Small but Mighty:
Breaking the Climate Action Barrier


A recent survey of Manitoba business owners reveals something deeper than hesitation on climate action. It’s not just about cost. It’s not even primarily about belief. The real story is more nuanced, rooted in capacity, confidence, and clarity.

Join BizforClimate on April 21 from 12:00–1:00 PM for a free, one-hour lunch panel featuring Mary Agnes Welch (Probe Research), Carla Coyle (C2 Custom Furnishings), Derek Earl (BizforClimate), and Chris Evans (BizforClimate).

The Confidence Gap in
Climate Action

What Manitoba’s business climate data reveals about confidence, capacity, and the path to action

As Mary Agnes Welch of Probe Research Canada puts it, the challenge is layered: “50% capacity (no time/money), 30% confidence (where do I start?) and 20% skepticism.” That breakdown reframes the conversation. 

While skepticism exists, it’s not the dominant force. Most businesses aren’t resisting climate action; they’re just unsure how to fit it into already stretched operations. What’s striking is how quickly businesses are adapting to broader market uncertainty. 

That adaptability is a critical signal: the capacity to adjust exists. The question becomes how can we channel it?

When Everything
Feels Loud


It’s getting harder to tell what’s real.

Between headlines, AI slop, hot takes, and half-truths, the climate conversation is increasingly shaped by noise. And with that comes something we’re seeing more and more: frustration, fatigue, even what’s being called climate rage.

We understand it.

That’s why, if BizforClimate ever feels quieter or more measured than others, it’s by design. We’re not here to flood your inbox or compete for attention. We’re here to be useful.

We choose intention over volume. Clarity over noise. Too many organizations feel pressure to constantly fill the digital space with themselves. But we believe that space should be filled with something more meaningful.

Sovereign AI and Green AI
Are the Same Conversation


Think about it this way: being sustainable means continuing to thrive even as conditions change or worsen. Thriving requires you to maintain your agency, identity, control, and decision-making ability. That is sovereignty. And right now, the dominant model of AI deployment undermines both sovereignty and sustainability.

When a Canadian business routes its data through American-controlled server infrastructure, it loses control on two fronts simultaneously. Without having your impact be visible, you cannot really be accountable.

That last part rarely gets discussed. But for any business serious about its climate commitments, it should.

several images of different terrain and weather types

Be Part
of the Solution

aerial view of forest with effect of footprint shaped lakes

Building cleaner, more resilient and sustainable economies is the path to great prosperity.

While individual Canadian businesses are finding ways to reduce carbon emissions, BizforClimate is looking to rapidly deploy climate solutions at scale. We believe that when we work together, we can have even bigger impacts—influencing public policy, generating outcomes-based solutions, ultimately fast-tracking our transition to a sustainable, prosperous, zero-carbon economy.

open quote

Start local, think global is a core philosophy for me. Climate change can feel overwhelming, but the most powerful solutions often start in our own backyard. Local leadership scales, and businesses have a critical role to play.


Quinton Chambers
CIM, PFP, FSCI | Wealth Advisor, Scotia Wealth Management

open quote

The thing about environmental challenges is that it seems to be shifting sand. One day it’s the most important thing on our mind and the next day it’s no where to be found. And that’s why as a business community we need a loud voice, everyday, about the importance of our environment.


Dave Angus
Johnston Group

open quote

Climate change solutions we embrace today should take into account our future generations and because “the economic horse pulls the social wagon”, it’s vital that business be at the forefront of climate change solutions. I encourage the business community at all levels to sign The Pledge and join BizforClimate.


Stan Higgins
President, VersaPile Inc.

open quote

Business owners have a direct impact in their communities and the way in which their businesses operate and influence others. Collectively, we have a strong voice that can be used to help impact other decision makers’ mindsets.


Todd Burns
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Cypher Environmental

Susan Hurrell
open quote

There is no Planet B – we’re all in this together and the clock is ticking.  Seeing the business sector increasingly take up the cause of environment stewardship makes my heart happy. Consumers can’t do it all, without changes at the business level that affect how we live more responsibly, and what we consume, influenced by increasing multi-level environmental intelligence.

Let’s use our collective business horse-power to work together, creating sensible, economically sound, and meaningful change.


Susan Hurrell
Director, Lead Management, Neovation Learning Solutions

Dan Blair
open quote

Businesses have the most significant impact on climate change. Business owners need to speak up because they will inspire and drive their teams to a positive impact and set an example for the people working with and for them.


Daniel Blair
CEO and Founder, Bit Space Development Ltd

heidi reimer-epp
open quote

Leading by example is critical to our mission, so signing the Climate Action Pledge is an important step to show that we care and are committed to taking action. We see the climate crisis and we want to be a part of the community that stands together to fight it.


Heidi Reimer-Epp
CEO and Founder, Botanical Paperworks

Rick Penner
open quote

Our heavy reliance on fossil fuels as an energy source is a monumental problem that will require all sectors, organizations, and individuals to be part of the solution. I know a lot of successful entrepreneurs who are also parents and citizens and care deeply about the welfare of the planet and its people. BizforClimate sends an important signal about the urgency of the climate crisis to the rest of society generally, and policy-makers specifically.


Rick Penner, Board Director
President, Emerge Knowledge

chris maxfield
open quote

Indigeno Travel believes it is important to be active in the fight for climate action. Signing the Climate Action Pledge sends a clear signal to the government that the business community is taking this issue seriously.


Chris Maxfield
Founder & VP Business Development, Indigeno Travel

Jeff Vilar
open quote

Climate change is our here and now, and there are many businesses in our world that take no action against it. In fact, many businesses profit from it. And we’ve rationalized this as ‘okay’ because ‘it’s just the cost of doing business.’ We feel it is important to support BizforClimate because their mission is to not only raise awareness for climate change but also to help businesses enact meaningful and substantial change.


Jeff Vilar
President, Naida Communications

open quote

The team at BizforClimate really make you feel like you’re part of something bigger, more influential, and that your being consistent with a green mindset will truly have positive, long-term results.


Suzanne Braun
Founder & Managing Director
Relish New Brand Experience

maddie thompson
open quote

MAD Social Agency signed the Climate Action Pledge because we believe favourable climate action should be a top priority for business. My hope is that BizforClimate can influence business owners and policymakers so we can address the climate crisis, build awareness around the issue, and ultimately, take action!


Maddie Thompson
Founder, MAD Social Agency

open quote

Titan Environmental signed up for the Climate Action Pledge because we, as a company, believe in the cause. We see BizforClimate as a conduit to educate and raise awareness about global climate change issues while acting as valuable public resources.


Juice Lambert
President, Canada & Partner, Titan Environmental Containment

Louise May
open quote

As a business owner, a business advisor and a community activist, I believe that the business community can and must step up to the forefront of the social transformation required at present. 


Louise May, Board Director
Owner-Operator, Aurora Farm

dee king
open quote

BizforClimate is the spark that unites smart business with agile conservation. Business leaders are already disrupting old corporate practices and stale ideas. They’re re-shaping industries with a new, modern lens — climate guardianship and renewed policy are the next frontiers.


Dee King, Board Director & Treasurer
Co-Founder, Zenfri Inc.

Ed Buller
open quote

I chose to work with BizforClimate because I believe that the mission, vision and capacity of the entity deals directly with the change and innovation required by climate change issues, one of the most significant issues facing both the private and public sectors today.


Ed Buller, Board Director and Vice-Chair
Principal and President, EICO Management Inc.

Derek Earl
open quote

To bring about the changes we need with speed and scale, there is a tremendous need to mobilize and I believe the business community has an incredibly important role and responsibility to help lead the way. 


Derek Earl, Founder & Board Chair

aerial view of forest with effect of footprint shaped lakes

Building cleaner, more resilient and sustainable economies is the path to great prosperity.

While individual Canadian businesses are finding ways to reduce carbon emissions, BizforClimate is looking to rapidly deploy climate solutions at scale. We believe that when we work together, we can have even bigger impacts—influencing public policy, generating outcomes-based solutions, ultimately fast-tracking our transition to a sustainable, prosperous, zero-carbon economy.

open quote

Start local, think global is a core philosophy for me. Climate change can feel overwhelming, but the most powerful solutions often start in our own backyard. Local leadership scales, and businesses have a critical role to play.


Quinton Chambers
CIM, PFP, FSCI | Wealth Advisor, Scotia Wealth Management

open quote

The thing about environmental challenges is that it seems to be shifting sand. One day it’s the most important thing on our mind and the next day it’s no where to be found. And that’s why as a business community we need a loud voice, everyday, about the importance of our environment.


Dave Angus
Johnston Group

open quote

Climate change solutions we embrace today should take into account our future generations and because “the economic horse pulls the social wagon”, it’s vital that business be at the forefront of climate change solutions. I encourage the business community at all levels to sign The Pledge and join BizforClimate.


Stan Higgins
President, VersaPile Inc.

open quote

Business owners have a direct impact in their communities and the way in which their businesses operate and influence others. Collectively, we have a strong voice that can be used to help impact other decision makers’ mindsets.


Todd Burns
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Cypher Environmental

Susan Hurrell
open quote

There is no Planet B – we’re all in this together and the clock is ticking.  Seeing the business sector increasingly take up the cause of environment stewardship makes my heart happy. Consumers can’t do it all, without changes at the business level that affect how we live more responsibly, and what we consume, influenced by increasing multi-level environmental intelligence.

Let’s use our collective business horse-power to work together, creating sensible, economically sound, and meaningful change.


Susan Hurrell
Director, Lead Management, Neovation Learning Solutions

Dan Blair
open quote

Businesses have the most significant impact on climate change. Business owners need to speak up because they will inspire and drive their teams to a positive impact and set an example for the people working with and for them.


Daniel Blair
CEO and Founder, Bit Space Development Ltd

heidi reimer-epp
open quote

Leading by example is critical to our mission, so signing the Climate Action Pledge is an important step to show that we care and are committed to taking action. We see the climate crisis and we want to be a part of the community that stands together to fight it.


Heidi Reimer-Epp
CEO and Founder, Botanical Paperworks

Rick Penner
open quote

Our heavy reliance on fossil fuels as an energy source is a monumental problem that will require all sectors, organizations, and individuals to be part of the solution. I know a lot of successful entrepreneurs who are also parents and citizens and care deeply about the welfare of the planet and its people. BizforClimate sends an important signal about the urgency of the climate crisis to the rest of society generally, and policy-makers specifically.


Rick Penner, Board Director
President, Emerge Knowledge

chris maxfield
open quote

Indigeno Travel believes it is important to be active in the fight for climate action. Signing the Climate Action Pledge sends a clear signal to the government that the business community is taking this issue seriously.


Chris Maxfield
Founder & VP Business Development, Indigeno Travel

Jeff Vilar
open quote

Climate change is our here and now, and there are many businesses in our world that take no action against it. In fact, many businesses profit from it. And we’ve rationalized this as ‘okay’ because ‘it’s just the cost of doing business.’ We feel it is important to support BizforClimate because their mission is to not only raise awareness for climate change but also to help businesses enact meaningful and substantial change.


Jeff Vilar
President, Naida Communications

open quote

The team at BizforClimate really make you feel like you’re part of something bigger, more influential, and that your being consistent with a green mindset will truly have positive, long-term results.


Suzanne Braun
Founder & Managing Director
Relish New Brand Experience

maddie thompson
open quote

MAD Social Agency signed the Climate Action Pledge because we believe favourable climate action should be a top priority for business. My hope is that BizforClimate can influence business owners and policymakers so we can address the climate crisis, build awareness around the issue, and ultimately, take action!


Maddie Thompson
Founder, MAD Social Agency

open quote

Titan Environmental signed up for the Climate Action Pledge because we, as a company, believe in the cause. We see BizforClimate as a conduit to educate and raise awareness about global climate change issues while acting as valuable public resources.


Juice Lambert
President, Canada & Partner, Titan Environmental Containment

Louise May
open quote

As a business owner, a business advisor and a community activist, I believe that the business community can and must step up to the forefront of the social transformation required at present. 


Louise May, Board Director
Owner-Operator, Aurora Farm

dee king
open quote

BizforClimate is the spark that unites smart business with agile conservation. Business leaders are already disrupting old corporate practices and stale ideas. They’re re-shaping industries with a new, modern lens — climate guardianship and renewed policy are the next frontiers.


Dee King, Board Director & Treasurer
Co-Founder, Zenfri Inc.

Ed Buller
open quote

I chose to work with BizforClimate because I believe that the mission, vision and capacity of the entity deals directly with the change and innovation required by climate change issues, one of the most significant issues facing both the private and public sectors today.


Ed Buller, Board Director and Vice-Chair
Principal and President, EICO Management Inc.

Derek Earl
open quote

To bring about the changes we need with speed and scale, there is a tremendous need to mobilize and I believe the business community has an incredibly important role and responsibility to help lead the way. 


Derek Earl, Founder & Board Chair

Take Action

What We Do

manitoba lake shore front with treeline

Organize business owners and CEOs to speak with a common voice for climate solutions. In becoming a Signatory to the Climate Action Pledge, companies declare their support for action and add their names to a growing list of like-minded businesses.

Highlight the broad level of support that already exists within the business community for ambitious climate action to decarbonize our economy.

aerial view of six people around a large table with laptops, coffee, and papers, two people are reaching across the desk to shake hands

Raise awareness about the impacts and risks of climate change, while promoting solutions, opportunities, and best practices.

lightbulb with small plant growing inside

Encourage and enable members to become advocates in their networks and communities by sharing strategies, tactics, and engagement opportunities.

group of people standing in front of a black board as one person writes on it

Promote the economic benefits of transitioning to a zero-carbon economy.

We are mounting a response at a time when it is most needed.

BizforClimate makes climate action easier, lower-risk, and more impactful for your business. We harness the credibility, expertise, and influence of the business community to:

Sign The Pledge

Be Part of the Solution

woman looking at graphs on computer screen

Signing the Pledge means you’re taking climate change seriously and supporting the move to zero emissions. You’ll be enhancing your reputation as an industry leader, and joining a group of like minded businesses who are committed to making a difference.

Stories for Change | CoElement
Relish Branding - strategic, creative, interactive - change in the making for 25 years - certified B corp

Our Stories

YourStyle Financial

Listening First: How YourStyle Financial Builds Financial Plans A firm built around a single question For Doug Buss of YourStyle Financial, every conversation starts with a disarmingly personal prompt: “What’s Important To You?” This establishes the scaffolding and long-term planning for aligning financial trends with the realities of life. Rather …

Lakewater Nutrient Capture Ltd.

Turning Concern Into Action: A Conversation with Joel Weber, Founder & CEO of Lakewater Nutrient Capture Ltd. “Harmful algae blooms is one of the main relatable symptoms that communities struggle with in watersheds, and is the result of excess phosphorus in the water,” Weber explains. These blooms, often driven by …

Stony Hill Farm

Stony Hill Farm is Manitoba’s supplier of exclusively local, pasture-raised meats. Acting as both a producer and a distributor, Stony Hill Farm operates a farm stand and online store. “We carefully select farming experts in rotational grazing, and butchers to prepare all cuts of beef, pork, chicken, lamb and bison. …

Typha Company

Typha Co. is sustaining long-term remediation efforts to Lake Winnipeg‘s environmental crisis by repurposing runoff nutrients into horticulture products. Not only does the consumption of our product advance a circular system for nutrient capture initiatives but it also displaces the use of unsustainable alternatives currently (peat moss) used by growers. …

Assiniboine Credit Union

Assiniboine Credit Union/Caisse Assiniboine is a financial co-operative owned collectively by its members. Serving over 217,000 members across Winnipeg, Brandon and surrounding rural and northern communities, we manage assets totaling $9.6 billion. We provide financial services that empower people, businesses, non-profits, social enterprises and community organizations to achieve their goals. Why …

Tillwell

Breaking Barriers: Tillwell’s Aquamation Service and the Role of Business in Climate Action Innovation can drive climate action, but outdated policies often stand in the way. Tillwell’s journey to bring aquamation, an eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation, to market is a prime example of how businesses can lead on sustainability …

Johnston Group

Johnston Group provides employee benefit solutions to companies from one employee to 10,000 or more. We’re a platinum member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, having held the Best Managed distinction every year since 2001. We call Winnipeg home and we believe strongly in giving back by contributing to our local …

Rocke Developments

Reducing your Carbon Footprint At Rocke Developments sustainability means the world to us. Our most recent development at 500 Caron Road has been painted white to lower cooling costs, and we’ve installed energy-efficient LED lighting throughout. One of the larger initiatives we’ve undertaken to reduce our carbon footprint has been …

Dueck Builders

🌿 Sustainability at the Core: Dueck Builders’ approach to construction is rooted in sustainability. From achieving Passive House air exchange requirements to utilizing carbon-reduced EcoPact concrete, their commitment to reducing environmental impact is evident in every project. 🏠 Custom Design with a Conscience: With a focus on custom design, Dueck …

Probe Research

Mary Agnes Welch, Principal at Probe Research, explains their commitment to Climate Action Why did Probe sign the Climate Action Pledge? We love doing work that has a trickle-down effect on the community – making something better, building something, improving things for Manitobans.  The pledge is part of that, and …

Diamond Gallery

Established in 1992, Diamond Gallery has been a cornerstone in Winnipeg’s jewellery scene for over 30 years. As a signatory committed to ethical practices, they’re not just a business but a part of our community’s sustainable future. At the Diamond Gallery, we believe local business can have an impact on …

CanSustain

CanSustain Management Solutions Inc. is a Manitoba sustainability consultancy that was founded in 2012. Our clients are located across Canada. We are privileged to have worked with clients in the utility, aerospace, clean-tech, water management, academic, agri-food, tele-communications, municipal, retail, and logistics sectors. We have experience working with operations, management …

Coelement

Coelement is a strategic and creative storytelling partner for purpose-driven organizations. Why did Coelement sign the Climate Action Pledge? The protection of our planet is an important and top priority for Coelement as we strive to consistently act on and promote climate protection. We signed the Pledge because we need …

Aurora Farm

Aurora Farm took root in 2004 at its current home on the last Red River Métis Seigneurial or River Lot in St. Norbert. Aurora Farm is based on permaculture, Indigenous and feminist approaches to the human connection to land as a model sustainable educational farm designed and operated by activist Louise …

VersaPile Inc.

VersaPile is Manitoba owned and operated and Central Canada’s largest piling contractor specializing in high capacity helical piles for important infrastructure across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Helical piles are generally budget competitive with other piling solutions while installing faster without curing time, reducing the carbon footprint of materials by 90% …

Cypher Environmental

Cypher Environmental is a leading global environmental solution provider for dust control and road stabilization. With ESG (Environmental Social Governance) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) principles at the core of every decision we make, we proudly boast the tag line, “Always do what’s right.” Why did your company sign the Climate …

ZenFri

ZenFri is an internationally recognized and award-winning interactive studio that leverages cutting-edge design and technology to push the boundaries of storytelling. Working across an array of mediums, including Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and gaming, we create lovingly crafted experiences for clients and consumers across Canada and around the world.  …

Payworks

Payworks is a leading expert in the field of total workforce management solutions, providing cloud-based Payroll, Human Resources, Employee Time and Absence Management to businesses across Canada. We’re a Platinum Club member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, having held the Best Managed distinction every year since 2012, and were designated one …

MAD Social Agency

Mad Social Agency is a Social Media marketing agency based in Manitoba with clients across North America. “Spark” specializes in social media management, branding, and graphic design services for businesses, personal brands and organizations. Mad Social Agency actively promotes climate action/environmentalism whether that be promoting it through social media or …

Botanical PaperWorks

Botanical PaperWorks is the world-leading supplier and manufacturer of eco-friendly seed paper products that grow plants that will benefit pollinators. No waste is left behind!  Our mission is to spread beauty and reduce waste by helping both individuals and companies who want to make good environmental choices and celebrate important …

Emerge Knowledge Design Inc.

Emerge Knowledge Design Inc. is the environmental technology company that delivers Re-TRAC Connect™, the proven web-based software that material management professionals trust to efficiently collect, manage, and analyze recycling and solid waste data.  The science is clear; a climate catastrophe is unfolding that will completely disrupt our economy, society, and …

Relish New Brand Experience

Relish New Brand Experience is a Winnipeg-based integrated agency using marketing, design and technology, helping everyone from start-ups to big corporations. They started on the path to B Corp certification in 2017. It was also at this time that they considered their environmental footprint. They have since done everything from …

Titan Environmental Containment

Titan Environmental Containment (Titan) is a leading supplier, fabricator, and installer of geosynthetics and specialty civil engineering construction products that help manage the environment and prolong the life of critical infrastructure. We offer a range of innovative; low-impact and cost-effective product solutions designed to protect soil, water, and air, reduce …

Indigeno Travel

Located on Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, Indigeno Travel is Canada’s leading-edge Indigenous-owned national travel agency, offering a complete, competitive slate of corporate travel services. Thanks to deep integration with their travel partners, they operate at the scale and capacity of one of Canada’s largest independent travel agencies with over 2,000 …

Bit Space Development Ltd.

Bit Space Development Ltd. (BSD) is an innovation company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, specializing in creating learning experiences for the classroom and workplace using advanced technologies. BSD focuses on innovative technologies, such as AR, VR, AI, computer vision and machine learning. BSD’s solutions are used by medium and large …

Naida Communications

Naida Communications is a full-service sales-oriented marketing strategist, consulting and training company dedicated to providing integrated sales and marketing solutions tailored to your business. Our only mandate is to help you and your team optimize internal processes and scale on a consistent basis. Climate change is our here and now, …

Telpay

Telpay is proud to be a founding business supporting BizforClimate and an early signatory of the Climate Action Pledge.   For 35 years, Telpay’s core business of electronic payments has saved over 80,000 mature trees worth of paper products for countless businesses across Canada. Our commitment to the environment doesn’t stop there. We invite …

Learn what motivates companies to make the pledge.

Sponsors

the diamond gallery
cansustain
Cypher Environmental
Naida logo
BSD logo
Botanical Paperworks logo
Relish Branding logo
aurora
eco canada

Partners

The Carbon Almanac logo
1 percent for the planet

Featured Resource

Environmental Workforce Resources for Business Leaders

As sustainability, climate risk, and environmental accountability increasingly shape business strategy, access to qualified talent and relevant training has become a competitive necessity. Whether hiring environmental professionals, building internal sustainability capacity, or preparing your workforce for evolving regulations and market expectations, having the right tools and resources can accelerate progress …

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