Nordic Resilience and Infrastructure: Innovating to Address Climate and Security Challenges
Northern and defense infrastructure—the true pillars of our sovereignty and collective security—is being severely tested by climate change and growing geopolitical tensions, whether in the form of permafrost thaw, flooding, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, or new security realities in the North.
To build resilience capable of meeting these challenges, the AdapT Institute at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and the NATO Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Security (CCASCOE) invite you to a day of discussions and workshops to work together to devise innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure in the North and for defense.
About the event
Animation
Steven Guilbeault, former Member of Parliament and federal Cabinet Minister
Elected to the House of Commons in 2019, Steven Guilbeault served as Minister of Environment and Climate Change and later as Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity and Minister responsible for Official Languages. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous Canadian and international initiatives related to climate policy, the energy transition, and environmental protection.
Drawing on more than 30 years of involvement in climate-related issues, Steven Guilbeault continues to advocate for ecological transition and climate action.
Panel
Sébastien Desrochers
Vice-President, Infrastructure and Strategic Investments, Société du Plan Nord
Biography
Mr. Sébastien Desrochers has served as Vice President of Infrastructure and Strategic Investments at the Société du Plan Nord since 2020. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in regional development and natural resources, primarily within the Quebec public sector. He holds a bachelor’s degree in forest resource management from Université Laval and a master’s degree in environmental studies from the Université de Sherbrooke.
In his role, Mr. Desrochers helps improve the business environment in Quebec’s northern territory by leading the development of strategic infrastructure projects and supporting the emergence of initiatives that benefit northern communities. He advises government authorities on investment strategies and financial intervention mechanisms that foster sustainable, transformative development in the North. His responsibilities also involve guiding the realization of major projects, supporting the development of the territory’s economic potential, and collaborating closely with communities and project proponents on the planning and delivery of essential infrastructure.
Furthermore, he plays a key role in the development and accessibility of multi-user infrastructure in the Sept-Îles region through the Société ferroviaire et portuaire de Pointe-Noire, ensuring optimized value for partners, users, and communities while promoting rigorous management of risks and public investments.
Adamie Delisle Alaku
Vice-président, Department of Environment, Wildlife and Scientific Research, Makivvik
Biography
Adamie Delisle-Alaku is Vice-President of Makivvik, a position he has held since 2014. Originally from Salluit, Nunavik, he has extensive experience in northern affairs, having worked in mining, emergency response, community services and environmental and renewable resource management. He joined Makivvik in 2011 and has since represented Nunavimmiut at regional, national and international forums, including discussions on climate change, Arctic research, wildlife and northern development. He has served on numerous boards and committees, including ArcticNet, Polar Knowledge Canada, the Société du Plan Nord and the Institut nordique du Québec. He is also a member of the Joint Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Committee, on which he has served since 2011. Through his work, he advocates for the interests of Nunavimmiut and their relationship with the land, environment and renewable resources of Nunavik.
Pascale Roy-Léveillée
Professeure agrégée au Département de géographie de l'Université Laval, titulaire de la Chaire de recherche en partenariat sur le pergélisol au Nunavik et membre du Centre d'études nordiques
Biography
Pascale Roy-Léveillée is a Full Professor in the Department of Geography at Université Laval, holder of the Nunavik Permafrost Research Chair, and Director of the Permafrost Research Laboratory (CRYO-UL). A geographer and geocryologist, she has spent more than 20 years studying the impacts of permafrost thaw on infrastructure, land use, and northern communities. Her interdisciplinary research, conducted in partnership with Indigenous organizations and infrastructure managers, supports community adaptation and the resilience of critical transportation corridors and infrastructure, including along the Hudson Bay Railway corridor.
Élise Godin
Director, Environment and Sustainable Development, within the Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment), Department of National Defence
Biography
Elise Godin is an accomplished professional serving as the Director of Environment and Sustainable Management at the Department of National Defence (DND). She draws on her extensive experience in science, engineering, and management frameworks to enable science and engineering practitioners to implement pragmatic solutions that reduce environmental impacts while strengthening the infrastructure portfolio.
She leads the DND’s environment and climate change practitioner team. This team develops the department’s risk-based policies across more than a dozen environmental areas, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Her team’s success was such that climate-related functions have now evolved into a large, distinct team dedicated to addressing climate vulnerabilities at Canadian bases and wings.
Her approach involves integrating outcomes into organizational processes and executive decision-making, while remaining mindful of taxpayer funds, central agency policies, and the political landscape. Elise’s commitment to efficiency is evident in how she navigates the intersection of science and management.
With extensive experience in both the federal public service and the private sector, Elise brings a diverse perspective to her current role. Her qualifications in science, engineering, and education—combined with years of auditing experience—uniquely position her to foster business management skills within the environmental community. Her multifaceted expertise and dedication make her a driving force in advancing sustainable practices.
Program
Welcome Reception for Participants - Coffee and Pastries
Welcome Message
By Kathy Baig, Executive Director and CEO of ÉTS
Overview and Findings
With:
- Mathieu Bussières, Director, NATO Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Security (CCASCOE)
- Éric Bosco, Executive director of Institut AdapT
Panel
Nordic Resilience Through Innovation: Strengthening Critical Infrastructure in the Face of Climate and Geopolitical Shocks.
Animation by : Steven Guilbault, former Member of Parliament and federal Cabinet Minister
And:
- Sébastien Desrochers, Vice-President, Infrastructure and Strategic Investments, Société du Plan Nord
- Adamie Delisle Alaku, Vice-président, Department of Environment, Wildlife and Scientific Research, Makivvik
- Pascale Roy-Léveillée, Professeure agrégée au Département de géographie de l’Université Laval, titulaire de la Chaire de recherche en partenariat sur le pergélisol au Nunavik et membre du Centre d’études nordiques
- Élise Godin, Director of Environment and Sustainable Development, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment), Department of National Defence.
Break
Session 1 (simultaneous)
Workshop 1 | Coastal Infrastructure Safety, Flooding, and Maritime Operations
Rising sea levels, more intense storms, and more frequent flooding are exposing coastal infrastructure to increasing risks. These challenges directly affect port facilities, logistics corridors, critical infrastructure, and maritime operations that are essential to security and the economy.
This workshop will bring together representatives from the defense sector, industry, and academia to identify key vulnerabilities and discuss adaptation solutions that will ensure operational continuity, infrastructure resilience, and the maintenance of strategic capabilities in the context of climate change.
OR
Workshop 2 | Civil Protection, Essential Services, and Collaboration with Local Communities
Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events, putting critical infrastructure, public services, and response capabilities to the test. In many regions, particularly in remote and northern communities, resilience depends not only on infrastructure and emergency plans, but also on the mobilization of local stakeholders and the strength of community networks.
This workshop will explore how advocacy organizations, public authorities, infrastructure operators, and emergency services can better collaborate with local communities before, during, and after major climate events. Discussions will focus on listening to the needs expressed by communities, incorporating local and Indigenous knowledge, and mechanisms that enable meaningful community participation in preparedness, response, and recovery processes.
The goal will be to identify approaches that foster a lasting relationship of trust among the various stakeholders and to better understand how communities can be viewed as true partners in strengthening regional resilience and maintaining essential services.
Lunch and networking
Session 2 (simultaneous)
Workshop 3 | Energy Transition, Decarbonization, and Defense Planning
Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are rapidly transforming energy systems, critical infrastructure, and supply chains. In the Nordic regions, where climatic constraints, geographic remoteness, and sovereignty issues are particularly pronounced, these transformations raise important questions related to energy security, infrastructure resilience, and civil and military operational capabilities.
Electrification, the development of new energy sources, the modernization of public infrastructure, and the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels offer significant opportunities to strengthen the autonomy and resilience of northern territories. However, these changes require long-term planning to ensure the reliability of essential services, the maintenance of defense capabilities, and the continuity of operations amid climate change and geopolitical uncertainty.
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Workshop 4 | Infrastructure Resilience in Permafrost Zones and Safety Issues
The thawing of permafrost is rapidly transforming environmental conditions in northern regions, with significant consequences for transportation infrastructure, buildings, critical networks, and operational capabilities. These changes pose a major challenge to safety, mobility, and the development of northern territories.
This workshop will bring together experts, practitioners, and decision-makers to explore adaptation solutions that can enhance infrastructure resilience in northern environments. Discussions will focus on technological innovations, monitoring approaches, suitable materials, and long-term planning strategies to maintain essential capabilities in the North.
Break
Closing session
Climate Disinformation, Political Context, and Security Challenges
As the effects of climate change intensify, debates surrounding the climate are also becoming increasingly polarized. Climate disasters, adaptation measures, and transition policies are now the target of disinformation campaigns that can influence public opinion, erode trust in institutions, and complicate collective decision-making.
This conference will be hosted by Annie Levasseur, scientific director of the AdapT Institute, with guest Kathleen Couillard from the Agence Science-Presse.
A microbiologist by training, Kathleen Couillard has been a science journalist for nearly 15 years. She has been part of the Rumour Detector team at Agence Science-Presse since 2020, which has led her to write several articles on climate disinformation. She has also developed a training program on the subject for high school and college students.
