Introduction
Canada stands at a precarious juncture where long-predicted environmental risks from the Climate Crisis are no longer theoretical. “Future” scenarios are happening now, manifesting as national emergencies. Heat domes, catastrophic flooding, and the wildfire seasons of 2023, 2024, and 2025, severe drought, the systemic strain on our healthcare systems, the accelerating degradation of our boreal forests, and the unprecedented financial losses due to extreme weather indicate that the climate and nature crises have metastasized into a present-day destabilizer of Canadian society.
This proposal outlines a strategic framework to host a National and Sub-National Emergency Briefing in Ottawa inspired by the recent United Kingdom event held in November, 2025 1. This briefing is designed not as the usual environmental conference, but as a high-level, “truth-telling” intervention. It will bring together Canada’s leading scientists, economists, security experts, and health professionals to present the unvarnished reality of our national situation to policymakers, business leaders, and civil society.
The Event Structure
The event will mirror the UK’s successful format, featuring short, high-impact presentations from top-tier experts across distinct but interconnected sectors. It aims to shatter the prevailing “business as usual” mindset among Canada’s political and economic elite.
The Master of Ceremonies (MC)
The proposed MC is veteran journalist Peter Mansbridge to chair the event, ensuring maximum credibility and non-partisanship. An alternative is the Right Honourable David Johnston, a former Governor General of Canada (2010-2017), who held the highest non-political office and is widely respected across all political parties and regions. Another suggested alternative for a speaker is Steve Paikin, a Canadian journalist, author, and documentary producer. Paikin has primarily worked for TVOntario, Ontario’s public broadcaster, and is a well-respected and influential journalist who has been awarded the Order of Canada by The Governor General of 1Canada for his work.
Media Strategy (To Maximize Public Reach)
It is suggested that we partner with CBC/Radio-Canada to live-stream the entire briefing, treating it like a major national event similar to a budget address or an election night special.