From the very first session, the Canada room at the National Art Centre was packed — this year, Carbon Removal Day was a sold-out conference with over 200 leaders from across sectors to chart the course for one of Canada’s most exciting emerging industries. The theme, “Policy to Progress,” built upon policy advancements made in the last year and underscored the growing momentum and urgency to make Canada a global leader in carbon removal.
Following opening remarks from Na’im Merchant (Carbon Removal Canada) and Assistant Deputy Minister Drew Leyburne (Natural Resources Canada), the day began with a slew of major announcements, followed by panels, presentations, and roundtables.
Three industry-wide announcements
The Treasury Board Secretariat’s request for information
Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, President of the Treasury Board, announced a request for information (RFI) from the carbon removal industry on its ability to supply removal credits for Canada’s first-ever carbon removal procurement program. A consultation session followed, led by Chris Lindberg (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat), Malcolm Edwards (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat) and Monica Reed (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat / Natural Resources Canada).
Industry members can now express their opinions on the RFI directly to the government. Be sure to submit to the RFI (EN/FR) by April 4, 2025.
B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy’s (CICE) Call for Innovation
The consultation was followed by more exciting news, this time from the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE). Chantelle Carden, CICE’s carbon management lead, debuted their $3 million Call for Carbon Dioxide Removal Innovation. This fund aims to accelerate the commercialization of carbon removal technologies and is open to companies across Canada. They are accepting applications until April 30, 2025.
Carbon Removal Canada’s upcoming industry dashboard
We also announced that we are building an industry dashboard to provide comprehensive market insights and project-level data on Canada’s carbon removal sector. Funded by RBC Tech for Nature, this dashboard will serve as a critical resource and knowledge hub for industry stakeholders.
To help ensure broad industry representation, promote transparency and facilitate knowledge sharing, we are collecting data from suppliers, buyers, and supply chain partners. To be included, be sure to fill out our survey by March 31.
A recap of every panel from Carbon Removal Day
How are we growing the project pipeline?
Following a morning of announcements, the first panel was moderated by Stacy Kauk (Isometric). It featured Michael Maracle-Polak (Akwekon Enterprises), Luke Connell (Carbon Run), Phil De Luna (Deep Sky), and Vida Gabriel (TerraFixing). They spoke to the unique benefits and challenges of operating in Canada. Although Canada has support for environmental stewardship, a good climate, and geologic storage capabilities, the speakers highlighted the need to better prioritize building trust with Indigenous communities.
Showing our work – how is the carbon removal sector building trust and integrity?
The following panel, “Showing our work – how is the carbon removal sector building trust and integrity?”, was moderated by J.P. Jepp (Nexus Climate & Energy Strategy) and featured Anu Khan (Carbon Removal Standards Initiative), Jackie Mercer (Environment and Climate Change Canada), and Jim Mann (UNDO).
They cautioned attendees to learn from past offset mistakes to build trust and integrity. What is necessary now, they explained, is developing standards with full transparency and data integrity to ensure credibility. Compliance markets from the government end would also help.
There’s something in carbon removal for everyone — are we building enduring relationships to advance the sector?
Ed Whittingham (Advance) moderated a panel featuring Daniel Kelter (Carbon Removal Canada), Lucy Hargreaves (Patch), and Jorden Dye (Pembina Institute).
Given that permanent carbon removal is no longer a nice to have; rather, it is a necessity of any credible environmental platform and economic strategy, their discussion highlighted concerns around political uncertainty in both the United States and Canada. For an enduring foundation, they called on broader Canadian economic incentives and more provincial specialization — a federal purchase of carbon removal, for example, would encourage corporate purchases. They also stressed the importance of market mechanisms like Advance Market Commitments to encourage early adoption.
Canada’s potential as a global leader in carbon removal also hinges on long-term strategies, focusing on incentives, fast-track policies, and international cooperation. Leveraging Canada’s strong tech sector, for example, will be key to attracting global business or Canada’s role as the host of the next G7. These are opportunities for Canada to show leadership, gather like-minded countries, and figure out the art of the possible.
Is the industry investment ready?
The final panel of the day was moderated by journalist Matteo Cimellaro (National Observer) and featured Gregoire Baillargeon (BMO), Jane Kearns (Evok Innovations), Mike Kelland (Planetary Technologies), and Adam Fraser (Terraset).
The group of investors and financial actors spoke to the industry’s current financial readiness and what steps would help to de-risk capital support. They highlighted how long-term relationships are crucial in investments, with proof points like independent verifications and investor confidence needed. The biggest proof point is demand, with government action potentially helping to create a low-cost market. The speakers also called Canada well-positioned to leverage underutilized philanthropic capital into an opportunity for growth.
Final discussions
The conference also included two roundtable discussions that allowed everyone to engage with their tablemates. The first covered the newest policy developments from across the globe and asked attendees to consider how to capitalize on Canada’s natural advantages to lead growth at home and abroad. The second asked attendees about their thoughts regarding how best to go about setting carbon removal targets and avoiding pitfalls when doing so. Participation for both roundtables was strong, and representatives from each group shared takeaways with the wider audience.
The final presentation of the day was by Noah Deich (Carbon180) on “Getting to Gigatonne,” followed by a fireside chat between Deich and Na’im Merchant (Carbon Removal Canada). Deich discussed that while political conditions are uncertain, carbon removal advocates should focus on local narratives and consider social, political, and technical risks.
He argued that there is currently a demonstrable need for carbon removal, and the big question is: “Where will the next $25B in innovation funding come from?” To set the industry up for success, it will need persuasive messaging, credible messengers, and integration into broader climate efforts as governments consider how to support carbon removal.
Don’t miss Carbon Removal Day next year!
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