Energy and Environment
A Calgary Chamber Alberta Next Series event
September 22, 2025
BMO Centre | 1:00PM – 6:00PM
Bringing together Alberta's energy & environmental sectors
Alberta’s storied legacy as a global energy pioneer continues to evolve, solidifying its role as a leader in the ongoing energy transition. Nestled in the heart of this transformation, Calgary stands as a testament to groundbreaking cleantech innovations, fostering unparalleled industry collaboration and drawing substantial investment. It proudly hosts Canada’s energy sector, propelling the frontiers of technology development in clean energy, renewable resources and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
This event is an opportunity to join us and key industry stakeholders as we delve into the synergy of the circular economy and decarbonization and explore how this dynamic interplay diminishes emissions tied to resource extraction, manufacturing and waste management. Additionally, we learn more about Alberta’s pivotal role in environmental stewardship, sustainability and clean technology development that continues to position our province as a leader in energy transition across the globe.
Can’t make it, but still want event highlights? Subscribe to our newsletter.
Ticket options
Tier 1 tickets
Member ticket: $119
Member Table of 8: $952
Non-member ticket: $239
Non-member Table of 8: $1,912
*Available until August 8, 2025
Tier 2 tickets
Member ticket: $129
Member Table of 8: $1,032
Non-member ticket: $259
Non-member Table of 8: $2,072
*Available until Sept 2, 2025
Tier 3 tickets
Member ticket: $189
Member Table of 8: $1,512
Non-member ticket: $379
Non-member Table of 8: $3,032
Agenda
This half-day event is filled with networking opportunities, two panel discussions and a keynote address.
Keynote
Robert J. Johnston, Ph.D
Director, Energy and Natural Resources, School of Public Policy, Professor, Haskayne School of Business
Robert (“RJ”) Johnston is the Director of Energy and Natural Resources for the University of Calgary School of Public Policy. He also is a Professor at the Haskayne School of Business. His focus is understanding the global geopolitical, market, and policy drivers that shape energy and natural resources markets, including opportunities and risks for Canada.
Fireside Chat
We’re excited to kick off the event with two keynotes sharing their insights and future outlook. Our speakers will also join Calgary Chamber President & CEO, Deborah Yedlin, for a fireside chat to answer our pressing questions about the industry.
Meet the speakers
Robert J. Johnston, Ph.D
Director, Energy and Natural Resources, School of Public Policy, Professor, Haskayne School of Business
Dale Friesen is Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Government Affairs Officer for ATCO. Appointed to the role in 2020, he oversees ATCO’s Government Relations and Indigenous Relations teams and provides strategic counsel to the company’s Executive Committee on relevant policy and legislative priorities.
Read More
Mr. Friesen has more than 30 years of experience with ATCO. He has served in technical and senior leadership roles in both Canada and Australia and has built and operated several power plants and cogeneration facilities, including the Bulwer Island Cogeneration Plant in Australia as part of the Queensland Clean Fuels Project. He also served as Vice President of ATCO Water, where he was responsible for business development in Canada, Australia, and the UAE.
From 2007 to 2020, Mr. Friesen led ATCO’s Sustainability group, which published the company’s first ever Sustainability Report in 2008, incorporating best practices from the Global Reporting Initiative, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.
Mr. Friesen has attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties meetings from 2015 to 2024. His areas of focus include carbon markets, global climate and energy policy, and Indigenous economic reconciliation through the energy transition.
Mr. Friesen sits on and oversees various boards and committees; he is the chair of Electricity Canada’s Generation Council as well as serving as Executive Officer of the Alberta Chamber of Resources Board and an Executive Board Member of the Canadian Council of the Americas. Further, he has served as a member of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Technical Working Group for Clean Fuel Standards as well as the Technical Working Group for Natural Gas Greenhouse Gas Regulations.
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Mr. Friesen is a member of both the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and of Engineers Australia.
Read More
Mr. Friesen has more than 30 years of experience with ATCO. He has served in technical and senior leadership roles in both Canada and Australia and has built and operated several power plants and cogeneration facilities, including the Bulwer Island Cogeneration Plant in Australia as part of the Queensland Clean Fuels Project. He also served as Vice President of ATCO Water, where he was responsible for business development in Canada, Australia, and the UAE.
From 2007 to 2020, Mr. Friesen led ATCO’s Sustainability group, which published the company’s first ever Sustainability Report in 2008, incorporating best practices from the Global Reporting Initiative, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.
Mr. Friesen has attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties meetings from 2015 to 2024. His areas of focus include carbon markets, global climate and energy policy, and Indigenous economic reconciliation through the energy transition.
Mr. Friesen sits on and oversees various boards and committees; he is the chair of Electricity Canada’s Generation Council as well as serving as Executive Officer of the Alberta Chamber of Resources Board and an Executive Board Member of the Canadian Council of the Americas. Further, he has served as a member of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Technical Working Group for Clean Fuel Standards as well as the Technical Working Group for Natural Gas Greenhouse Gas Regulations.
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Mr. Friesen is a member of both the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and of Engineers Australia.
Gitane De Silva, ICD.D
GDStrategic
Gitane is the Founder and President of the consulting firm, GDStrategic. She previously served as the CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator and as Alberta’s Deputy Minister for International and Intergovernmental Relations.
Read More
Gitane is also a seasoned diplomat and a specialist in Canada-U.S. relations, having served as Alberta’s Senior Representative in Washington, DC during the first Trump Administration, and Canada’s Consul General in Chicago, among other roles. A respected public policy leader, Gitane is a Managing Director with Negotiations Collective, a Special Advisor at Blue Rock Law, a former Global Fellow with the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC, and a Board Member with the Public Policy Forum.
Moderator
Deborah Yedlin
President & CEO
Deborah Yedlin joined the Calgary Chamber of Commerce in July, 2021 with a background that includes experience on Wall Street and Bay Street, and more than two decades as a business columnist for various media outlets, commenting on the nexus of business and politics since 1996.
Read More
Since moving to Calgary in 1992, Yedlin has been very active in the Calgary community – as a board member on a number of not-for-profit organizations including serving as the co-chair of the 2016 United Way Campaign. Yedlin served as the 14th Chancellor of the University of Calgary and is currently one of three co-chairs of the $250 million Calgary Cancer Centre fundraising campaign.
A first-generation Canadian, born and raised in Edmonton, Deborah is a graduate of the University of Alberta and Queen’s University. She also completed her ICD.D designation through the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary.
Panel Discussion
Power Shift: Alberta's evolving electricity market
Alberta’s electricity sector is undergoing a major transformation, with regulatory changes, new infrastructure development and evolving market structures reshaping how power is generated, transmitted and priced. At the same time, with a trend towards electrification and the rise of emerging technologies, including hyperscalers, the demand for electricity is expected to grow exponentially over the next two decades, bringing new opportunities – and challenges – to Alberta’s electricity sector. This panel will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and business experts to explore what these shifts mean for Alberta’s economy, energy security and long-term sustainability. Panelists will discuss both the challenges and opportunities the changing landscape may bring, and share insights on how these changes impact businesses, energy consumers and the future of Alberta’s power sector.
Meet the speakers
Dale Friesen, P.Eng, ICD.D
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Government Affairs Officer, ATCO
Dale Friesen is Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Government Affairs Officer for ATCO. Appointed to the role in 2020, he oversees ATCO’s Government Relations and Indigenous Relations teams and provides strategic counsel to the company’s Executive Committee on relevant policy and legislative priorities.
Read More
Mr. Friesen has more than 30 years of experience with ATCO. He has served in technical and senior leadership roles in both Canada and Australia and has built and operated several power plants and cogeneration facilities, including the Bulwer Island Cogeneration Plant in Australia as part of the Queensland Clean Fuels Project. He also served as Vice President of ATCO Water, where he was responsible for business development in Canada, Australia, and the UAE.
From 2007 to 2020, Mr. Friesen led ATCO’s Sustainability group, which published the company’s first ever Sustainability Report in 2008, incorporating best practices from the Global Reporting Initiative, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.
Mr. Friesen has attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties meetings from 2015 to 2024. His areas of focus include carbon markets, global climate and energy policy, and Indigenous economic reconciliation through the energy transition.
Mr. Friesen sits on and oversees various boards and committees; he is the chair of Electricity Canada’s Generation Council as well as serving as Executive Officer of the Alberta Chamber of Resources Board and an Executive Board Member of the Canadian Council of the Americas. Further, he has served as a member of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Technical Working Group for Clean Fuel Standards as well as the Technical Working Group for Natural Gas Greenhouse Gas Regulations.
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Mr. Friesen is a member of both the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and of Engineers Australia.
Read More
Mr. Friesen has more than 30 years of experience with ATCO. He has served in technical and senior leadership roles in both Canada and Australia and has built and operated several power plants and cogeneration facilities, including the Bulwer Island Cogeneration Plant in Australia as part of the Queensland Clean Fuels Project. He also served as Vice President of ATCO Water, where he was responsible for business development in Canada, Australia, and the UAE.
From 2007 to 2020, Mr. Friesen led ATCO’s Sustainability group, which published the company’s first ever Sustainability Report in 2008, incorporating best practices from the Global Reporting Initiative, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.
Mr. Friesen has attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties meetings from 2015 to 2024. His areas of focus include carbon markets, global climate and energy policy, and Indigenous economic reconciliation through the energy transition.
Mr. Friesen sits on and oversees various boards and committees; he is the chair of Electricity Canada’s Generation Council as well as serving as Executive Officer of the Alberta Chamber of Resources Board and an Executive Board Member of the Canadian Council of the Americas. Further, he has served as a member of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Technical Working Group for Clean Fuel Standards as well as the Technical Working Group for Natural Gas Greenhouse Gas Regulations.
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Mr. Friesen is a member of both the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and of Engineers Australia.
Ed de Palezieux
Vice President of Energy, Beacon Data Centres
Ed de Palezieux has 25 years’ experience in Alberta’s electrical market, including previously serving as a Vice President of the Alberta Electricity Supply Operator (AESO). Over the course of his career, he’s delivered seven gigawatts of connection (load and generation) to the Alberta market and serves as Beacon’s VP Energy.
Matthew Davis
Vice-President Regulatory, Policy & Government Relations (Canada), Capital Power
As Vice-President Regulatory, Policy & Government Relations (Canada) at Capital Power, Matthew Davis represents the organization’s engagement with regulatory and policy agencies in Alberta and across western Canada.
Read More
With over 15 years of experience, Matthew has developed forecasting models and strategic analytics for Alberta’s wholesale electricity market, and participated in numerous policy and regulatory engagements including: the AESO’s capacity market consultation, transmission developments and tariff design, provincial off-coal negotiations, and carbon, renewable and net-zero policies. Mr. Davis holds both a MSc and BSc in Statistics from the University of Calgary, and a PGDip (Honors) from the University of Otago.
Moderator
Cayla Saby
Vice President of Government Relations and Commercial, AltaLink
Cayla has 20 years of experience in the utilities industry, starting her career at AltaLink in 2005. She has held progressively senior customer service roles, including leadership in project execution, operational delivery, and regulatory engagement.
Read More
Currently, as Vice President of Government Relations and Commercial, Cayla leads policy advocacy, government engagement, and AltaLink’s commercial business. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Culture from the University of Calgary.
Panel Discussion
A New World: Navigating a shifting geopolitical landscape
As a key energy producer, Alberta plays a vital role in ensuring a reliable supply while navigating shifting market demands and geopolitical challenges. This panel of experts will examine how Canada can strengthen energy security through accelerating nation-building infrastructure projects, enhance market access both within Canada and across North America, and contribute to global energy stability. Industry experts and policymakers will discuss investment in critical infrastructure, the evolving energy trade landscape and explore what’s needed to position North America as a leader in secure, sustainable energy development.
Meet the speakers
Shannon Young
General Counsel & Vice President, External Affairs, PETRONAS
Shannon leads the company’s legal, sustainability, Indigenous relations, and external affairs teams, which work collaboratively with governments, Indigenous leaders, local communities, sustainability leaders, business partners and the broader public to ensure that Canada’s responsibly produced natural gas and LNG continues to play a key role in the global energy transition. Shannon joined PETRONAS Canada in 2020 as Director, External Affairs.
Read More
In addition to holding senior leadership roles in the energy and power sectors, Shannon practiced regulatory and environmental law for nearly two decades and has considerable expertise in leading complex public policy and regulatory files and in developing and strengthening relationships with multiple and varied stakeholders. Shannon is a member of the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada’s Board of Governors, a member of the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy Advisory Council and is actively involved in her local community as a former Board member of YW Calgary, a campaign champion for Wood’s Homes, and a current member of the WinSport Board of Directors.
Max Chan
Senior Vice President, Operations & Engineering, Liquids Pipelines, Enbridge
Max is a member of the Executive Leadership Team for Enbridge Inc., and was appointed Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering for Liquids Pipelines in July 2025. Previously Max was the Senior Vice President & Corporate Development Officer responsible for Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Allocation, Investment Review and the Transaction Management Office.
Read More
Max joined Enbridge in 2012 and has also served as Vice President, Treasury & Enterprise Risk among other leadership roles. Max started his career with BMO in Calgary in 2001. Max holds a degree in Economics from the University of Calgary, and an MBA from Dalhousie University. Max serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Executive Chair of the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer fundraising event, and is a Senator at the University of Calgary. In the past Max has served as a board member for other not-for-profit organizations including; Inn From The Cold and the Westside Recreation Society. In 2022, Max was named one of Canada’s Top 50 Changemakers by Report On Business Magazine. Max was also the recipient of the 2024 Mentor of the Year Award by Ascend Canada.
Moderator
Jennifer Pierce
Chief Administrative Officer, Trans Mountain
As Chief Administrative Officer, Jennifer Pierce provides strategic oversight for Human Resources, Information Technology, Corporate Communications & Government Relations and Corporate Facilities. She is responsible for the development and implementation of effective strategies that support the company’s culture and overall business priorities.
Read More
Jennifer has almost 30 years of experience in the energy sector. Prior to joining Trans Mountain, she was President of Mexico Gas Pipelines and Senior Vice President, Human Resources at TC Energy. She also held senior executive positions at TransAlta Corporation in Business Development, Energy Trading & Marketing, Commercial Management and Investor Relations & Communications.
Jennifer holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts, Government/Political Management and a Bachelor of Science, Communications. She was a co-founder of the Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards and is a current member of the Advisory Council for Board Ready Women.
Missed out on Alberta Next: Energy & Environment 2024?
On May 8, we brought the industry together to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the sector, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the role of innovation in decarbonizing the economy, Canada’s lagging productivity performance and what is required from the energy industry and all levels of government to get large-scale infrastructure projects built in Canada.
Networking Reception
This event will provide the opportunity to connect with other thought leaders and organizations from the sector at a networking reception to conclude the day.
Presenting Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities
Reach out to the Calgary Chamber team to discuss available sponsorship opportunities.