Pearl** **Sponsor** **Delegate ****Prize Draw** ](https://www.aviva.ca/en/) - [![CanadaLife](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/CanadaLife.png?width=700&height=700&name=CanadaLife.png) **Pearl** **Sponsor** **On the Water Activity** ](https://www.canadalife.com/) - [![Enova](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/EnovaLogo_Web-Grid2.png?width=4861&height=4861&name=EnovaLogo_Web-Grid2.png) **Pearl** **Sponsor** **Delegate ****Prize Draw** ](https://enovapower.com/) - [![ERTH](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/ERTH.png?width=600&height=600&name=ERTH.png) **Pearl** **Sponsor** **Workshop** ](https://www.erthcorp.com/) - [![GrandBridge](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Grandbridge%20(1).png?width=600&height=600&name=Grandbridge%20(1).png) **Pearl** **Sponsor** **Golf ****Longest Drive** ](https://grandbridgeenergy.com/) - [![Rexall](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TMC/Sponsor%20Logos%20for%20Sponsor%20Block+Text/Sponsor%20Logos%20Website%20Grid_Rexall_PP_2.png?width=400&height=400&name=Sponsor%20Logos%20Website%20Grid_Rexall_PP_2.png) **Pearl** **Sponsor** **Golf Closest ****to the Pin** ](https://www.rexall.ca/ppn/) - [![Telus Health](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Telus%20Health.png?width=600&height=600&name=Telus%20Health.png) **Pearl** **Sponsor** **Delegate ****Prize Draw** ](https://www.telus.com/en/health) - [![McTague](https://www.mearie.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/McTague.png?width=600&height=600&name=McTague.png) **General** **Sponsor** ](https://mctague.law/)