Recap of the 2024 Resource Futures Forum: Insights, Legislation, and Sustainability
The 2024 Resource Futures Forum, a collaborative effort by the Alberta Chamber of Resources (ACR) and Dentons, proved to be an invigorating event despite the dreary weather outside. Inside the welcoming confines of SAIT’s MacDonald Hall, the forum buzzed with anticipation and energy, offering a sanctuary from the rain and a platform for pivotal discussions on the future of the resource sector.
Opening Remarks and Regulatory Outlook
The day started with opening remarks from Naomi Tercier, ACR’s President, and Bernard Roth, Partner at Dentons. Their introductions set the stage for a day filled with valuable insights and forward-thinking dialogue.
Naomi Tercier, President, Alberta Chamber of Resources
The first panel session, focused on regulatory outlook, was a deep dive into upcoming legislative changes. Paul Lalonde, Sandy Walker, and Mira Gauvin from Dentons provided a comprehensive overview of new and upcoming legislation, including Canadian trade announcements, amendments to the Investment Canada Act and Competition Act, the Impact Assessment Act, and the Budget Implementation Act. Their expertise shed light on the evolving regulatory landscape and its implications for the resource sector.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Carbon Markets
The next panel, which included William Davis II, George Antonopoulos, and moderator Jack Schroder, explored the dynamic realm of mergers and acquisitions in the upstream sector. They discussed major transactions in the United States and Canada, highlighting trends in warranty insurance related to mergers. There is a growing inclination to cover environmental aspects, asset conditions, and title reputations with minimal exclusions, reflecting the sector’s increasing focus on comprehensive risk management.
Paul Lalonde, Partner, Toronto, Dentons; Sandy Walker, Partner, Toronto, Dentons; Mira Gauvin, Partner, Montréal, Dentons
The final morning panel, featuring Byron Reynolds, Cory Bergh, and Hazel Saffery, turned attention to carbon offsets and low-carbon fuel markets. They provided a thorough examination of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Regulations.
A Taste of Greek Cuisine and Afternoon Keynotes
Lunch was a delightful interlude, thanks to the talented culinary students at SAIT who prepared a Greek feast. With bellies full of fresh salad, pita, hummus, chicken skewers, pasta, and an array of desserts, attendees were recharged for an afternoon of compelling keynote presentations.
Sandra Ellis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CN, captivated the audience with her presentation on the critical role of the rail transportation sector in unlocking Alberta’s resource potential. She highlighted CN’s unique network reach and its contributions toward a sustainable resource future, focusing on governance, safety, community, environment, and people.
Sandra Ellis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CN Rail
Dale Friesen, Senior Vice President at ATCO, took the stage to discuss Alberta’s potential as a hydrogen hub. He outlined the province’s advantages, including low-cost production, abundant natural gas, significant industrial demand, and export opportunities to Asian markets. Friesen also shared insights on the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub and the Yellowhead Mainline Project, positioning Alberta as a pivotal player in the hydrogen economy.
The final keynote was delivered by Minister Rebecca Schulz from Environment and Protected Areas. Her candid discussion underscored the importance of industry support on federal issues such as electricity regulation and the Competition Act. The room was filled with a palpable sense of connection and respect as she engaged with the audience, fielded questions, and encouraged ongoing dialogue with her office.
The Honourable Rebecca Schulz, Minister, Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
The ACR would like to thank Dentons for their role as co-hosts, Alberta Blue Cross for their partnership, and SAIT for providing an amazing venue.
As the day concluded with a networking session, it was clear that the Resource Futures Forum had achieved its goals of sharing knowledge, fostering relationships, and reinforcing a commitment to sustainability in the resource sector. We look forward to the 2025 Resource Futures Forum and will share details as they become available.
Stay tuned for more updates and thank you to all who participated in making this event a success!
