The Douglas Macdonald Memorial Event

Join the School of the Environment on May 11th from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm at the Music Room in Hart House to celebrate the life and work of Professor Emeritus Douglas Macdonald.

Douglas Macdonald was a central pillar to the work of the School of the Environment in its many incarnations, designing many of our core programs, and establishing a strong research presence in environmental studies at U of T. He retired in June 2017 after a 30-year contribution to the University of Toronto and the scholarly fields of environmental policy analysis, and environmental studies.

Following his retirement, Professor Macdonald released his 2020 book, Carbon Province, Hydro Province, which inspired the creation of Climate Talk Canada/Parlons climat Canada (CTC-PCC). Doug passed away on April 14, 2022 after a courageous struggle with cancer.

The day will consist of two panels featuring members of the School of the Environment and Climate Talk Canada/Parlons climat Canada (CTC-PCC) and an open session reflecting on his life and legacy. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.

Please see the detailed event schedule below for more details. Registration closes May 4th, 2023. Register for the event now.

Event Schedule

9:15 am - 9:30 pm | Opening Remarks

Welcome and opening remarks by Dr. Steve Easterbrook, Director of the School of the Environment.

9:30 am - 9:45 am | Break

9:45 am - 10:45 am | School of the Environment Panel Discussion

School of the Environment panel reflecting on Professor Macdonald's impacts on the School of the Environment. Moderated by Dr. Kate Neville, panelists include Dr. Steve Easterbrook, Dr. Kimberly Strong, Dr. Ingrid Stefanovic and David Powell.

10:45 am - 11:00 am | Break

11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Climate Talk Canada/Parlons climat Canada (CTC-PCC) Panel Discussion

Climate Talk Canada/Parlons climat Canada (CTC-PCC) panel reflecting on the impacts of Professor Macdonald's scholarly work and environmental advocacy. Panels members include Richard Adamson, Chief Executive Officer, Industrial Climate Solutions (a Baker Hughes company); Keith Brownsey, Professor, Department of Economics, Justice and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University; Anders Hayden Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Dalhousie University; Mark Purdon, Chair in Decarbonization, Professor in the Department of Strategy, Social and Environmental Responsibility, École des sciences de la gestion – Université du Québec à Montréal; and Alexandria Pike, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Partner (Chair).

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Open Reflection Session

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their memories of Professor Macdonald. Note: Attendees will have the option to opt-in to speaking in this session when they register for the event.

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Closing Remarks

Final thoughts and closing remarks by Dr. Steve Easterbrook, Director of the School of the Environment.

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Coffee and reflections

Attendees are welcome to spend this time networking and reflecting on the life and legacy of Professor Macdonald.