Energy Examined

John Desjarlais believes that the media, which tended to sensationalize Indigenous action, had misrepresented indigenous experience and point of view.  He says that there is room for many Indigenous voices. Speaking up and providing more context and points of view regarding resource development is crucial.

British Columbia's natural gas and oil industry contributes significantly to the province's economy, individual communities and also supports Indigenous reconciliation.    iTOTEM Analytics recently conducted a study, Our Communities Care, examining the specific economic impacts of the industry's supply chain. Energy Examined chatted with Colleen Sweet, founder of iTOTEM Analytics, to learn more about the industry's impacts, how it's spread out across the province and how money makes its way back into the community. 

Canada has a bustling offshore oil and gas industry, based mainly out of Newfoundland and Labrador. However the case to grow the Atlantic Offshore industry is a compelling one, with the region well positioned to meet global energy demand, providing energy security to European nations looking to displace natural gas from Russia. Energy Examined chats with Michelle Robichaud, president of the Atlantica Centre for Energy. Robichaud discusses the region's prospects for kickstarting liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, as well as some of the grounbreaking work being done in cleantech to lower emissions associated with hydrocarbon development.

Bob Merasty is the executive director of the Indigenous Resource Network, an organization looking to build a sustainable future for Indigenous communities across Canada through responsible development of natural resources. "We're no longer passengers," says Merasty, highlighting the growing confidence of Indigenous groups to become owners and equal partners through equity deals on pipelines, Indigenous-led LNG projects, entrepreneurial supply-chain businesses and more. Merasty discusses with Energy Examined the impetus behind this trend, including benefits like jobs, economic growth and poverty reduction, steps needed to take things further, such as improved access to capital, and the vital role Indigenous businesses can play as land and natural resource stewards.  

Soheil Asgarpour is president and CEO of Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC), an innovation hub that leverages industry investments to produce cleantech: technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate environmental impacts to land, water and air. Their key is building collaborative relationships among industry partners, investors, government, academia and cleantech entrepreuneurs, with a focus on solutions that address real market needs. Energy Examined chats with Asgarpour about the progress PTAC is making on hydrocarbon cleantech, including CCUS, and methane mitigation technologies that could result in close to 90 percent reduction in emissions. He also discusses the importance of finding cost-effective, marketable solutions to improving enviromental performance, and the "moon-shot" but attainable goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Aimee Sheppard of Cenovus Energy and Kathy Hawkins of InclusionNL discuss the state of diversity and inclusion in Canada's oil and natural gas industry. Sheppard is the senior industrial benefits and diversity advisor with Cenovus Energy in St. John's, Newfoundland; Hawkins is executive director for InclusionNL.  Sheppard recently won an award from Energy NL for her work on inclusion and diversity with Cenovus. Together, she and Hawkins discuss with Energy Examined industry-led initiatives like STEM for Girls and the West White Rose Project Diversity Research Fund, as well as increasing opportunities for traditionally unrepresented groups in oil and natural gas.

Glen McCrimmon of the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) discusses Innovation Central, a new initiative designed to help bring hydrocarbon cleantech solutions to market. CRIN connects people and organizations in the clean energy innovation space in Canada: innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and governments; recognizing the power of collaboration to accelerate promising technologies into real-world environmental solutions.  

How can we ensure Canada's Atlantic Offshore oil and gas industry is safe and sustainable? From COVID to safety incidents and adapting to changing technologies, the challenges are constantly evolving, requiring the involvement of more than one approach, initiative or group.  Energy Examined speaks with Jennifer Matthews, manager of regulatory affairs at CAPP about the industry's Offshore Safety and Sustainability Plan, a groundbreaking effort to make the Atlantic offshore industry the safest in the world through collaboration and information sharing among operators, contractors, stakeholders and regulators. Matthews highlights initiatives including the development of a safety share portal, safety moment videos and safety workshops, and how barriers are being overcome by an unrelenting drive toward continuous improvement.

Lisa Baiton took the helm as president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers this May, arriving with 30 years experience working as a business advisor. She most recently served on the Global Leadership Team at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Baiton discusses with Energy Examined what inspired her to take on the new role, and her top priorities leading Canada's national oil and natural gas industry association--including an emphasis on industry's role as a solutions partner in reducing GHG emissions while working with allies around the world to provide energy security.

Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) celebrates its 10 year anniversary as a one-of-a-kind environmental innovation hub where oil sands producers work as collaborators rather than competitors, ensuring the oil sands are produced in a sustainable manner. Energy Examined speaks with John Brogly, Water Director at COSIA and one of the organization's original architects. He describes the impetus for the alliance, early challenges and the key accomplishments that are enabling Canada's oil sands to be a long-term sustainable supplier of energy to the world.

Central Alberta is home to one of the world's leading hydrocarbon processing regions with $45 billion in capital investment, supporting 30,000+ jobs.  Mark Plamondon is Executive Director of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association. He discusses some of the diverse opportunities for the area, including how world-leading carbon capture infrastructure and readily available oil and natural gas feedstocks can drive growing value for Canada's energy resources: reducing emissions associated with refining and petrochemicals, while taking advantage of emerging markets for hydrogen and battery production.

Barry Vickers discusses a groundbreaking development: 16 First Nation communities in B.C. have negotiated the option to purchase a 10% equity stake in the Coastal GasLink pipeline. Vickers is director of project development with the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, and a member of Saik'uz First Nation. He discusses the sometimes tough negotiations to get the deal done, and what it means to Indigenous communities to be owners of major projects that go through their territories: helping to bring about change, prosperity and economic reconciliation.  

Tim McMillan, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) is stepping down. McMillan reflects on the changes and challenges he's seen over his 7-year tenure leading Canada's main oil and natural gas industry association, what work still needs to be done, and why he's optimistic for the industry's future.

What role can Canada play in providing global energy security? Energy Examined speaks with Eric Nuttall, an energy columnist with the National Post and an investment manager with Ninepoint Partners LP. Nuttall reflects on the role energy security has played in enabling Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the impact on current energy markets, and what Canadian policy makers can learn from Europe's energy woes.  He concludes with an optimistic view of the role Canadian oil and gas producers can play as leaders in responsible natural resource development.

Brayden Day Chief is a business student, entrepreneur and podcaster using his energy and optimism to inspire others. He discusses his interviews with Indigenous leaders, sharing stories of successful engagement with the natural resources sector, and the importance of Indigenous values in building partnerships that create opportunities for the next generation, while respecting Mother Earth.

As we move to update our energy systems for a low-carbon future, what does that mean for Canada's natural gas and oil industry? Fiscal and economic policy analyst Jonathan Stringham with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers discusses the realities of energy transition, and the continuing importance of hydrocarbon energy sources to meet global energy demand. He delves into how Canadian producers can maintain a competitive advantage as cleantech leaders, as well as what's needed in terms of sustainable finance, environment, social and governance (ESG) monitoring, and a sound policy and business environment that encourages innovation.

Join Energy Examined podcast hosts Leighton Klassen and Holly Quan for a review of the key Canadian natural gas and oil issues that dominated 2021, as well as some of their favourite podcast clips from the past year. Klassen and Quan also take a look ahead to what's in store for 2022.

Did you know oil was first discovered in North America in southwestern Ontario--near a town that became known as Oil Springs? Or that the first attempt at fracking involved dumping nitroglycerin down a well, then running for safety? Energy Examined chats with Christina Sydorko, education program coordinator at Oil Museum of Canada: a national heritage site featuring a working oil well site at Oil Springs. Sydorko shares some of the fascinating stories of the characters who birthed the North American industry, and discusses how their spirit of innovation is reflected in Canada's oil and natural gas industry today.

What lessons can Canada learn from high energy prices in Europe and rolling blackouts in China? Sound energy policy needs to consider affordability and economic competitiveness along with environmental ambition. Energy Examined host Leighton Klassen chats with Mark Agnew, Senior Vice President, Policy and Government Relations at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Mark highlights the importance of energy to the national economy, the impacts of unreliable energy production, and what governments can do to support innovation as Canada's oil and gas sector moves to lower emissions.

As delegates gather for COP 26, the UN climate summit in Glasgow Scotland, Energy Examined host Holly Quan chats with Patrick McDonald, climate director at CAPP. McDonald highlights the work being done by Canadian oil and gas companies to reduce emissions and commitments to meet reduction targets. He also discusses how a small country like Canada could play an outsized role in reducing global emissions through something being discussed at this year's summit, Article 6.

Wes Jickling of Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) explains how oil sands are on a pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through massive investments in cleantech innovations and a focus on deep cooperation.    "It is going to take collaboration on a scale that's unprecedented," says the COSIA chief executive of the commitment made by oil sands leaders to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Jickling discusses progress to date, as well as exciting advances on the horizon, ranging from CCUS and electric haul trucks to molten carbonate fuel cells. 

The Indigenous Resource Network (IRN) recently commissioned an Environics poll to assess cross-Canada Indigenous support for natural resource development. What they found defies the common perception in the media: 65% supported development vs only 23% opposed. Energy Examined chats with John Desjarlais and JP Gladu of the IRN about the findings and how sustainable natural resource development is seen as a key source of jobs, business opportunities and self determination among many Indigenous communities. The Indigenous Resource Network is an Indigenous-run organization providing a platform for Indigenous workers, business owners and leaders who support Indigenous engagement in the resource sector. 

What would a $10 billion investment in the oil sands do for Canada's job creation and economy? It's a question economist Philip Cross of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute posed in a recently published study. Cross discusses his findings which highlight the industry's role as a durable job creation and economic growth engine for all of Canada: a role that can help us pull back from record government deficits while offering solutions to environmental challenges through innovation leadership.   

Our post-pandemic economy depends on creating jobs and income through investments and exports. As the world's fourth largest net energy exporter, oil and natural gas will be crucial to Canada's economic recovery, say Scotiabank's Swanzy Quarshie and Paul Lee. Quarshi and Lee are directors of global equity energy sales at Scotiabank. They highlight trends they're seeing in the Canadian energy industry, including growth, consolidation and who's investing. They also highlight how investors are focusing on Canadian strengths like sustainable production, capital discipline, environmental innovation and supply reliability.

Is the oil sands destroying Alberta's northern forests? Shannon Carla King is quick to point out no: lands are reclaimed by oil sands producers to a natural, self-sustaining habitat. Her method of showing this is unique: she's an Alberta artist who paints  landscapes of the Canadian outdoors with a focus on, you guessed it, the wild beauty of reclaimed lands from completed oil sands projects. In this podcast, Shannon discusses with Energy Examined host Tracy Larsson why she's using art to correct misinformation about destruction of lands in the oil sands, and the kind of response her work's received to date.  Check out the conversation and the paintings in this video podcast.

The Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry produces oil with some of the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in the world, and it's working to get even better. Kieran Hanley, executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), discusses some fascinating work going on to advance clean tech solutions within the industry as part of a green transition. These include hybrid in-service ships, electrification of facilities and iceberg-evading offshore wind turbines. 

Among the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action are those calling for economic reconciliation. Through the growth of Indigenous employment, business partnerships and home-grown companies, Indigenous communities are seeking to reduce poverty and gain economic independence. A recent survey by CAPP shows that in 2019, oil sands producers spent $2.4 billion in partnerships with Indigenous supply chain companies (a 52% jump from 2017) and Indigenous workers make up 7.4% of the oil and natural gas industry workforce (more than double the national average).  Energy Examined host Tracy Larsson delves into these numbers with CAPP Indigenous Policy Advisor Courtney Levesque-Thomas, including what they mean for these communities and the future.  

There's a stereotype that oil sands communities like Fort McMurray are similar to frontier towns in the Wild West. The thing is, they're more aptly described as family friendly, highly livable and truly resilient: surviving wildfires, floods and COVID-19. That's no accident, says Perry Berkenpas, Executive Director of the Oil Sands Community Alliance (OSCA): an organization focused on building bridges between industry and local residents. Berkenpas discusses how industry collaborates to invest in communities, partners with Indigenous groups, and works toward a prosperous and sustainable future for all who live in the oil sands region.

Bryan Helfenbaum is the executive director of Advanced Hydrocarbons at Alberta Innovates, an innovation hub that facilitates innovations from funding to commercialization. Bryan speaks with Energy Examined host Leighton Klassen, discussing some of the work going on at Alberta Innovates, including key developments that'll improve environmental performance in Alberta's natural gas and oil industry, economic opportunities like the creation of carbon fibre feedstocks from bitumen, and a recent study that shows how oil sands facilities are continuing to lower per-barrel greenhouse gas emissions. 

The cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline has things off on the wrong foot for Canada/U.S. energy relations as U.S. President Joe Biden starts his presidency. On the other hand, renewed focus on environmental issues in the U.S. could help level the competitive playing field between Canadian and U.S. natural gas and oil producers.  Gary Mar, president and CEO of the Canada West Foundation think tank speaks with Energy Examined host Leighton Klassen about the future of Canada - U.S. energy relations: the threats, the opportunities, and what Canadians need to do to about both. 

Communities near oil and natural gas operations from Fort St. John, B.C. to St. John's, NL, depend on Canada's energy industry as a critical source of jobs and economic opportunity. Recent events like the 2020 oil price crash, COVID-19 pandemic and Keystone XL cancellation have hit rural oil and gas communities especially hard. Energy Examined host Tracy Larsson speaks with Kelly McTaggart, community engagement advisor at CAPP. She works in these communities, and discusses how they've managed through multiple crises, the key issues they're dealing with, and what's giving some hope for the future.

Concerns have been raised in the media about orphan wells in Canada. These are natural gas and oil wells where the owner has gone bankrupt and can no longer cover the costs of removing the well equipment and restoring the land. So how big is this issue and what's being done? Energy Examined host Leighton Klassen speaks with Lars DePauw, executive director of the Orphan Well Association, an industry-funded group that deals with orphan wells. He describes what's being done, including a recent acceleration in reclamations that's also creating jobs across the industry.

Energy Examined hosts Tracy Larsson and Leighton Klassen highlight their favourite clips and podcast episodes from 2020, while discussing some of the overarching themes that emerged from Canada's energy scene in 2020, and what they're looking forward to in 2021.

Miguel Ouellette is an economist with independent think tank Montreal Economic Institute (MEI).  Energy Examined host Tracy Larsson speaks with Ouellette about a recent MEI report on the Clean Fuel Standard, proposed federal legislation to lower greenhouse gas emissions through the use of lower-carbon fuels. Ouellette outlines concerns over the legislation's inflexible approach which would harm Canada's economic recovery while producing uncertain environmental benefits.

Part 3 of our series of interviews with innovators competing in the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE: an international competition to combat climate change by turning CO2 emissions into valuable products.  Energy Examined host Tracy Larsson chats with Alex Ip of Team CERT, a Toronto-based group that's found a way using catalysts to turn greenhouse gas CO2 emissions from a power plant into all-purpose building-block chemicals like ethylene, used to create everything from tires and textiles to food wrap and shampoo.

Part 2 of our series of interviews with innovators competing in the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE: an international competition to turn CO2 emissions into valuable products.  Energy Examined host Leighton Klassen chats with Greg Boser of Carbon Upcycling Technologies (CUT), a Calgary-based company that's found a way to sequester greenhouse gas CO2 emissions from a power plant into fly ash, which can be used to create valuable end products like concrete and plastics.   

The NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE is an international competition to turn CO2 emissions into valuable products.  In a three-part series, Energy Examined interviews three of the ten finalist teams vying for the $20 million grand prize: to learn about their innovations, what got them interested in the battle against climate change, and the ups and downs of competing in an XPRIZE finals. For part 1, we chat with Air Company, a Brooklyn-based company that's found a way to turn CO2 into vodka--among other things.

Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, chats with Energy Examined on a recent survey that explored how Canadians are feeling during the pandemic and what their key priorities are moving forward. The survey found the economy and health are key priorities, and the majority of Canadians believe natural gas and oil should help drive an economic recovery, and be part of a green one. We chat with Darrell about these findings and what they mean for an industry facing unprecedented challenges.

Energy executive, investor and philanthropist Mac Van Wielingen says he can't imagine a recovery without Canada's largest industrial sector and export commodity.   In a conversation with Energy Examined host Tracy Larsson, Van Wielingen discusses why productive assets from a strong oil and gas industry are vital to counterbalance growing deficits, and why Canada needs to better support its homegrown industry in a global competition for investment capital, focusing on its strong  environmental, social and governance standards.

What if we had a surefire way to create 2.6 million new post-pandemic jobs, and increase GDP by 17%, while also taking meaningful action on climate change? Canada's resource sector is the best path to economic recovery notes Margareta Dovgal, Director of Research at Resource Works. She chats with Energy Examined host Leighton Klassen about a recent report that highlights the economic potential of Canada's resource industries in these challenging times, including  recommendations on how government can support growth while driving investments in cleantech and emissions reduction. 

Karen Ogen-Toews is CEO for the First Nations LNG Alliance and a council member for the Wet'suwet'en First Nation. She chats with Energy Examined host Tracy Larsson about how First Nations have been dealing with the COVID crisis, and the lifeline that major energy projects like Coastal GasLink and LNG Canada are providing to keep members of her and neighbouring communities employed. She also talks about the need to educate Canadians about how many Indigenous groups support safe pipelines and sustainable energy projects as a means to economic reconciliation—through meaningful consultation, community investments and real partnership opportunities with affected First Nations.

Canada's Atlantic offshore oil and natural gas industry is in crisis, notes Charlene Johnson, CEO of Noia, Newfoundland and Labrador's oil and gas industry association. Low oil prices and pandemic shutdowns have created struggles including delays and cancellations of major projects, lost job opportunities and reduced exploration. Johnson and Energy Examined host Leighton Klassen discuss the state of the industry, its profound economic importance to the region, and what can be done to ensure offshore oil and gas is a strong part of Canada's economic recovery.

A new report by the Conference Board of Canada suggests a growing West Coast LNG industry could spur the creation of 100,000 jobs a year just when Canada's economy needs it most. Energy Examined host Leighton Klassen speaks with Bryan Cox, CEO of the Canadian LNG Alliance about this opportunity--how sending liquefied natural gas to markets in Asia could create not only economic growth in B.C., but manufacturing jobs in Ontario, service sector jobs in Alberta and much more, while helping to reduce global GHG emissions with some of the cleanest LNG produced in the world.

Canada has some world-leading environmental regulations when it comes to natural gas and oil: an example is efforts to reduce GHG emissions due to flaring and venting. Professor Tim Taylor of Mount Royal University discusses the collaborative approach that got us there, and how it can be road map for global efforts to decrease emissions from oil and gas production.

Bob Joseph is the founder of Indigenous Corporate Training. He chats with Energy Examined about the importance of understanding Indigenous history in Canada, and the nuances of cross-cultural communication when conducting Indigenous consultation for major energy projects. Weaving in thoughts on reconciliation and UNDRIP, Joseph discusses how to get it right when it comes to consultation, how many oil and natural gas companies are already on the right path, and why better consultation can lead to a brighter future for all Canadians.

While others criticize, Canadian oil sands producers have taken action: forming an unprecedented technology sharing alliance to push environmental action further than many realize.  Wes Jickling discusses how Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) invests billions in innovation to reduce GHG emissions and air, water and land impacts, and its revolutionary model that sees competitors collaborate and share their discoveries: so environmental improvements can benefit all.

Part 2 of a chat with Dr. Scott Tinker, Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas and president of Switch Energy Alliance, whose goal is to inspire an energy educated future. Dr. Tinker discusses a vision for a strong energy future through energy literacy and understanding.

As the world grapples with COVID-19, climate change and energy poverty, there are many varying views on what the energy of the future will look like and how we can get there. Energy Examined speaks with Dr. Scott Tinker, Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas and president of Switch Energy Alliance, whose goal is to inspire an energy educated future. Dr. Tinker outlines the complexities and challenges of a global energy transition, and what it means for all types of energy including oil and natural gas. 

Susannah Pierce is the director of corporate affairs for LNG Canada, which has started construction on a $40 billion project to export liquefied natural gas from Canada's West Coast to markets in Asia. We talk with Susannah about how this historic project is exactly the  investment Canada needs: creating 40 years of opportunity for Canadian jobs and Indigenous prosperity, while reducing global GHG emissions with some of the cleanest LNG in the world.

Energy is an essential service: we need it to keep our houses warm, power our lights and appliances, and maintain our transportation networks. As Canadians hunker down to meet the COVID-19 pandemic challenge, our oil and natural gas companies are implementing plans to keep workers and the public safe and healthy. Stuart Carver is president of Sandhurst Consulting which provides emergency management and business continuity services to Canadian companies. He chats with Energy Examined host Tonya Zelinsky about how the oil and natural gas industry is handling this unprecedented situation, as well as the need to go further--given the potential for additional threats including wildfires, floods and cyber attacks.

Recent pipeline protests and rail blockades were intended to show solidarity with First Nations. But what about the aspirations of those First Nations who support--and depend on--resource development as a means to end poverty and enrich communities? Crystal Smith is the Haisla Chief Councillor and chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance. She discusses the importance of LNG and the Coastal GasLink pipeline to her community: how it is helping the Haisla and neighbouring First Nations support their members with training, jobs, social programs, and programs to preserve traditional culture and language. She also questions why more stories like the Haisla's aren't part of the national discussion on pipelines, Indigenous reconciliation and resource development.