Velma McColl is Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies and works on a wide range of economic and social issues, including M&A, innovation, energy, environment, and emerging technologies. Prior to joining Earnscliffe, Velma advised Federal Cabinet Ministers on political strategy, policy and communications, and has also worked provincially in British Columbia and Alberta. Throughout her career, Velma has worked to find creative solutions across federal/provincial/territorial, North American, and international boundaries. Her career includes success as an entrepreneur and experience working collaboratively with business, academia, think tanks, not-for-profit organizations, and the public sector. A proud mother and Westerner with twenty years’ experience in Ottawa, Velma studied at the University of British Columbia and the Banff School of Management. She is a co-founder of the Canadian Clean Technology Coalition and Women in GR. She has taken leadership roles with several organizations including Smart Prosperity, the Ryan’s Well Foundation and EcoTrust Canada.