Accomplished energy and clean economy leader brings a 25-year track record of building partnerships, shaping policy and mobilizing investment
(VANCOUVER, BC) September 10, 2026 – New Economy Canada welcomes Ian Bruce as its new president today, bringing an accomplished clean economy leader to the helm as the organization enters its next phase of growth and impact.
Announcing Bruce’s appointment, Merran Smith, Executive Board Chair at New Economy Canada, said:
“What stands out about Ian is his ability to bring people together and turn shared ambition into meaningful results. Throughout his career, he has built impressive partnerships and worked with governments to advance public policy solutions that have translated into investment, projects and clean-economy growth. He knows how to get things done, and that will be enormously valuable as New Economy Canada enters its next chapter. I’m excited to see Ian lead New Economy Canada, and work to build on the momentum we’ve created, increasing our impact across the country.”
Bruce has worked at the intersection of energy, economic competitiveness and clean innovation throughout his career. His work has contributed to major advances in clean electricity, sustainable transportation and market-based clean economy policy, while helping mobilize billions of dollars in infrastructure and clean economy investment.
Ian Bruce, President of New Economy Canada said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining New Economy Canada at such an important moment. Canadian industries and workers are under enormous pressure, but they are doing more than weathering the storm — they are innovating and building a cleaner, more productive and more secure economy.
Canada has tremendous advantages in our clean electricity, natural resources, skilled workforce and homegrown technologies. Under Merran’s leadership, the New Economy Canada team and partners have already accomplished an incredible amount. I’m excited to dive in and help build on that work to turn Canada’s strengths into greater investment, more jobs and new opportunities.”
Partners welcome Ian Bruce
New Economy Canada is a non-partisan alliance of more than 70 business, Indigenous and labour organizations committed to accelerating investment in Canada’s clean economy. Together, its partners generate more than $200 billion in annual revenue and employ or represent more than 750,000 workers across Canada.
Adam Auer, President and CEO, Cement Association of Canada
“Canada’s material production industries are the foundation of future growth as we build and strengthen Canada’s new economy. The Cement Association of Canada is a proud partner of New Economy Canada since its founding, and we look forward to working with Ian as he builds on the organization’s momentum. His experience advancing major clean energy and infrastructure initiatives will help bring together the partnerships needed to strengthen Canada’s competitiveness.”
Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Senior Vice President, Western Canada Development and Federal Government Affairs, Innergex
“As Canada prepares to expand its electricity system, we’ll need new ways of planning, building and financing the infrastructure that powers our economy. That means stronger collaboration between provinces, the federal government, Indigenous partners and industry. New Economy Canada has become an important force in bringing those voices together, and I’m excited to see Ian bring his experience building partnerships around shared economic goals to take that work even further.”
Jolene McLaughlin, Vice President, Climate and Sustainability, EllisDon
“Canada’s clean growth opportunity is significant, and making the most of it will require strong partnerships, bold leadership, a shared commitment to building the infrastructure our economy depends on. We’re excited to welcome Ian and look forward to working with him and New Economy Canada to attract investment and help move forward the projects that will drive economic growth for decades to come.”
Economic leaders welcome Bruce’s appointment
Ross Beaty, C.M., Founder and Chair Emeritus, Pan American Silver and Equinox Gold; Founder of Alterra Power; Cofounder and President of the Sitka Foundation.
“Ian has demonstrated leadership at the intersection of clean energy, innovation and economic competitiveness. He has a strong track record of bringing people together to advance major clean energy and infrastructure policies that have helped unlock billions of dollars in investment. He understands that building a cleaner economy is also about creating opportunity, strengthening Canadian competitiveness and driving long-term prosperity.”
Gordon Campbell, Former Premier of British Columbia
“Ian is a thoughtful and effective leader who turns ambitious goals into practical policy solutions. During my time as Premier, I saw firsthand his ability to work constructively with government and diverse partners to advance clean energy, investment and economic opportunities for British Columbia.”
Retired Chief Patrick Michell, Kanaka Bar Indian Band
“Canadians get it! We are collectively living in a new reality where climate change, extreme weather and the catastrophes that follow are the norm. We need to transition to a new economy and clean, renewable energy is all about empowering self-determination, resilience and living in harmony with the land. In this regard, Ian has recognized that Indigenous communities are leading the way and has supported Indigenous-owned clean energy projects that strengthen our communities and help build a more resilient and sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.”
Michael J. Brown, C.M., Founder ReThink Climate Inc.
“I’ve known Ian for many years. He is one of the few clean energy leaders who understands how the private sector can turn clean energy ambition into commercial success by bringing new technologies and ideas to market. I know from his work with us at ReThink Climate that he can help Canada build globally competitive clean technology and energy companies. He is the ideal person to lead New Economy Canada in attracting investment, guiding strategy and making key connections. These are turbulent times, and our country needs his input.”
Jean-François Barsoum, senior Canadian tech executive
“I’ve known and worked with Ian for several years. He is steadfast, forthright and reliable — through thick and thin. From strategy to execution, he delivers. His dedication to the mission and the people he works with shines through. I’m thrilled to see him in a role where he will continue to inspire action and advance solutions that drive clean innovation and build a cleaner economy.”
New Economy Canada is a non-partisan initiative uniting 70+ companies, labour unions and Indigenous organizations, all committed to accelerating investment in Canada’s clean economy. Our partners employ or represent over 750,000 workers. https://neweconomycanada.ca
For media inquiries:
Rebecca Spring, Senior Director of Communications, New Economy Canada rebecca.spring@neweconomycanada.ca