Staff

Brendan helped launch Efficiency Canada, where he now guides research and policy advocacy efforts. He brings a proven record in energy policy entrepreneurship and thought leadership.

Brendan has a PhD in Public Policy from Carleton University where his research used political economy and systems of innovation frameworks to understand the role of traditional natural resource sectors in Canada’s low-carbon transition. He was awarded a prestigious Banting Post-Doctoral Fellowship in 2016-2018 and holds a Master of Environmental Studies from York University and a BSc in Economics from Dalhousie University.

He is a policy fellow with the Broadbent Institute and has published public policy reports with the Smart Prosperity Institute, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Pembina Institute, and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. He has taught courses and lectured in energy efficiency policy, and socio-political dimensions of environmental management, political activism, and green industrial policy. In October 2022, Brendan Haley was given the position of Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton’s School of Public Policy and Administration, giving him more opportunity to involve himself in academics.  

Brendan got his start in energy efficiency policy advocacy while working at Nova Scotia’s Ecology Action Centre, where he became the principal catalyst behind the creation of Canada’s first energy efficiency utility, Efficiency Nova Scotia.

For the past 10 years, James has conducted research on energy and environmental politics and public opinion in Canada through a variety of capacities, including two postdoctoral fellowships, research associate positions at York University, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo, and as an independent consultant. He has also been a member of two cross-Canadian energy-related research networks, prepared several successful research grant applications, and served as organizational and technical consultant at multiple academic associations.

James received is PhD in Political Science from Carleton University in 2014, where he specialized in comparative politics and international relations. His doctoral dissertation focused on the politics of visualizing the future for sustainable energy, looking specifically at controversy surrounding oil supply forecasts by the International Energy Agency in the early 2000s. Some of the topics James has written and published on since include carbon capture and storage, biofuel policy, energy efficiency, and energy storage.

Emilie (she/her) is the Engagement Manager at Efficiency Canada.

Emilie holds a Masters of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, as well as a B.A. in International Law and International Relations. She has spent the past five years advocating for sustainable land use planning, active transportation, and renewable energy. Above all else, Emilie hopes to help build community in the nonprofit sector.

Outside of work, Emilie spends a lot of time figuring out how to be less cold during her backcountry skiing and ice climbing adventures.

Kevin’s interest in energy efficiency began while working as a carpenter and Advanced Housing Instructor at Algonquin College. His passion for improving our built environment and a desire to promote efficient building practices led Kevin to Carleton University where he completed his Master’s in Sustainable Energy Policy.

This combined practical and theoretical experience has helped Kevin deliver successful projects ranging from rural energy efficiency programming to national awareness campaigns advocating for greater efficiency in the electricity sector. More recently, Kevin’s strong public policy acumen and keen understanding of stakeholder interests has helped him support advocacy, communications, and public policy campaigns for several industry and trade associations in complex environments and regulated sectors.

Kevin is an active community member and volunteers his time supporting youth cycling programs. Kevin’s favourite pastimes are hiking and canoeing with his family throughout Ontario.

Allison Mostowich is an experienced engagement and outreach professional in the areas of energy efficiency, conventional resources, regulatory environments and small business startups. She has led collaborative, supportive teams and managed programs at the Energy Resources Conservation Board, Alberta Energy Regulator, Energy Efficiency Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta. 

Throughout her career, Allison has endeavoured to make the systems she works in more approachable and understandable to all the stakeholders that are part of it, so that they can fully participate. Her experience working with multiple levels of government, multiple leadership levels in organizations and businesses throughout the province has built Allison’s strong focus on inclusive and practical decision-making and implementation. 

Allison holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Science in Behavioral Science from the London School of Economics. Allison has a strong interest in ESG and ESG reporting to enable better, sustainable decisions for companies.

Allison proudly supports Inside Education as a Director, an environmental education focused non-profit supporting teachers and students through experiential learning. She is a keen hiker, camper, and backcountry camper who is working through her fear of grizzly bear encounters. She loves travel and horseback riding, and spends as much time with family as possible.

Hannah has been working in the health non-profit sector since 2014 in program coordination. She has previously worked at the Heart and Stroke and Ontario Medical Association. Hannah completed a BA in Politics and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Spanish language certificate from University of Toronto. She looks forward to merging her professional experience to cater to Efficiency Canada’s operation needs. She is thrilled to join the Efficiency Canada team and to work for an organization that supports an energy efficient economy. 

With close to a decade of experience in communications, Aidan has worked with businesses big and small, helping them find their voice, recalibrate their mission and engage with the public, enabling them to grow in a meaningful direction. She has written for numerous companies and publications and has advocated sustainability and environmental responsibility through both journalistic work and marketing initiatives. Above all, she hopes to be part of the solution in her role at Efficiency Canada, making a difference in Canada’s economy and environment.

Outside of work, you can find Aidan reading, writing, making fermented condiments with her husband and being the busy mom to a toddler.

Aidan Djabarov is a Communications Specialist at Efficiency Canada. Her undergraduate studies were in Political Science, History, and American Studies and she completed a post-graduate certification in Public Relations/Corporate Communications at Seneca College.

Since beginning her professional career, Aidan has worked in entertainment, non-profit, and education – with these diverse experiences allowing her to develop an expansive array of skills across communications, social media, and marketing. She’s excited to apply her skillset to advocating for energy efficiency and making a real impact on Canadian communities and the world at large.

Outside of work, Aidan enjoys frequent trips to the local library to stock up on new books and studying multiple languages in her pursuit to become a polyglot.

Mekyle is the Digital Communications Intern at Efficiency Canada. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English at Carleton University, his interests include writing, design, and content curation on digital platforms.

His undergraduate studies have allowed him to streamline his writing and editing skills in order to communicate effectively. During his program, Mekyle has written and explored text in modern formats and produced work that has been appreciated by his instructors.

Mekyle is passionate about online storytelling and visual design, and is eager to develop new skills that will help translate his passion into real work experience. An enthusiast of literature and media, he is devoted to visual art as well as writing poetry and short stories. His other hobbies include swimming, watching movies, and listening to podcasts. 

Liza is the Policy Research Assistant at Efficiency Canada, helping with researching and providing energy efficiency to low-income Canadians, as well as tenant rights policies. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies as well as a minor in Business at Carleton University.

Her undergraduate studies have focused on writing and policy making, as well as analyzing current trends in media as the world moves through an age where information is easily exchanged. Liza is passionate in storytelling and is eager to learn and develop new perspectives.

In her spare time, Liza enjoys film photography, visiting museums as well as traveling, having recently traveled to Iceland.

Stefanie (She/Her) is the Engagement Intern at Efficiency Canada. She is currently living on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations. Stefanie completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Biology at the University of Waterloo. She has experience in the non-profit sector advocating for animal welfare and climate change policy; Stefanie is passionate about social, economic, and environmental justice and hopes to contribute to meaningful change in all of the work she pursues. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, thrifting, playing video games, listening to vinyl on her record player, and cuddling with her cat Nimbus.