In just over a decade, Foresight Canada has transformed from an in-person, regional accelerator into a national cleantech catalyst, driving clean productivity across the country. This remarkable journey—from ambitious startup to Canada's largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator supporting over 1,400 portfolio companies—represents more than growth; it represents a fundamental shift in how Canada can turn environmental and economic challenges into opportunities.
Our Board of Directors have been instrumental in this transformation. Through their unwavering guidance, strategic support, and passionate commitment, they've helped Foresight lead new approaches to acceleration, forge powerful cross-sector partnerships, and create lasting economic opportunities while addressing our planet's most urgent challenges.
With so many changes on the global horizon, our vision is audacious yet clear: to propel Canada into the top three countries in the global innovation index from its current standing at 15th place. This isn't just an organizational goal—it's a national imperative that will require unprecedented collaboration, ingenuity, and leadership.
As we embrace this new opportunity, our Board of Directors is also evolving. While saying goodbye to several long-standing Board Directors, we are also excited to welcome new perspectives that will drive us toward global leadership in cleantech innovation.
A Heart-Felt Thank You to Our Departing Board Members
The path from regional initiative to national impact wasn't forged overnight. We extend our profound gratitude to three extraordinary board members who have been instrumental in Foresight's evolution and impact:
Elicia Maine: Board Director
Professor Elicia Maine has been a cornerstone of our innovation strategy, bringing her expertise in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from Simon Fraser University. As Academic Director of the Invention to Innovation program, her insights have shaped not only Foresight's approaches but have elevated countless cleantech entrepreneurs across Canada. Her pioneering research and thought leadership in innovation management have provided the intellectual foundation for many of our most successful initiatives.
We are so grateful to Elicia for her strategic insights and always making sure key stakeholders were at the table as our programs and reach expanded.
John W. Tak: Board Director
John Tak's lived experience as former CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association and federal government advisor has been pivotal in positioning Foresight at the forefront of Canada's innovation economy. His international perspective, particularly his deep understanding of Asian markets, has been instrumental in our efforts to build global partnerships and showcase Canadian innovation on the world stage. John's contributions have laid essential groundwork for our international impact strategy.
We are so grateful for John’s contributions which started with our successful BC Net Zero Innovation Network and expanded to governance, finance and people oversight.
Russel Matichuk: Board Director
For a decade, Rus Matichuk championed cleantech advancement as Chairman of the Alberta Clean Technology Industry Alliance before its merger with Foresight Canada. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in our national expansion strategy, breaking down regional barriers and creating unified approaches to cleantech development. Rus's extensive cross-sector experience has helped Foresight build bridges between industries and regions.
We are so grateful to Rus for supporting Foresight’s growth and expansion into Alberta, and asking the tough questions around operational excellence.
Welcome to Our Newest Board Member
We are delighted to welcome James Meddings to our Board of Directors.
As NorthGuide's Chair of the Board and Head of Economic Development and Community Growth, James brings over 30 years of experience in the Federal Canadian Public Service, including his appointment as Deputy Minister and President of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
His expertise in global innovation policy, economic development, and community sustainability, along with his extensive international experience representing Canada on the OECD Regional Development Policy Committee, will be invaluable as we expand our national footprint and international influence.
Continuing Board Members
Keith Gillard: Board Chair
Keith Gillard, co-founder and CEO of UpperStage.Capital Inc., brings over twenty years of impact investment experience to his continued role as Board Chair. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at BASF Venture Capital America, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Pangaea Ventures Ltd., as well as board positions across numerous companies and organizations.
Mark Longo: Board Director
Mark Longo brings over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, M&A, and technology law. As Co-Chair of Osler's Emerging Companies Group and Managing Partner of Osler's Vancouver office, Mark brings valuable legal expertise to Foresight. His background includes serving as General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and senior executive capacities for multiple technology companies, including Intrinsyc Software International Inc., Star Data Systems Inc., and Datawire Communication Networks Inc.
Matt McCulloch: Board Director
Matt McCulloch serves as Director of ESG and Decarbonization for Norda Stelo, where he provides critical technology and investment decision-making support across multiple sectors. With extensive experience guiding industries toward net zero goals while optimizing their ESG impacts, Matt brings valuable expertise in climate-resilient infrastructure development and energy transition strategies.
Paula Caldwell St-Onge: Board Director
Paula Caldwell St-Onge is an accomplished ambassador with extensive experience in government administration, international relations, sustainable development, and environmental sciences. With an MBA focused on leadership and sustainability, Paula has over 30 years of experience in the Canadian Government, including senior executive positions at Environment Canada and Global Affairs Canada. Her expertise spans environmental impacts assessment, bilateral trade, and governance.
Jeanette Jackson: CEO
As CEO of Foresight since 2018, she has transformed the non-profit from a regional startup organization to Canada’s largest cleantech accelerator. With her expertise, Foresight has built a vibrant Industry Innovation Program and launched a sectoral approach to accelerate cleantech innovation and adoption.
We enter this transition with immense gratitude for the foundation our departing members have built and excitement for the future our new board will help create. Together, we're not just advancing cleantech—we're elevating Canada's place as a global innovation leader.
