Agents of Change 2026
Annual gathering dedicated to advancing fairness, representation and belonging in Canada’s electricity sector.
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Agents of Change 2026
Bold Voices, Brave Spaces
Agents of Change is headed to Montreal, QC, May 13–14, 2026, for a powerful gathering dedicated to advancing fairness, representation and belonging in Canada’s electricity sector.
EHRC, in collaboration with Women in Renewal Energy (WiRE), is proud to bring the flagship event to life—equipping attendees with fresh ideas, practical tools and resources to better support underrepresented individuals within their organizations. Expect inspiring speakers, meaningful conversations and opportunities to connect with champions of inclusive workplaces from across the country.
Featured speakers & performers
This year’s program features a powerful lineup of speakers whose lived experiences and leadership continue to shape conversations on equity, safety and systemic change.
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Farrah Khan
Keynote Speaker
Nationally recognized advocate whose work focused on cultivating consent, supporting survivors of sexual violence and driving institutional change.
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Rita Baga
Opening Gala Performer
Celebrated Canadian drag artist, performer and TV personality known for challenging conventions and uplifting 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
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Tealey Ka’senni:saks
Respected advocate from Kahnawake and the Bear Clan whose work has supported the urban Indigenous community in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal for more than 18 years.
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Pamela Cross
Leading expert on intimate partner violence (IPV), offering critical guidance for organizations committed to safer workplaces.
Program highlights
Agents of Change offers an exceptional professional development opportunity for HR professionals, students and new graduates, company leaders and DEI champions. We are proud to provide a platform that brings together employers, unions, educators, associations, nonprofits and government to be catalysts for inclusion.
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Exploring DEI in 2026
Discover how organizations and individuals are upholding DEI values and principles in the current landscape and what this means for initiatives in the Canadian context.
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Invigorating and insightful conversations
Engage in dynamic and interactive discussions with bright minds on a wide range topics including youth engagement, workplace safety, human rights, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and Indigenous leadership.
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Inspiring stories of change
Celebrate the achievements of change-makers as we highlight their impacts and contributions to creating inclusive and empowering workplaces.
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Prime networking connections
Meet peers, foster new professional relationships and strengthen existing connections in a welcoming environment.
Agenda at a glance — stay tuned for session announcements!
Our two-day program is filled with engaging sessions and conversations that explore current and emerging best practices for workplaces here at home and around the world.
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Wednesday, May 13
11:30 AM–4:30 PM | Electricity HR Leaders Forum (Pre-conference session; invite only)
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3 PM | Registration Opens
5–6:30 PM | Networking Reception
6:30–6:50 PM | Indigenous Opening (Tealey Ka’senni:saks)
6:50–7:10 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
7:10–8 PM | Opening Dinner
8–8:30 PM | Agent of Change Award Presentation
8:30–9:30 PM | Special Performance (Rita Baga)
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Thursday, May 14
7:30–8:30 AM | Networking Breakfast
8:30–8:45 AM | Morning Remarks
8:45–9:40 AM | Leadership Panel: Leading Forward – Women Shaping the Futures of Equity
9:45–10:45 AM | Keynote: Cultivating Consent Culture in the Workplace (Farah Khan)
10:45–11:15 AM | Morning Break
11:15–11:30 AM | Spotlight: Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy (Pride at Work Canada)
11:30 AM–12 PM | Speaker Session (to be announced)
12–1 PM | Lunch
1–2 PM | Panel Discussion (to be announced)
2–2:30 PM | Speaker Session: Journey of Turnkey Inclusive Policies
2:30–3 PM | Speaker Session (Pamela Cross)
3–3:30 PM | Afternoon Break
3:30–4:15 PM | Panel Discussion (to be announced)
4:15–4:30 PM | Closing Remarks
Agent of Change Award
Recognize a leader of change
The Agent of Change Award recognizes and celebrates exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
This award is presented annually to someone in Canada’s electricity sector who consistently demonstrates commitment, passion and impact in the workplace. They are role models who inspire those around them and lead others by their actions while advocating for change.
Nominations close March 31, 2026.
Accommodations and travel
We’re pleased to offer exclusive hotel rates and travel discounts for Agents of Change 2026. Details for planning your stay and booking your trip are below.
Hotel – Book by April 20
Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain
1050 Rue de la Gauchetière O
Montreal, QC, H3B 4C9
Take advantage of a preferred nightly rate of $309 CAD for stays between May 12–15, 2026. Use the link below to book or call the hotel at 1-514-878-900 and reference the group name: EHRC Agents of Change.
The preferred rate is available until April 20, 2026. After this date, remaining rooms will be released, and bookings will be subject to availability. Onsite parking is available at a daily rate.
Rail and air travel discounts
Access exclusive discounts for your travel to and from Montreal.
VIA Rail
Receive 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, and Sleeper Class. This offer is not applicable to Escape fares or Prestige Class. Maximum of two passengers per booking. The discount is valid for travel between May 8–19, 2026 from any VIA Rail station to Montreal, QC.
In the discount code field, select Conference Fares and enter code 16086.
Air Canada
Take advantage of exclusive fare discounts when travelling to Montreal (YUL) between May 6–21, 2026. North America: 5% off standard fares; 10% off flex fares or higher. International: 10% off standard fares or higher; 12% on Business Class fares, (5% on the lowest Business Class)
Enter promotion code CKXHNAW1 when booking.
Porter Airlines
Enjoy savings of up to 10% on available base fares to and from Montreal (YUL) between May 11–16, 2026. This offer excludes the lowest class fare during a public seat sale.
Enter promotion code AOC26 when booking, or use the link below.
Secure your spot today
Ready to register for Agents of Change?
Individual: $699 +tax
Table of 8: $4753.20 +tax (save 15%)
EHRC Members and Leadership Accord Signatories and Advocates save 20% on registration fees. If you haven’t already received your company’s discount code, contact us at [email protected].
Prices increase April 20, 2026.
In collaboration with
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Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE)
2026 sponsors
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Hydro One
Gold Sponsor
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IBEW First District
Gold Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities
Agents of Change is a platform for influence and impact. Sponsoring this event positions your organization as a leader in workforce transformation through meaningful visibility and alignment with the sector’s leading DEI event.
We offer flexible sponsorship options designed to align with your objectives and amplify your presence. To secure your sponsorship, contact us at [email protected].
