Growing a future where nature is accessible to everyone.

Canada's Forest Trust Corporation (CFTC) is dedicated to creating a lasting ecological impact as the leading Canadian solution to climate change and biodiversity loss.

Our mission extends beyond addressing current environmental challenges; CFTC aims to build a foundation for a healthier planet for future generations. We strive to inspire tangible action in the ongoing fight against climate change. Join us on our journey towards a more sustainable future.

The Future of Forestry Is Here

Canada's Forest Trust Corporation (CFT) was established by entrepreneur Gary Zed who has a strong commitment to fostering a sustainable, climate-positive future. CFT is dedicated to creating a lasting ecological impact as the leading Canadian solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. Our mission extends beyond addressing current environmental challenges; CFT aims to build a foundation for a healthier planet for future generations and inspire tangible action and hope in the ongoing fight against climate change. Join us on our journey towards a sustainable future.

National Advisory Board

Aik Aliferis

  • Aik Aliferis currently holds the position of Senior Managing Director and Senior Director at Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), a division of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI). With over 25 years of experience and $9 billion CDN in transactions, Aik has earned a reputation for his commitment and expertise within the real estate industry. As the former CEO and one of the founding partners of Primecorp Commercial Realty, Aik has overseen some of the largest investment transactions in Canada.

    In 2018, Aik along with his partners, sold Primecorp Commercial Realty. He embarked on a new path with Institutional Property Advisors and Marcus and Millichap. With the support of M&M University and his newly formed team at IPA, Aik sets himself apart by providing best in class advisory services for multifamily, industrial, office, retail, development, and capital markets.

Michèle Andrews

  • Michèle Andrews is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of DoorNumberOne.org, a Canadian Charity catalyzing bold climate and nature action in and through schools. She launched the Climate Action Accelerator Program in 2021 and has now worked with over 25 leading schools in Canada and the US to implement strategic whole-school plans that aim for restoring and regenerating our communities.

    Prior to DoorNumberOne.org, Michèle spent 18 years in independent schools including as a senior administrator, a Head of School, Board Member and Board Chair. She has a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen's University and a Masters in Education from OISE/University of Toronto. She had a career in organizational development in the private sector before stepping into the Education and not-for-profit sector. She is Living Future accredited and a trained Climate Reality Project Leader.

Anil Arora

  • Anil Arora has dedicated his professional career to partnering with the business sector, academia, internationally and with all three levels of government, building a culture of innovation, successfully delivering complex and transformational digital solutions, strengthened consumer and citizen trust, and increased organizational relevance and impact. Anil was appointed as the Chief Statistician of Canada in September 2016, overseeing the country’s preeminent data agency, where he led modernizing its digital governance, technical and data infrastructure. He co-authored and helped steer the Government of Canada’s data strategy. 

    With significant experience in the private and public sectors, as well as leading influential international forums in the OECD and the United Nations, Anil has helped shape the data and digital landscape domestically and globally. He currently provides consultative services globally with the World Bank, helping countries build robust data and digital strategies. Anil has advised CEO’s, Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Premiers, Deputy Ministers, and led Business Missions internationally. Anil has authored several papers, is a regular keynote speaker and lecturer, and a sought-after thought leader. He is an adjunct lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School, teaching digital governance and leadership in the public sector. Anil has led large and complex organizations with multi-billion dollar budgets and tens of thousands of employees. Anil’s leadership spans senior strategic, science, policy, program delivery and regulatory roles in the oil and gas sector, mining and critical minerals, forestry, nuclear, public health, drug safety, food, medical devices, and natural health products. Anil has earned numerous accolades, including being named Outstanding Innovator (2023), One of the Top 25 Immigrants in Canada (2022), Policy Maker (2022), as well as receiving several Leadership Awards by the Business Community and the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada (2009-2024). 

Joanna Eyquem

  • Joanna Eyquem is an internationally-recognized leader in climate adaptation and nature-based solutions, with 25 years experience in Europe, North America and Western Africa. Her work at the Intact Centre focuses on reducing flooding, erosion and heat risk, in particular working with nature and the financial sector. As part of this work, Joanna leads the development of national guidance on climate resilience and nature-based solutions, including disclosures of natural assets and the ecosystem services they provide in financial statements and sustainability reporting. In addition, Joanna serves on over 30 boards and committees, including supporting Canada's National Adaptation Strategy, the Canadian Sustainable Finance Network, the TFND Forum, Climate Proof Canada Coalition (led by IBC), the National Research Council of Canada, CSA Group, the Government of Quebec’s Expert Group on Adaptation, and as Chair of the Board for the Natural Assets Initiative. 

    Prior to joining the Intact Centre, Joanna was the Global Technical Practice Lead for Climate Resilience at AECOM, building on previous roles at Royal Haskoning DHV and Jacobs Engineering. She is professionally qualified in both Canada and the UK, as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.), Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV.SP.), Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (CWEM) and Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv.). She holds an MSc in Environmental Technology (Water Option) from Imperial College London and a BSc in Geography (Earth Sciences) from the University of Exeter, UK. Joanna is bilingual and typically featured in over 150 media features a year (in English and French).

Dr. Blair Feltmate

  • Dr. Blair Feltmate is the Head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, University of Waterloo. Previous positions he has held include Vice President, Sustainable Development, Bank of Montreal; Director, Sustainable Development, Ontario Power Generation; Partner, Sustainable Investment Group/YMG Capital Management.  Blair has written textbooks on Sustainable Banking and Aquatic Ecology.

    He is on the Advisory Table, National Adaptation Strategy, Canada.  He is Sustainable Finance Council member, Global Risk Institute, and he is a member of Climate Proof Canada (Insurance Bureau of Canada).  Blair is on the National Advisory Board of Canada’s Forest Trust.  He is on the Climate Advisory Board, Minister of Environment (Ontario). Blair was Chair, Federal Government of Canada Expert Panel on Climate Adaptation.

    Blair was an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (University of Waterloo). He holds a Ph.D in Theoretical and Applied Ecology (University of Toronto), Master’s in Sustainable Development (Wilfrid Laurier University), Master’s in Zoology (University of Toronto), and Hon. Bachelor’s Biology (University of Toronto).  He is generally interviewed by the media 150 times per year on climate change/ESG related issues.

JP Gladu

  • JP Gladu is currently Principal of Mokwateh, and previously served as the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) from September 2012 until April 2020.  Anishinaabe from Thunder Bay JP is a member of Sand Point First Nation located on the eastern shores of Lake Nipigon, Ontario. JP 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 and the ICD.D from Rotman School of Management University of Toronto. JP has over 30 years of experience in the natural resource sector. His career path includes work with Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental non-government organizations, industry and governments from across Canada.   

    Currently, JP serves on the board of Suncor, Institute for Corporate Directors, Broden Mining, First Nations Major Projects Coalition Advisory Centre, Chair of Canadas Forest Trust as well BHP’s International Forum for Corporate Responsibility committee. He previously served on the Board of Ontario Power Generation, Noront Resources and past Chair of the Mikisew Group of Companies. 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 are being awarded by the Public Policy Forum as a prestigious 2024 Honouree. 

    JP’s joy is being a father to his daughter, Chloe, and spending time on the land and water. With a passion for community, his culture, and traditions, JP brings the past, present and future to the table to move non-Indigenous and Indigenous business toward sustainable partnerships and shared economic prosperity. JP’s inspiring vantage on the possibilities of the Indigenous Economy makes him a sought-after public speaker both nationally and internationally.

Steve Hounsell

  • Steve Hounsell is the Past Chair of the Ontario Biodiversity Council. Steve is a retired biologist (University of Guelph) who spent his career with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the former Ontario Hydro, where he managed their biodiversity programs. He was responsible for developing and implementing a biodiversity policy, the first of its kind in the electricity industry. He also developed and managed an award-winning program linking climate change mitigation and adaptation with biodiversity conservation.

    Steve, an ardent supporter of sustainability and the conservation of biodiversity, is a past President of Forests Ontario, a past President of Ontario Nature, a past director of the Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative and a founding director of Natural Step Canada and the Canadian Business and Biodiversity Council.

Dr. Warren Mabee

  • Dr. Warren Mabee is Professor of Geography and Planning and Director of the School of Policy Studies at Queen's University.  He is the Stauffer-Dunning Research Chair in Public Policy, with a specialty in environment and energy.  He also serves as the Director of the Queen's Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy.  He has an interest in the intersection between energy issues and other aspects of environmental management.  Dr. Mabee's research is networked through the International Energy Agency to initiatives around the world. 

Tam Matthews

  • Tam has a long history with independent schools, as a student, teacher, school administrator, and Head. A graduate of Lakefield College, Tam studied at Trinity College (University of Toronto) and the University of Nice, France. Following five years in international banking, he began his educational career at Upper Canada College, as a history teacher and then Associate Director of Guidance. In 1989, he became Director of Admissions at Lakefield College School; in 1996, he was appointed Head of Albert College.

    In 2000, Tam was appointed Head of School of Ashbury College, an IB World School in Ottawa, with day and boarding students from over 40 countries.

    While at Ashbury, Tam introduced a new leadership structure, expanded the boarding program, and led two strategic planning processes and three major capital expansions, including a master campus renewal plan.

    In 2013, Tam became Head of School at West Point Grey Academy, where he led the school’s first formal capital fundraising project, facilitated a comprehensive strategic planning process, and worked closely with the Board of Directors and Foundation to refine governance, school leadership, and fundraising models.

    Tam retired from WPGA in 2019 and started an education consulting business focusing on independent school leadership, management, and governance.

    Tam has served on numerous educational and community boards and is a past Chair of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and past Chair of the Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (ISABC). A member of three Canadian Olympic sailing teams (1980, 1984, 1996), Tam is a past Board Member of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

    Tam and his wife, Jan, live in Vancouver.

Serena Nguyen

  • Serena, a dynamic leader and innovation advocate, brings over 14 years of global, cross-industry experience. Her diverse journey has seen her contribute to renowned organizations including Vale Brazil and Canada, Deloitte Management Consulting, Zafin, Microsoft for Startups, and most recently, MaRS Discovery District and the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (CILAR).

    Serena's unique venture and corporate experience equips her with a rich perspective to build  outcome-driven, inclusive ecosystems and nurturing innovation and commercialization pathways driving transformative change. Her recent focus in the ocean sector, marked by her time at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute and pioneering the first blue economy partnership at MaRS Discovery District, showcases her commitment to address the pressing climate challenge, and in unlocking Canada’s opportunity to lead in a $3 trillion global opportunity.

    Serena's strategic insights, and action-oriented mindset are grounded in her experiences building human connections and collaboration. Beyond her professional pursuits, Serena serves on various Boards and is an enthusiastic eco-traveler, finding inspiration in every moment.

Scott Penner

  • Scott has a passion for fostering Canadian success stories. Prior to founding his own advisory firm, Scott was Managing Director of TD Securities responsible for Technology sector relationships, as both a research analyst and senior investment banker. Mandates spanned raising growth capital for private companies, IPOs and public company financings, and both buy and sell-side M&A advisory. He has more than 25 years of experience working alongside boards and management teams to design, discuss and execute strategic objectives. In addition, Scott architected and managed TD Securities LP investments across leading venture capital firms.

Peter Porteous

  • A proven business and team leader. An extensive career in business and brand building with Canadian, US and Global market exposure.  A breadth of experience spanning large corporate sales and marketing fundamentals in addition to 25+ years of leading entrepreneurial, make it happen organizations.  

    Peter’s experience and understanding of the auto dealer channel is driven from 3 segments of his career; leadership team member of a 60 roof top auto group where he led M&A, electrification and sustainability efforts, US dealer development for a class 3 electric truck brand and Global Chair of the Young President’s Organization Automotive network.

    Away from work Peter's passion and drive is nature based climate solutions including land conservation, forest/eco diversity and carbon credits.  Peter is a co-founder of a New Brunswick based conservation group (www.meduxnekeag.org) and served as a Director of the Nature Trust of Nova Scotia.  Peter is a co-founding investor and Director in Growing Forests (www.growingforests.ca) and a founder with his kids of PineRidge Diversified (www.pineridge-properties.ca).  He has a strong belief that our planet needs us and together we can make a difference.

Tim Sanderson

  • Tim Sanderson is based in Toronto and assists his clients with their expansion programs, site selection and analyses, market strategies and deal negotiation.  Tim founded and served as Chief Executive Officer at Northwest Atlantic for over 25 years, a market leading tenant mandated retail real estate consulting firm.  Since 1991, Tim has provided tenant representation services to several anchor status retailers throughout Canada including Apple, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Costco Wholesale, Restoration Hardware, LA Fitness, Cineplex, The Rec Room and Playdium.  Prior to founding Northwest Atlantic, Tim held a number of executive real estate management positions for several national retail chains.

Robert Tellier

  • Robert Tellier is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, where he held numerous executive positions. Throughout his career, he developed a deep understanding of strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and financial management. Leveraging his extensive expertise, Robert transitioned into the environmental sector, playing a pivotal role in the growth and success of CFT Corporation. His strategic insights and business acumen is helping shape CFT into a thriving organization dedicated to environmental sustainability. Robert’s career is a testament to his ability to drive innovation and success across industries.

Peter Van Dijk

  • Peter is an accomplished senior finance executive in financial services with extensive experience across global banking and life insurance organizations (TD Bank and Sun Life Financial). In addition, his experience includes being a successful senior partner in international professional services firms (PwC and EY). Peter is passionate about leveraging his more than 30 years of experience in financial and professional services to support the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy and a sustainable future.

    Peter has a Dutch and a Canadian Master of Laws degree (University of Leiden Law School and Osgoode Hall Law School) and a Canadian Master of Business Administration degree (Richard Ivey School of Business). Peter also holds the SCR (climate risk management) and ICD.D (corporate governance) designations.

Monte Weis

  • Monte brings 30 years of experience in the Automotive Retail sector.  His professional network covers both Auto Manufacturers and Dealer Groups across Canada.  Monte, and his firm Weis & Associates, provides consulting services in auto retail facility real estate development.  As well, Monte spent 3 years in the mergers and acquisitions space where he contributed to over 60 successful transactions across 9 provinces.

Gary Zed

  • Gary Zed built his reputation as a boundary pusher who offers innovative and frank advice that solidifies successes. As a tax lawyer, Gary built national practices at two of the country’s ‘big four’ firms and his savvy entrepreneurial pursuits share his expertise with the community, fellow entrepreneurs and corporations. 

    Gary has always put the community first as a: 

    • Board member of the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club 

    • Supporter of the National Arts Centre Foundation and the Ottawa Hospital Foundation 

    • Founder of the Lift Foundation 

    Gary is honoured to have received prestigious accolades that include: The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal 

    • The Order of Ottawa 

    • The Governor-General Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers 

    • The AFP Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award 

    Born and raised in New Brunswick, Gary has an LLB from UNB and a BA and MBA from Dalhousie University. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and is the proud father and mentor of children who are finding success in both their personal and professional pursuits. For the next several years, you’ll find him engaging corporations, schools, communities and individuals from across the country in his latest, and perhaps most important initiatives, building Smart Forests™ to fight climate change.