Combining productivity and sustainable transition: A new framework for businesses facing ever-higher expectations
In a context marked by persistent uncertainty—geopolitical tensions, slowdown of the Canadian economy, and growing pressure on operational costs—companies may be more concerned about short-term survival.
Yet, the green transition has become an essential lever to strengthen resilience and create value. It prepares businesses for the economy of the future, where environmental performance will be inseparable from economic performance.
On March 20, the convertgence Strategic Forum returns for a new edition. This flagship event, which brought together more than 1,100 participants during its first two editions, gathers business leaders, specialists, and public policy and innovation experts contributing to the green transition.
This full day of conferences, panels, and expert sessions aims to guide companies in their strategic choices and demonstrate, in concrete terms, that sustainable transition is a powerful driver of innovation, performance, and growth.
Take part in this forum to discover:
- Practical solutions to meet environmental requirements, reduce risks, optimize processes, and improve energy efficiency, while opening the door to new financing opportunities and partnerships.
- Innovative business models, from the circular economy to the sharing economy, including clean technologies, illustrated through testimonials from companies that are transforming their practices to strengthen productivity and competitiveness.
- A strategic perspective on Montréal as an innovative metropolis and a driving force behind a sustainable economic transition.
A winning and productive strategy to propel your competitiveness
An enriching experience: attend talks and panel discussions in the morning and take part in expert-led sessions in the afternoon.
A host of business opportunities
Take advantage of networking opportunities throughout the day, from breaks, meals and expert-led sessions to the closing networking cocktail hour.
Expo area
Explore our exhibition area, where organizations will be on hand to help you accelerate your transition.
Meet them: AECOM, Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD), convertgence, Insertech, Ordre des CPA du Québec, Schneider Electric, SOFIAC, Stratzer and Ville de Montréal.
With the participation of:
Our program and speakers
7:30 a.m. − Participant welcome: breakfast, networking, and exhibitor visits:
AECOM, Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD), convertgence, Insertech, Ordre des CPA du Québec, Schneider Electric, SOFIAC, Stratzer and Ville de Montréal.
8:15 a.m. − Welcome remarks and start of the morning conference sessions
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Grégoire Baillargeon
President, BMO Financial Group, Quebec
Vice-Chair, BMO Capital Markets
Vice Chair, BMO Climate Institute
BLOCK 1
BLOCK
1
Perspectives supported by facts
This first section highlights the main economic gains associated with private investment initiatives in sustainable productivity: improved performance and competitiveness, increased return on investments, resource optimization, reduced waste, attraction and retention of the workforce, etc.
Through discussions with public decision-makers and private-sector leaders, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how their efforts toward the green transition can translate into tangible and sustainable economic gains.
8:30 a.m. − Panel discussion – Changing to endure: The fundamentals shaping the future
8:50 a.m. ‒ Panel discussion – Global markets: Why sustainability is becoming an essential criterion
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Claudine Gagnon
Executive Director, Communities and Social Performance
Rio Tinto
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Jean-Claude Lasserre
President and CEO
Saint-Gobain Canada
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Frederick Morency
Vice President, Sustainable Development, Strategic Initiatives & Innovation – Canada
Schneider Electric
9:15 a.m. ‒ Panel discussion – Investors and credibility: Why does the transition matter?
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Grégoire Baillargeon
President, BMO Financial Group, Quebec
Vice-Chair, BMO Capital Markets
Vice Chair, BMO Climate Institute
9:40 a.m. ‒ Panel discussion – Sustainable productivity: What role for major clients?
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Vincent Payette
Head, Strategic Vision and Partnerships
Hydro-Québec
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Genevieve Roy
Vice President, Environment and Sustainable Development
Pomerleau
10 a.m. ‒ Networking break and exhibitor visits:
AECOM, Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD), convertgence, Insertech, Ordre des CPA du Québec, Schneider Electric, SOFIAC, Stratzer and Ville de Montréal.
BLOCK 2
BLOCK
2
Cases that speak for themselves
This second block will highlight companies that are reinventing their business models to meet productivity requirements. Through concrete examples from the circular economy and innovative enterprises, it will demonstrate how green innovation becomes a driver of competitiveness and creates new opportunities.
10:30 a.m. ‒ Panel discussion ‒ Transform to perform: Examples of local leaders in energy efficiency
10:45 a.m. ‒ Discussion ‒ From vision to impact: Sustainable business models and the circular economy
BLOCK 3
BLOCK
3
When montréal becomes a driver of success
This final block will highlight what makes Montréal unique in terms of sustainable development: its economic dynamism, international reach, and the richness of its economic ecosystem. A city of diversity and creativity, Montréal stands out for the engagement of its citizens and the vitality of its local initiatives.
11 a.m. ‒ Panel discussion ‒ Montréal, ecosystem city: A human-scale transition model
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Daniel Charron
Vice-President, Engagement, Sustainability and Public Affairs
Fondaction
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Julie Jodoin
Director
Espace pour la vie
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Gabrielle Rousseau-Bélanger
Executive Committee Member, responsible for the environment, ecological transition, and green spaces and advisor
Ville de Montréal
11:30 a.m. ‒ Panel discussion ‒ For a better future: The new McGill sustainable development park
11:45 a.m. ‒ Panel discussion – Facing the urgency: The power to inspire and unite
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Jean Lemire
Envoy for Climate Change, Northern and Arctic Affairs
Government of Québec ‒ MRIF
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Ghislain Picard
Former Chief of the APNQL
Associate Professor
HEC Montréal
12 p.m. ‒ Lunch, networking and exhibitor visits:
AECOM, Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD), convertgence, Insertech, Ordre des CPA du Québec, Schneider Electric, SOFIAC, Stratzer and Ville de Montréal.
The buffet served was developed in collaboration with Équiterre, following recommendations for a planetary-friendly menu.
2 p.m. ‒ EXPERT SESSIONS OFFERED IN PARALLEL – Duration: 45 minutes
Explore the workshops available and choose the one that suits you best on site.
A session that offers practical ways to integrate sustainable development initiatives into your business strategy, decision-making, and operations.
Concrete examples and an opportunity to ask your questions during a discussion with CPA Normand Bisson, who is currently leading a small revolution in the circular economy with the Consignaction project!
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Normand Bisson
President and CEO
Association québécoise de récupération des contenants de boissons / Consignaction
Member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (CPA)
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Maude Bujeault-Bolduc
Director, Institutional and Societal Communications
Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (CPA)
Terms related to sustainability have dropped by 76% in financial reports. Yet 99% of executives are maintaining their ESG commitments. Action continues; it is communication that has changed.
In its recent strategic report on the future of sustainable communication, Republik reached a clear conclusion: trust is not rebuilt through advertising, but through proof. This session builds on that reflection by offering a practical framework for action, based on research conducted in partnership with UQAM.
You will discover levers that make it possible to measure and communicate your impact credibly. In small groups, you will work with a self-assessment tool to evaluate your own societal reputation, and then share your reflections with the wider group.
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Michele Musci
Impact Strategist
Republik
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Marie Vaillancourt
Director, Brand Strategy and Content
Republik
Launch your projects with the Ville de Montréal!
Discover how to do business with the Ville and the financial support available to help propel your circular economy ideas.
Free express circular diagnosis on site!
Identify your opportunities for savings, efficiency, and innovation in just a few minutes with the Synergie Montréal team. And why not go further? The Ville could fund 50% to 75% of your in-depth assessment with the expert of your choice.
3 p.m. – Networking cocktail reception
4 p.m. – End of event
Partners in this Strategic Forum