Climate & Energy Programs Manager at Georgian Bay Biosphere
Benjamin John is the Climate & Energy Programs Manager at the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere, a non-profit and registered charity that represents one of 19 UNESCO-designated world biospheres in Canada.
Benjamin is passionate about the intersection of energy management, climate change, economic development, and local level sustainability. He enjoys planning and implementing solutions that address local socio-economic needs, reduce energy costs, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Benjamin is a firm believer that relationships and partnerships are the foundational ingredients for building effective climate action. In his role, he facilitates and delivers an inter-governmental partnership known as ICECAP, which brings together many First Nations and rural municipalities in northern and southern Ontario to share knowledge and resources for collaborative climate action planning and implementation.
He holds a Masters of Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University and an Honour Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. He currently resides in Parry Sound (ON) where he enjoys the beauty and natural recreation opportunities that Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii has to offer.
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.
