Clean Energy Canada’s Smith joins SFU Centre for Dialogue

VANCOUVER—Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue announced today that Merran Smith, Director of Clean Energy Canada, has been named a Fellow within the Centre, effective immediately.

Along with Smith’s appointment, Clean Energy Canada will become a new program within SFU’s Centre for Dialogue. The program, formerly a project of Tides Canada, will continue to employ original research and dialogue to accelerate the nation’s shift to a clean and renewable energy economy. Smith will continue leading the program as executive director.

During her career, Smith has brought together business, government, and civil society organizations to create innovative solutions to some of the most challenging issues of our age. She received the Clean16 award for sustainability and clean capitalism, the Wilburforce Foundation Award for Outstanding Conservation Leadership, and a transformative leadership award for the Seasons Fund.

“I am honoured by the opportunity to team up with one of Canada’s most prestigious and respected universities,” said Smith.

“We are proud of the important work that Clean Energy Canada has accomplished as a Tides Canada project,” said Ross McMillan, President and CEO of Tides Canada. “SFU’s Centre for Dialogue is a natural platform to amplify Clean Energy Canada’s impact given its evolving policy focus. We look forward to continuing our work with SFU and Clean Energy Canada to advance a shared vision of a thriving green economy for the country.”

“Within a few short years, Clean Energy Canada has landed on the national stage as a critical contributor to important conversations about how to ensure Canada continues to prosper far into a carbon-constrained future,” said Shauna Sylvester, director of the Centre for Dialogue. “We’re thrilled to have Merran Smith and Clean Energy Canada join our climate solutions team, which also includes Carbon Talks and Renewable Cities.”

Based in Vancouver but active across the country, Clean Energy Canada builds awareness of and support for solutions that address climate disruption and foster an energy-efficient, ecologically responsible, and prosperous economy.

Tides Canada is a national charity dedicated to building a healthy environment and resilient communities for all Canadians. Since 2000, the organization has supported innovative efforts to address tough environmental and social problems, and it has worked to build bridges between and among sectors.

Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue uses dialogue to generate non-partisan and constructive communication around difficult topics. The Centre partners with government, business, and community groups to explore critical issues that impact the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of our communities.

As Canada’s engaged university, SFU is defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement. SFU was founded almost 50 years ago with a mission to be a different kind of university—to bring an interdisciplinary approach to learning, embrace bold initiatives, and engage with communities near and far. Today, SFU is a leader amongst Canada’s comprehensive research universities and is ranked one of the top universities in the world under 50 years of age. With campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby—SFU has eight faculties, delivers almost 150 programs to over 30,000 students, and boasts more than 130,000 alumni in 130 countries around the world.