Merran Smith
Merran has been a pioneering leader and trailblazer throughout her entire career, focusing on human rights, conservation, and the transition to a clean economy. Her work began over 30 years ago, producing documentaries that highlighted human suffering, injustice and environment in Canada, Mexico, Croatia and Latin America. Next, Merran spearheaded a decade-long negotiation to protect Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, one of North America’s most significant conservation achievements. This landmark agreement earned WWF International’s prestigious “Gift to the Earth” award and was recognized by Nature magazine as one of the best global examples of Project Financing for Permanence (PFPs). In 2010, Merran founded and led Clean Energy Canada (CEC), the country’s leading clean energy think tank. Under her leadership, CEC grew into a $2 million organization and became the leading commentator on Canada’s energy transition. For over a decade, she and her team provided critical guidance to both federal and provincial governments. The team members she hired and mentored continue to influence Canada’s energy landscape, both within CEC and in key roles across the country. In 2018, Merran was appointed co-chair of British Columbia’s Climate Solutions Council, where she played an instrumental role in shaping the province’s climate plan—now regarded as one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking climate strategies in North America. Most recently, Merran founded and leads New Economy Canada, a non-partisan initiative bringing together business, labor, and Indigenous leaders to accelerate Canada’s economic transition. This initiative engages a diverse range of sectors—including cement, steel, mining, hydrogen, renewables, and clean technologies—aiming to drive investment, job creation, and energy security within the framework of a clean economy. In recognition of her contributions, Merran has received multiple awards, including the Clean16 Award and recently, King Charles III’s Coronation Medal. She is also a Fellow at Simon Fraser University.
