For two inspiring days in May, leaders from across sectors gathered at Mohawk College for the Spring 2026 PIVOT Conference. Attendees were united by a shared goal to accelerate climate action through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.
Hosted by Mohawk College's School of Climate Action, the conference began with immersive field-trip experiences that exposed participants to tangible examples of local climate action. Attendees explored industrial transformation along Hamilton's waterfront with Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority and Ontario Shipyards and learned of Indigenous-led conservation and knowledge at Kayanase, an ecological restoration and native plant and seed business located on Six Nations. These experiences provided firsthand insight into the opportunities and complexities of building a sustainable future.
The conference was opened by renowned environmentalist and scientist, Dr. David Suzuki. His message was clear; we need to act, and we need to act now. The urgency for collective action and the responsibility shared by all sectors of society is essential to address climate action.
Building on the importance of local and collective action, the conference featured a compelling Local to Global Impacts panel discussion which explored climate action through a broader cross sectoral lens. Moderated by CHCH Morning Live co-host and Mohawk College Alumni of Distinction, Annette Hamm, panelists included Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Eric Jury of Ontario Power Generation, and Peter Jones of IKEA Canada. Their conversation focused on how their institutions and organizations were navigating sustainability challenges, while also identifying opportunities for innovation, resilience, and leadership.
Day one wrapped up with the Climate Innovators Gala, hosted by the Hamiton Chamber of Commerce. This event, aligned with the PIVOT Conference, hosted the Honourable Bob Rae as a keynote speaker and fireside conversation with Mohawk College's President, Paul Armstrong. The conversation explored international leadership, opportunities for industry, local momentum, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
Day two shifted the focus toward action, exploring sector-specific opportunities across three distinct streams; education and community, finance and policy, and industry and infrastructure. Through dynamic panel discussions and focused climate conversations, participants heard from diverse perspectives and engaged in honest discussions. The day also included networking opportunities and lightning talks on approaches to workforce development, smart infrastructure and community-driven climate solutions.
The event concluded with a closing keynote from Anthony Morgan, host of CBC's The Nature of Things, and researcher focused on reducing polarization and improving high-stakes conversations. His remarks challenged attendees to consider how climate action and social justice are deeply interconnected, leaving participants with a powerful reminder that meaningful and lasting change requires both courage and collective responsibility.
Thanks to support from sponsors like Presenting Sponsor belairdirect, PIVOT 2026 demonstrated the power of convening diverse voices around a common purpose. Fresh ideas emerged that will continue to shape climate action efforts long after the conference concluded.
As attendees departed, the message was clear, meaningful climate action requires collective leadership, bold thinking and a willingness to work across sectors.
