Date: September 10, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM ET (11:00 AM CT)
Location: Zoom
Webinar Topic: Protecting Shared Waters and Ecosystems
Webinar Date: September 10, 2026, 12-1:00pm ET
Guest Speaker(s): MPP Jeff Burch, Niagara Centre, Mayor Bill Steele, Mayor of the City of Port Colborne, Senator Laura Ellman, Illinois General Assembly,
Moderator: Representative Nate Davidson, Pennsylvania House of Representative | Vance Badawey, President & CEO, Council of the Great Lakes Region
Introducing the ‘Cross-Border Commitment Series’, a Three-Part Webinar Series launching September 2026!
The Great Lakes region has long demonstrated that meaningful progress is built through collaboration across borders. Hosted by the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR), in partnership with the Office of PA State Representative Nate Davidson and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus, the Cross-Border Commitment webinar series brings together elected officials, government leaders, and subject matter experts from Canada and the United States to explore shared opportunities and challenges facing the region. Across three webinars focused on Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, and Equity & People, panelists will highlight successful cross-border partnerships, discuss emerging regional priorities, and explore how continued collaboration can strengthen the Great Lakes for future generations. Through expert discussion and stakeholder engagement, the series will reinforce the enduring relationships that continue to drive innovation and progress throughout the region.
Series Kick Off
The first installment of the webinar series will focus on the environmental sustainability of the Great Lakes, emphasizing the shared responsibility and collaborative efforts that protect one of the world’s most valuable freshwater resources. Elected officials, government representatives, and environmental experts from both Canada and the United States will discuss regional priorities including plastic pollution prevention, water quality, watershed protection, climate resilience, and other pressing environmental challenges. Through examples of successful partnerships and practical solutions, this conversation will demonstrate how cross-border cooperation continues to advance the health and sustainability of the Great Lakes while identifying opportunities for future collaboration.
SPEAKER:
MPP Jeff Burch | Niagara Centre
Jeff Burch is serving his third term as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara Centre. Since 2018, he has represented the hard-working people of South St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, and Port Colborne. At the Ontario Legislature, his focus remains on advocating for greater local healthcare services and lifting workers and families out of poverty.
Mayor Bill Steele | City of Port Colborne
State Senator Laura Ellman| Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Laura Ellman was elected to serve in the Illinois General Assembly in November of 2018. Senator Ellman currently serves on a number of committees, including Human Rights, Insurance, Transportation, Chairperson of Environment and Conservation; Vice-Chairperson of Financial Institutions. Senator Ellman has a love for learning and solving problems. As an assessor at a National Laboratory, Senator Ellman knows what it takes to solve complex problems. Professionally, she has more than 25 years of experience working in manufacturing and engineering and dealing with regulations and policies.
MODERATOR:
Representative Nate Davidson | State of Pennsylvania
Democrat Nate Davidson represents Pennsylvania’s 103rd Legislative District, covering parts of Dauphin and Cumberland counties including areas of Harrisburg and West Shore communities Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Wormleysburg, and East Pennsboro Township, in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He brings considerable experience from his previous work within the House, where he served for several years as Floor Manager for the Democratic Caucus under Representative Jordan Harris and later as Senior Advisor to Representative Harris on the House Appropriations Committee.
Representative Davidson serves on six key House Committees: Communications & Technology, Energy, Game & Fisheries, Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations, Professional Licensure, and State Government. Additionally, he is a Member to the Canada-US Relations Committee of the Councils of State Governments East and the Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee. He is dedicated to using his experience to deliver results, keep communities safe, and move the Susquehanna Valley region and the entire Commonwealth forward.
MODERATOR:
Vance Badawey | President & CEO | Council of the Great Lakes Region
Vance Badawey brings a lifelong commitment to the Great Lakes region and a distinguished record of leadership across public service and private enterprise. Having served as mayor, councillor, and Member of Parliament, he has cultivated deep expertise in Great Lakes governance, cross-border collaboration, and binational policy.
Known for uniting diverse interests around common goals, Badawey is a dynamic champion for the region and an ideal leader to advance CGLR’s long-term vision. A proud member of the Métis Nation, he resides with his family in Port Colborne, Ontario.
