Working Together is More Important Than Ever

Leaders and practitioners from across sectors and regions must work together to shape Canada’s climate future.

Across Canada, climate impacts are increasing. People in communities, sectors, and organizations are coming up with solutions to advance climate action and strengthen resilience at the local, regional, and national levels. Collaborations that transcend geographic, political, and sectoral boundaries are key to building on this momentum. It is more important than ever to work together to create the conditions to support and foster these collaborations.

“As climate impacts intensify across Canada, the need for solutions that span different sectors has never been greater,” explains Megan Meaney, Executive Director at ICLEI Canada. “Bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the conversation allows us to advance a whole-of-society response to climate change.”

Canada’s biggest crises—like the economy, health, and housing—are deeply connected to climate change. National conferences provide a platform for leaders and practitioners to break down silos, build meaningful connections, and inform long-term strategies to address these complex challenges.

“Tackling climate resilience isn’t just about better planning—it’s about building real relationships across sectors and communities,” says Ewa Jackson, Managing Director at ICLEI Canada. “We can’t solve complex challenges in isolation. Change happens when people come together with shared purpose, honest dialogue, and a commitment to act.”

Facilitating Peer Learning and Exchanges

ICLEI Canada has been facilitating peer exchanges and convening local leaders and practitioners around issues of sustainability and climate change for over 30+ years. Through various events including our flagship conference, the Livable Cities Forum (LCF), we have seen time and again the way face-to-face connection can help build and strengthen support networks, genuine relationships, and lead to innovative collaborations.

2025 Livable Cities Forum

Now in its 14th year, LCF attracts over 300 delegates and provides a unique opportunity to connect with and learn from colleagues and experts from across Canada. Each LCF explores themes to support local climate action based on emerging trends and lessons we and our partners are continuously learning through our work. This year, LCF will explore practical ways to act on climate together through creative and ambitious partnerships.

Hosted by ICLEI Canada and the Halifax Regional Municipality, LCF 2025 will take place from October 6 to 8, 2025 at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people.

Adaptation Canada 2026

Canada’s national climate adaptation conference is back next year. Adaptation Canada 2026 is being delivered by ICLEI Canada with support from a network of partners and sponsors including Aluu’taa, CLIMAtlantic, Climate Risk Institute, Co-operators, MaRS Discovery District, Ouranos, the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium. It is funded in part by the Government of Canada. Building on the momentum of its previous editions in Ottawa in 2016 and Vancouver in 2020, as well as Adaptation Futures hosted in Montreal in 2023, the conference will bring together over 1,000 participants from diverse sectors and communities to exchange ideas, share solutions, and drive Canada’s climate resilience efforts.

Adaptation Canada 2026 will take place in Toronto from September 22 to 24, 2026 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Annishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. A vibrant hub of government, business, and innovation, Toronto offers an ideal backdrop for discussions on climate adaptation, public/private partnerships, and collective action. Opportunities to get involved range from joining the exhibitor pavilion to sponsoring the conference and hosting a side event.

Join National Climate Discussions

With LCF 2025 fast approaching, and planning well underway for Adaptation Canada 2026, organizations and individuals have the opportunity to get involved.

“Partners provide more than financial support,” emphasizes Ewa. “They help guide crucial conversations and lead the way towards a better, more resilient future.”

Download our sponsorship packages or reach out to explore how to get involved in one or both events and help shape Canada’s climate future. More information about Adaptation Canada 2026, including a call for sessions, will be announced in the Fall of 2025.