About

Carolina Rinfret has nearly 20 years of combined legal, regulatory and government relations experience in hydroelectricity and the broader energy sector.

Namely, she has worked for a Crown corporation that manages generation, transmission and distribution of electricity (Hydro-Québec), a major public North American energy company that develops and operates energy infrastructures (TC Energy) and more recently worked on the development of a natural gas transmission pipeline project in Québec (Gazoduq inc.).

Through her career as a legal counsel, she has held positions where she successfully argued and obtained regulatory approvals for the construction of high-voltage electrical lines and substations, pleaded annual rate applications, and led provincial legislative changes for electricity transmission reliability standards. Later as senior legal counsel and as senior director legal and regulatory affairs, she led a regulatory team, provided strategic advice on complex issues to senior management and project teams, and played the role of government affairs liaison for federal and provincial regulatory processes.

Having worked on the different aspects of major energy infrastructure projects and with diverse stakeholders, Carolina acquired in-depth knowledge of Canadian energy context and issues that allow her to advise and make recommendations to decision makers and advocate on their behalf to government officials.

Carolina is determined to actively participate in Canada’s energy transition and decarbonization where hydropower plays a pivotal role, providing clean and renewable electricity to Canadian homes, businesses, transportation and energy-intensive industries.

She holds a Law degree (LL.B.) from the Université de Montréal and is a member of the Barreau du Québec (Québec Bar association). She also completed a certificate in Regulatory Studies Program – Institute of Public Utilities from the Michigan State University.

Outside of work, Carolina’s interests include biking, gardening, and Italian cuisine. She lives in the Montreal region with her husband and son.

Yvonne joined WaterPower Canada in 2009 and is responsible for the association’s finances and administration. Yvonne has a diploma in Secretarial and Economics and Law from Stamford Collegiate Vocational Institute. She speaks English and Italian. Prior to joining WaterPower Canada, Yvonne spent her entire career in the hydropower sector while working for a major international consulting engineering firm that specializes in the development, design and construction of hydro projects. From this experience, Yvonne is a strong advocate and promoter of the waterpower industry.

Rebecca Leikin is a highly skilled event professional with over 15 years of experience in the event planning sector.

In her role as Director of Events, Rebecca plans and executes all in-person, virtual and hybrid events for WaterPower Canada, including our annual conference, webinars, networking events, member-only events, and more.

Prior to joining WaterPower Canada, Rebecca led the event management, philanthropic and corporate partnerships work for Experiences Canada, SOS Children’s Villages Canada and Easter Seals Ontario.

Rebecca is passionate about family, outdoors, mental health and supporting Canadian businesses. When she is not working, Rebecca can be found chasing after her two busy sons (& husband) and spending time with her family outside.