Judi Varga-Toth joined the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) in 2019 and is the Manager, ImpAct Climate. As a fluently bilingual manager, she is responsible for fostering national and international collaboration that will help achieve the vision of the CICan strategic plan, Better Futures for Peoples and Communities. Judi is a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) champion at CICan and has travelled, virtually and in-person, across Canada to present to member institutions on the SDGs and promote the adoption of the SDG Accord.
CICan launched the ImpAct project in 2019. Backed by the McConnell Foundation and placed under the patronage of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, ImpAct is designed to capitalize on the ability of colleges and institutes to foster economic and social inclusion, community well-being and a sustainable future. ImpAct uses Canada’s targets for the 17 goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by 193 UN member states in 2015, as a framework for engaging members and partners in new collaborations. Since 2021, she has also led CICan’s ImpAct Climate project (SDG 13).
Prior to joining CICan, Judi led Vélo Canada Bikes, a national active transportation organisation, where she contributed towards a greener, more inclusive Canada through advocating for safe, convenient and accessible active transportation infrastructure and policies for all Canadians. She has also worked in social policy research, sustainability and social programs, entrepreneurship and tourism.
Judi has an MA in European Studies and a BA in Political Science.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
