Jessica McIlroy is a respected government relations, clean energy, and climate policy leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to advancing practical solutions for a more sustainable and low-carbon future. She currently serves as Director of Government Relations with the Pembina Institute’s Communities and Decarbonization team, where she supports policy advocacy across teams and governments and works to advance effective climate, energy, and decarbonization policies. Her work has contributed to policy discussions at the provincial and national levels, including recommendations related to clean electricity, climate-resilient housing, transportation, Indigenous-led energy opportunities, and Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
In addition to her professional work, Jessica has served as a City Councillor with the City of North Vancouver since first being elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Throughout her tenure in local government, she has taken an active leadership role in advancing climate action, environmental policy, transportation, and community development. Her service has included roles on the boards of the North Vancouver City Library, North Van Arts Council, and Lonsdale Energy, as well as Chair of the City’s Climate and Environment Task Force. She has also contributed to Metro Vancouver climate action and Indigenous relations committees and served as Council’s representative on the City’s Integrated Transportation Committee.
Jessica’s leadership extends beyond North Vancouver through her involvement in municipal and climate-focused organizations. She is the 3rd Vice President of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and previously served two terms on its executive as a member-at-large. She is also involved with the B.C. Municipal Climate Leaders Council and serves as Vice-Chair of Climate Caucus, helping advance collaboration and climate leadership among elected municipal officials. Her contributions to local government climate action were nationally recognized in 2025 when she received a Clean50 Award for her leadership in advancing climate-focused policy and action.
Prior to and alongside her current work, Jessica has held leadership positions with the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association, the B.C. Women in Energy Network, and Marine Renewables Canada. These experiences reflect her extensive history of working to advance clean energy and sustainable development throughout British Columbia and across Canada.
Jessica brings a multidisciplinary academic background to her work, holding a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, a Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability, and a Master of Business Administration. Her combination of scientific knowledge, sustainability expertise, business education, public policy experience, and elected leadership has enabled her to approach complex environmental and energy challenges from both strategic and practical perspectives.
Today, Jessica continues to be a prominent advocate for effective climate action and the transition to a clean economy. Through her work with the Pembina Institute and her leadership in municipal government, she is helping connect policy, community leadership, and practical implementation to support more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous communities across British Columbia and Canada.
Professional Highlights
- Director of Government Relations, Pembina Institute, Communities and Decarbonization
- City Councillor, City of North Vancouver, elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022
- 3rd Vice President, Lower Mainland Local Government Association
- Vice-Chair, Climate Caucus
- Member of the B.C. Municipal Climate Leaders Council
- Former leadership roles with the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association, B.C. Women in Energy Network, and Marine Renewables Canada
- Recipient of a national Clean50 Award in 2025 for leadership in local government climate action
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
- Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability
- Master of Business Administration
Worldwide Women’s Association member Jessica McIlroy can be found on the directory where she is looking forward to networking with you.