Setting Electrons Free: Expert Conversations on “Powering Canada Strong”, the Canadian Electricity Strategy

Claire Seaborn is Counsel at Torys LLP in Toronto where she helps private and public sector clients advance major projects, navigate government regulation, resolve project-related disputes, and develop governance and accountability frameworks. Claire is also an expert advisor for the Clean Economy Fund, Canada Climate Law Initiative, and the University of Oxford’s Climate Policy Monitor. Previously, Claire spent five years in senior roles at the Government of Canada, most recently as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources where she developed Canada’s Clean Electricity Strategy, Critical Minerals Strategy and Sustainable Jobs Plan.

Blake Shaffer is an associate professor of economics at the University of Calgary; faculty director of the Electricity Centre at UCalgary; project director of Western Transmission Catalysts; and co-director of Canada’s Energy Modelling Hub. Prior to academia, Shaffer had a 15-year career in energy trading, including at BC Hydro (Powerex), Barclays Capital, and Transalta, where he specialized in electricity, natural gas and emissions markets. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Calgary, masters in economics from the University of Cambridge, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from Queen’s University. He has held visiting scholar and Fulbright postdoctoral scholar positions at the Toulouse School of Economics and Stanford University. Shaffer also serves as policy advisor for various governments on energy and environmental policy matters.

Michelle has more than 25 years of public relations, education and business management experience. She has led research projects and community engagement initiatives in various sectors for government, industry and non-profits.

In her role as President of the Atlantica Centre for Energy, Michelle proactively advocates for the evolution and growth of Atlantic Canada’s energy sector and is a champion for a more reliable, affordable, secure, and economically competitive regional energy system.

Michelle serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Atlantic Hydrogen Alliance and is an Expert Advisory Panel member for the Atlantic Economic Panel, a private sector led initiative to lead transformational economic growth for the region.

Philippe Dunsky brings over three decades of experience focused on accelerating and scaling the transition to clean, resilient and affordable energy. He is the Founder and President of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, where he has the honour of leading a first-rate team of 70+ professionals. Founded in 2004, Dunsky supports utilities, regulators, governments, corporations and other clients among North America’s clean energy leaders.

As a trusted adviser to both executives and policymakers, Philippe helps organizations chart the course toward decarbonization without losing sight of economic imperatives. He is notably adept at storytelling and is a recognized thought leader with a unique ability to bridge technology, market, regulatory and policy spheres. In 2023-24, Philippe served as Chair of the Canada Electricity Advisory Council and previously served as the Chair of the Québec Government’s Electrification Working Group. Philippe is currently the Co-Chair of Efficiency Canada and serves as an Advisor to the Clean Economy Fund and to Electrifying Canada, among other positions.