Inaugural Smart Growth Symposium Explored Intersection of Sustainability and Innovation

(Toronto, December 13, 2023) – The inaugural Smart Growth Symposium, a collaborative effort by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Climate Positive Energy Initiative at the University of Toronto (U of T), was a groundbreaking event that took place last month at Hart House, U of T. This event marked a significant step in exploring the vital intersection between sustainability and innovation.

“Innovation is crucial for driving sustainable practices. This year’s symposium emphasized the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors to ensure alignment on outcomes and processes. It underscored that sustainability is smart business, and requires extensive buy-in and strategic thinking for the innovation, development, and implementation of new technology,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, OCC.

Hosted on November 21, the symposium was a major success, evidenced by its full attendance, with over 250 leaders from various industries and government sectors coming together. The primary focus was on integrating sustainable innovation across different sectors. Discussions spanned an array of critical topics, such as the role of artificial intelligence and financial technology in business operations, the impact of digitization on supply chains, and the importance of electrification.

The symposium was supported by several key partners, including the Co-host, Climate Positive Energy Initiative at U of T, along with Supporting Partners, 407 ETR and the Canadian Credit Union Association, and Contributing Partner, Northcrest Developments. Their contributions were integral to the event’s success.

Looking ahead, the OCC extends an invitation for partnership opportunities for the 2024 Smart Growth Symposium. Neeky Dalir, Policy Analyst, is the contact for those interested in collaborating to continue driving dialogue and action on sustainable growth and innovation.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

About the Climate Positive Energy Initiative at University of Toronto
The Climate Positive Energy Initiative at the University of Toronto (U of T) is developing social, scientific, technical, economic, and policy solutions to transform our energy systems, ensure energy access and production is equitable, and help Canada become a global clean-energy model. CPE facilitates collaborative research, build partnerships, promote knowledge translation, and provide training opportunities for students and faculty. CPE also supports existing sustainable energy and climate change initiatives across the University, including U of T’s Climate Positive Plan by 2050, extending the University’s impact by integrating U of T’s various clean energy research and training endeavours with the University’s sustainable infrastructure projects.

For more information, please contact:
Samir Janmohamed
Policy and Public Affairs Specialist
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
samirjanmohamed@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 882-9878