PM Mark Carney meets with oil executives in Calgary to discuss energy policy, infrastructure reviews, and Canada’s path to becoming an energy superpower.
Prime Minister Meets Industry Leaders in Calgary
In a pivotal roundtable held Sunday in Calgary, Prime Minister Mark Carney engaged directly with Canada’s top oil and gas executives to explore avenues for partnership and policy reform. The closed-door meeting at the Harry Hays Building marked Carney’s first official visit to the Alberta energy hub since taking office on April 28.
Energy Executives Urge Policy Overhaul
Over two dozen industry leaders—including Tourmaline Oil CEO Michael Rose, Pathways Alliance President Kendall Dilling, and Cenovus Energy President Jon McKenzie—attended the session. Their aim: to influence the prime minister’s approach to emissions regulations, infrastructure review processes, and industrial carbon pricing.
Thirty-eight CEOs had previously signed a letter congratulating Carney on his election and urging the repeal of key federal measures they claim stifle growth, such as the emissions cap and the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act.
Vision for Energy Superpower Status
Carney, joined by senior ministers including Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, emphasized his commitment to building “an energy superpower in all respects.” He reaffirmed a campaign promise to streamline project approvals through a “one project, one review” framework, aiming to recognize provincial and territorial assessments in federal processes.
“Partnership is a theme for our discussion,” Carney said, stressing the need for collaboration amid global uncertainty and domestic economic ambitions.
Provincial Leaders Respond Cautiously
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith weighed in during her weekend radio broadcast, acknowledging Carney’s outreach while noting the absence of direct references to pipelines in his recent throne speech. “Conventional energy means oil and gas,” Smith said. “And the only way to get it to market efficiently is through pipelines.”
Smith expressed hope for a one-on-one with Carney during Monday’s First Ministers conference in Saskatoon, commending his openness compared to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Federal Emissions Plan Under Scrutiny
The backdrop to the Calgary roundtable is the federal government’s proposed emissions cap, unveiled late last year. It mandates a 35% reduction in oil and gas sector emissions from 2019 levels by 2030–2032. Industry leaders argue the policy poses significant challenges to operational viability without more flexible pathways or incentives.
Carney acknowledged the complexity of the issues, noting that “important conversations are better held face-to-face than through letters.”
Emergency Response and Federal Coordination
In addition to energy discussions, Carney thanked provincial governments, the military, and volunteers for their efforts in managing wildfires across Western Canada. “We’re at the start of the forest fire season,” he warned, vowing continued federal support for coordinated emergency responses.
As policy and politics continue to intersect in Canada’s energy sector, Sunday’s meeting signaled a potential shift toward more direct, cooperative dialogue between Ottawa and industry stakeholders.
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