Sustainable Sport in Action: Meet the Experts
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BRIDGING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE IN
SUSTAINABLE SPORT
Sport depends on our waters, fields, and mountains. Protecting them is essential to the future of sport. That is why the Canada Games Council is committed to supporting the sport community in delivering more sustainable events at every stage of the event lifecycle.
Our upcoming webinar, Sustainable Sport in Action: Turning Principles into Practice, taking place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026,brings together leading voices from sport and beyond to share practical ways to move from environmental goals to real world execution. This session will spotlight our newly updated resources, Sustainable Sport in Action: A Technical Companion and Planning Guide, designed to help event organizers embed sustainable practices from early planning through to delivery and legacy.
Supported by the Canadian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee, this webinar will equip sport leaders with the tools and insight needed to lead by example and drive meaningful impact across the Canadian sport landscape.
Financial investments from the Government of Canada have enabled the CGC to build capacity and expertise in this crucial area.
Ann is an international thought leader, advisor and speaker on regenerative design, sport event sustainability and positive legacies. She has engaged with a myriad of Olympic and Paralympic Games bids and organizing committees (including Vancouver2010), World Cup sporting events (including FIFA2026), host cities and sporting organisations like the Canada Games Council.
With over 35 years of experience, Ann combines place-based design and multi-party planning with mega-sport event hosting to deliver excellent event experiences, achieve shared goals, and create lasting legacies.
For this webinar, Ann will bring her experience as Chief Sustainability Officer for the Vancouver2010 Games and advisor to the IOC, describing how Canada and the Olympics have improved accountability for climate, nature, social and economic impacts.
Ann helped champion the first Canadian sustainable event planning and management standard (CSAZ2010), international standard (ISO2021), the first sustainable event reporting guidance document with the Global Reporting Initiative, and several bespoke sustainable sport and event toolkits for the sport and event sector.
Andrew Baker is a 20-year veteran of the Olympic world, joining the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) in 2005 and supporting Team Canada through 10 Olympic, five Pan American, and multiple smaller Games (Youth Olympic Games, Beach Games) in increasingly senior roles within the Games Operations and External Affairs departments of the organization.
Since 2019 Andrew has overseen the creation and growth of the External Affairs department at the COC. In his current role of Chief External Affairs Officer, Andrew leads the COC’s International Relations, Government Relations, Communications, and Olympic Bidding and Hosting departments, connecting global and domestic efforts to leverage sport, and the Olympic platform, as a tool for change. Responsible for COC’s efforts to bring the Olympic & Paralympic Games back to Canada, Andrew led bid efforts for the BC2030 Winter Games bid under the direction of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the world’s first ever Indigenous-led Olympic and Paralympic Games bid.
Andrew graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration from Laurentian University in 2005 and holds an Executive MBA from Queens University and Cornell University. In 2015, he was a recipient of the “5 to Watch” in Canadian Sport Business award.
Gillian Orris is a sustainability leader working at the intersection of sport, climate action and large-scale event delivery. With a career spanning global organizations, government partners and community-based non-profits, Gill specializes in building practical, measurable and people centred sustainability strategies that turn ambition into action.
Gill currently serves as the Manager of Sustainability for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ (FIFA26), where she leads sustainability planning and delivery across the Canadian host cities. In this role, she coordinates cross border efforts with counterparts in the United States, Mexico and FIFA Zurich, works closely with government agencies, NGOs and Host City teams, advises on Canada’s evolving environmental and regulatory landscape, and oversees key initiatives including sustainable venue operations, upstream waste reduction, circularity, biodiversity and climate action programs. She also contributes to tournament-wide sustainability reporting, procurement alignment, media engagement and workforce training to strengthen the World Cup’s long-term legacy.
Gill’s broader career includes experience across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Through her consulting practice, she has supported clients on sustainability strategy, circularity, event design, impact measurement and climate driven community programming.
Known for her collaborative approach, Gill excels at bringing together local businesses, governments, Indigenous partners, event teams and community groups to create tangible, achievable climate solutions. She is driven by the belief that major sporting and cultural events can be powerful catalysts for environmental stewardship, community wellbeing and enduring positive legacy.
Tonya Lagrasta is the Global Head of Sustainability at Colliers, where she leads the firm’s strategy, reporting, and integration across global operations. With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, property management, consulting, and retail, Tonya is known for driving measurable sustainability outcomes and long-term value for clients and stakeholders.
Previously, she served as Canadian Head of ESG and National Practice Leader, Sustainability Services at Colliers in Canada, where she built and scaled a national platform that helps clients reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and enhance asset resilience. She also led Colliers Canada’s corporate Sustainability, Inclusion, and Social Impact strategy as chair of the ESG Executive Steering Committee.
Tonya brings deep cross-sectoral experience and has served in leadership roles on numerous boards and advisory councils. She continues to shape Colliers’ sustainability narrative globally by aligning strategy with regulatory expectations, investor interests, and commercial opportunities.
Isaac Owens-Frank serves as Sustainability Consultant to the Canada Games, where he’s responsible for developing an emissions estimate and inventory for the 2027 Canada Games. Prior to this, he developed the sustainability plan and emissions inventory for the 2025 Canada Games. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Environment and Business from the University of Waterloo.
Wissam Ghoussaini is ABB’s Building Automation Leader for Canada, with 17+ years of experience across the Middle East and North America. He helps venues and organizations turn sustainability targets into measurable results by reducing emissions and operating costs through smart HVAC and lighting controls, automation, and analytics, using practical strategies that can be implemented quickly. Wissam is passionate about bringing together utilities, innovators, and the public sector to scale resilient, AI-enabled energy infrastructure that leaves host communities with a lasting legacy. He holds a Master of Management in Analytics from McGill University and an Executive MBA from IE Business School.
Oliver Scholfield is an Olympian (Tokyo 2020) who represented Canada in Field Hockey for over 10 years, and the Executive Director of Racing to Zero, a non-profit sustainability consultancy working with sports organizations to help them understand and mitigate their environmental impact. Having moved from the UK to Vancouver in 2011, he studied Natural Resources Conservation, followed by a Masters in Business Management, both at UBC.
Adam Schwarz is Director of Corporate Sustainability and Reporting at Delphi, a Canadian boutique consultancy specializing in sustainability, climate, and ESG strategy. He advises organizations on embedding sustainability into core operations, governance, and risk frameworks, with a focus on turning sustainability from a reporting exercise into a driver of resilience, efficiency, and long-term value.
With nearly a decade of experience, Adam has supported organizations across finance, energy, transportation, healthcare, and consumer sectors in developing sustainability strategies, disclosure approaches, and data systems aligned with evolving regulatory and stakeholder expectations. His work emphasizes practical implementation—helping organizations move from intention to action through clear governance, measurable targets, and operational integration across the full lifecycle of programs and initiatives.
Tracey is a long-time Yukoner and respected leader in Canada’s sport system, with extensive experience in sport governance, event delivery, and athlete development. She currently serves as Executive Director of Sport Yukon and as President of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society.
Tracey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. She began her professional career as Director of Athletics at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, where she spent seven years leading within the Canadian university sport system.
In 2001, she returned North and has since played a pivotal role in major multi-sport events across the country. Her experience includes serving in senior leadership roles at nine Arctic Winter Games, seven Canada Games, and three Western Canada Summer Games, as well as serving as Chef de Mission. Her love of the Arctic Winter Games began when she participated as an athlete in the 1980’s and has grown since, culminating in her role as President of the 2026 Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games. Tracey’s breadth of experience reflects a career dedicated to strengthening sport systems, supporting athletes, and delivering world-class events for northern and national communities.
Chef Chris Zielinski is the Culinary Director and Executive Chef for MLSE. Chris’ diverse portfolio includes oversight of all quick-serve and premium foodservice at Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field and Coca-Cola Coliseum. In addition to his arena and stadium portfolio Chris oversees the culinary program for MLSE’s two stand-alone restaurants, Real Sports & e11even.
Over his 16-year tenure, Chris has continually raised the bar for MLSE through his innovative approach and passion for food. He has overseen tremendous growth and change within the three Scotiabank Arena Club Restaurants, including Scotiaclub, the renowned Hot Stove Club and the prestigious Platinum Club. With the opening of the 27,000 square foot Real Sports Bar and classic grill restaurant, e11even, Chris successfully created and implemented culinary programs that put fresh and local ingredients at the forefront.
With oversight of a team of 23 full-time chefs and 300 part-time cooks, Chris spends much of his time leading and motivating his team to think big, to always think like our fans, and to be at the forefront of culinary innovation. As the Senior Culinary Director, Chris has had the freedom to change the thinking around sustainability at all MLSE properties. During his tenure, there has been a massive shift on buying local, choosing sustainable, recovery of food as well as diversion of waste. All of these initiatives have been unifying moments for MLSE and some of Chris’s proudest accomplishments including Bringing Toronto Back to Its Feet program during the pandemic that saw the Food and Beverage Team create 675,000 meals for front line workers and those most in need.
A former Olympian in freestyle skiing, Philippe Marquis distinguished himself on the international stage thanks to his determination, resilience, and leadership, representing Canada at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games.
He then pursued his career as a coach at the Vail Ski & Snowboard Club and now with the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team while serving on several boards of directors, including those of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Ski Acro Québec, and TÉLUQ University. Concurrently, he completed a postgraduate certificate in international sport management at the University of London.
An ambassador for Protect Our Winter Canada and EcoAthletes, Philippe is also actively involved in the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable development in sport.
Tahira Endean, MSc, CITP, CMP, CEDHead of Program, IMEXAuthor, Intentional Event Design, Our Professional Opportunity (2017/22) and Our KPI is Joy, Using Live Events to Catalyze, Happiness, Productivity and Trust (2025)Co-founder, Strategy TableTahira is a curious event designer, curator of education for the MICE industry and change facilitator. Passionate about global travel, intentional event design and the integration of technology enhance the human experience, she has led fabulous events for decades. Change is inevitable and in 2023 Tahira put her passion for life-long learning into practice to earn an MSc in Creativity and Change Leadership, building upon her industry certifications, Instructors Diploma, Event Management Diploma and Bachelor of Hospitality Management. Tahira continues to educate the next generation, teaching Event Strategy and Design at BCIT and SDSU. Stay curious, be kind and always say yes to anything with bubbles!
The extra bits
Deeply committed to the industry, Tahira has been recognized for a range of contributions including 2022 Influencers with Northstar Meetings, SmartMeetings Women in Meetings Visionary (2021), MeetingsToday Top 20 Trendsetter (2018), a MeetingsNet Changemaker (2016), the MPI BC Chapter Mentor of the Year (2018) and in 2015 Tahira was inducted into the Meetings Canada Hall of Fame in the Big Idea category. Tahira contributed to the 9th edition of the CIC Manual which provides the framework for the CMP studies and has had the opportunity to speak around the globe for a variety of event industry conferences. Driven by a fascination with what we are learning about neuroscience and the power of the five senses to enhance memory, knowledge retention and improve connections, she is continually seeking appropriate ways to design the most relevant incentive. meeting and event environments. As an instructor at BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) she currently teaches Event Strategy and Design and previously instructed both Special Event Planning and Sustainable Event Management. Tahira also loves travel, cooking, time with her family, and anything with bubbles!
Passionate about the Canadian sport system, Kelly-Ann first began working in sport with Sport Canada in 2002. Kelly-Ann joined the Canada Games Council (CGC) in 2004 and has worked in multiple capacities for the organization. She was named President and CEO in 2021.
A graduate of Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, Kelly-Ann also earned a Minor in French. She has served on a variety of volunteer committees, including experience at international single-sport events, multi-sport Games, as well as national, community and sport development associations. She was a member of Team Canada’s Mission Staff for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
A sport enthusiast, her sport background includes athletics and rugby at the varsity level. She hung up her rugby cleats and spikes in 2004 and began officiating rugby matches. Today, she finds herself enjoying kayaking, cross-country and downhill skiing.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Kelly-Ann is fluent in both official languages. She resides in the Ottawa area with her husband Tyler and three children William, Ariel and Ireland.
A three-time Olympic medalist and icon in Canadian speed skating, Catriona is a true champion on and off the field of play. She is a tireless ambassador for the transformational power of sport and a distinguished member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. A Canada Games alum, Catriona is currently the President and CEO of Sport Calgary. She was Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.
Elder Dan Ross is an Algonquin from Pikwakanagan First Nation in Golden Lake, Ontario, who has lived in Ottawa since 1961. His spirit name is Animki Ana Qwat (Thunder Cloud) and he walks his path on Mother Earth in a sacred way. Over the past 20 years, Elder Dan has worked as an Indigenous Cultural/Spiritual Advisor as part of Elder Services at Correctional Service Canada, where his work has helped Indigenous people who have had conflict with the law reintegrate back into society and their communities. Elder Dan also provides elder support to the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Canada’s national voice for Aboriginal sport, physical activity and recreation, and has participated in numerous panels and committees. He continuously learns from those around him and openly passes on his knowledge about Indigenous traditions, culture and spirituality.
Elizabeth (Shirt) Gamble is a recognized energy, sustainability, and clean technology expert with over 20 years of experience. She has spent her career working with industry, innovators, investors, governments, and environmental organizations in pursuit of the “yes, and” solutions that will help accelerate a clean, competitive economy. As Chief Executive Officer of Profoundry, she leads a collective of like-minded sustainability and climate experts—including GLOBE, Delphi, CBSR, and Leading Change Canada—dedicated to building a sustainable, prosperous, and socially just future in a generation.
Previously, Elizabeth served as President of GLOBE, where she was instrumental in convening industry leaders, innovators, community champions, and policymakers through both GLOBE signature and client events. Her leadership facilitated impactful collaborations and action aimed at accelerating the clean economy.
In her previous role as Emission Reductions Alberta’s Executive Director of Policy and Strategy, Elizabeth was responsible for leading strategic initiatives and events. Elizabeth has also served in various roles with the Government of Alberta, including Director of the Climate Change Secretariat that supported the development of Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan, and Director of Innovation Policy and Programs within Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education.
Elizabeth holds a Master’s degree in Economics from George Mason University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Geography from the University of Mary Washington.
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Maxime Barabé is Director, Planning and Governance for the 2027 Canada Games Host Society, where he oversees governance, legacy, sustainability, inclusion, risk management, planning, knowledge transfer, and construction projects.
Since 2012, Maxime has also been an Advisor for the Recreation, Sports, and Community Life Department at the City of Québec, contributing his expertise to sports development and community programming. Prior to that, he spent a decade as General Manager of the Québec Regional Soccer Association.
Maxime holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Activity from Université Laval, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from UQAM, and a Corporate Governance Certificate from Université Laval.
