Building Durable Projects: Financing, Regulatory Efficiencies, and Indigenous Partnerships in the Major Projects Office Era

JP Gladu is currently Principal of Mokwateh and previously served as the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business for approximately eight years. Mr. Gladu has nearly 35 years of experience in the natural resource sector including working with Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental non-government organizations, industry and governments from across Canada and the globe. Mr. Gladu serves on the boards of Suncor, the Institute of Corporate Directors, Superior Plus, BHP’s Forum for Corporate Responsibility, Domtar’s Sustainability Committee and most recently the Major Projects Office Indigenous Advisory Committee. He has completed a forestry technician diploma from Sault College, obtained an undergraduate degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University, holds an Executive MBA from Queens University, an ICD.D from Rotman School of Management University of Toronto, an honorary doctorate in law from Carleton University in 2024 and an honorary doctorate in business from Lakehead University in 2025. He is a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and served as the Chancellor of St. Paul’s University College Waterloo from 2017 to 2020. JP’s achievements have been recognized by the Public Policy Forum as a prestigious 2024 Honouree and the Premiers Award.

Tracy Sletto (she/her) leads a world-class safety and economic regulator that keeps Canada’s energy moving safely and efficiently through thousands of kilometers of federally regulated pipelines and powerlines across the country. The regulator also provides energy information and analysis that informs and supports Canada’s energy future. Ms. Sletto became the Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) in December 2023. Passionate about leading an organization that demonstrates regulatory excellence while advancing Reconciliation, she prioritizes positive and meaningful relationships with stakeholders, rights holders and people impacted by the infrastructure regulated by the CER. Growing up in northern Saskatchewan shaped Ms. Sletto’s core values of community, public service, respect for diversity and common sense. Ms. Sletto completed a Master of Public Administration at Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Saskatchewan. After several years with the Government of Saskatchewan at the Departments of Finance, Education and Executive Council, she joined the federal public service with Western Economic Diversification Canada in 2006 and started at the CER in 2011. She has extensive executive leadership experience in finance, economic development, regulatory and public policy development. Ms. Sletto and her family live, work, play and volunteer in Calgary, on Treaty 7 territory, home of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda Nations. Calgary is also the home to the Métis who call this place home. Professional Affiliations, Degrees and Distinctions: Master of Public Administration, Queen’s University Bachelor of Arts, University of Saskatchewan

Michael Denham is Executive Vice-President and Vice Chair of National Bank of Canada. He is responsible for developing strategic orientations, leading key client relationships and priority projects. His current focus is integrating the Bank’s recent acquisition of Canadian Western Bank which brings him to Alberta very regularly. Mr. Denham sits on National Bankʼs Senior Leadership Team. Michael joined the Bank in 2021. Prior, he was President and CEO of BDC Business Development Bank of Canada), where he was instrumental in doubling the commercial franchise across Canada, advocating for small and medium-size business owners, and supporting the growth of entrepreneurs at every stage and across various industries. He had a particular focus on technology-based startups and venture capital. Under his leadership, BDC set up its partnership with NACCA (National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Associations) and worked closely with communities across the country. Prior to that, Michael held senior executive roles, including at Accenture, where he was President and CEO for Canada, CGI, Bombardier, and McKinsey. In addition to his professional activities, Mr. Denham serves on the Boards of the McGill University Health Centre MUHC Foundation and Endeavor Canada. Mr. Denham also serves as a mentor to entrepreneurs. He holds a Masterʼs degree in Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a Bachelorʼs degree in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University.

Chelsie Klassen is the Founder and CEO of Neighbourly Advisory Inc., a consultancy built on the belief that meaningful community inclusion lays the groundwork for lasting project success. Raised in small-town Canada, Chelsie brings a deep sense of connection, trust, and humility to her work—values that have shaped her career across energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors. With a background in social performance, land negotiations, communications, and stakeholder and Indigenous engagement, she has led high-impact teams and global initiatives, most recently as a Global Director at a multinational engineering firm. Her approach blends empathy with strategy, ensuring local voices are heard, cultural traditions are honoured, and social risks are thoughtfully managed. She’s worked on projects across six countries, touching three different sectors – energy, mining, and infrastructure. Widely recognized for her leadership, Chelsie has been named a Rising Star by Oilweek, a United Nations Global Compact Innovator, and a Sustainability Leader of the Year nominee by Environment Analyst. She serves on the Board of WPC Energy Canada and remains deeply committed to advancing Indigenous and community inclusion, respectful engagement, and responsible development. In 2026, she will Chair the 25th WPC Energy Congress Environmental, Social, and Governance technical program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Through Neighbourly, Chelsie helps clients show up with purpose and partnership—because being a good neighbour isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s how lasting impact is made.