December 4, 2025
Vancouver, British Columbia
More than 100 leaders from British Columbia’s renewable energy and energy storage sector gathered in Vancouver at the Deloitte office for an evening of networking, sector dialogue and timely market updates. Participants included CanREA members, developers, suppliers, municipal representatives, Indigenous partners and community leaders working to advance clean-power development across the province.
The BC reception featured the launch of Wind & Solar BC, a new public-engagement initiative led by CanREA, in partnership with the Community Energy Association and Relay Education, and with support from Innergex Renewable Energy, RES Canada, BluEarth Renewables and EDF Power Solutions.
Event highlights
Opening remarks
The evening began with remarks from Samira Dadgar, Partner, Global Investment and Innovation Incentives at Deloitte, who welcomed participants and helped situate the importance of transparent, evidence-based dialogue as British Columbia’s energy landscape continues to evolve.
Introduction to Wind & Solar BC
Following Samira’s welcome, Patricia Lightburn (CanREA) provided background on Wind & Solar BC, outlining its purpose: to deliver clear, credible information about clean-power projects and to support constructive conversations with residents, communities and decision-makers across the province.
Guest speaker and launch
The event’s featured remarks came from Mike de Jong, Ambassador for Wind & Solar BC, who officially launched the initiative.
Mike spoke about British Columbia’s historic new chapter of renewable energy development, the opportunity for clean-power projects to bring thousands of new jobs to communities across BC, and the need for accessible, trustworthy information to support meaningful public engagement.
Mike de Jong is one of British Columbia’s longest-serving MLAs. Over his 30-year tenure, he held multiple senior cabinet roles—including Attorney General and Minister of Finance, Health, Forests, Labour, Multiculturalism, and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation—bringing deep experience in governance, policy and public administration.
Networking and sector engagement
Over light refreshments, participants exchanged insights on provincial procurement needs, community engagement, technology deployment and the increasingly important role of wind, solar and energy storage in BC’s electricity future.
Member and Network Meetings
Earlier in the day, CanREA convened BC member network meetings, bringing together companies and stakeholders from across the province. These sessions offered updates on policy developments, market conditions and future opportunities, further strengthening the provincial network ahead of the evening reception.
A collective effort for British Columbia’s energy future
CanREA extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their active engagement. The event provided a valuable space to advance conversations on BC’s renewable energy opportunities, strengthen relationships and build momentum, particularly through the newly launched Wind & Solar BC initiative.
We encourage all attendees to consult our events calendar for details on upcoming CanREA events nationwide and www.windandsolar.bc.ca for more information on this exciting new initiative.
Thank you to our partners and supporters
Wind & Solar BC is delivered in partnership with:
- Community Energy Association
- Relay Education
With project support from:
- Innergex Renewable Energy
- RES Canada
- BluEarth Renewables
- EDF Power Solutions
Thank you to our sponsors:
