The federal government is pushing for more energy development across the country but emphasizes that the work on the projects must be done with all proper consultation. Minister of Energy Tim Hodgson made the remarks during a conference at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on Friday. “Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. Global economies and markets are volatile. President Trump’s tariffs are disrupting trade, threatening Canadian jobs and industries and rewriting the rules of the game,” Hodgson said. “We did not ask for this trade war, but if we are going to be in a trade war, we are going to win.” In order to win, Hodgson said the Liberal government will work to build Canada into a conventional and clean energy superpower. “In the new economy we are building, Canada will no longer be defined by delay; we will be defined by delivery.” To do this, Hodgson says the government will fast-track projects of national interest, meaning there won’t be any more five-year reviews. Instead, decisions will be made in two years or less. “Less red tape, more certainty, better outcomes,” Hodgson said. “It’s high time we trade more with people who share our values, not just our borders.” Chamber encouraged by meeting Hodgson, a former CEO of Goldman Sachs, was only named energy minister on May 13, so his visit to Calgary only 10 days later is good news, said the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “It was a real testament to the minister that he chose to come here so soon after being sworn in to, as he said in the room, reset the relationship between Ottawa and the energy sector,” said Deborah Yedlin, chamber president and CEO. Yedlin added she’s never heard a federal energy minister sound so supportive, yet she’s cautiously optimistic that it will be followed up by action. “I think it’s not unreasonable to see some movement within the next six months because of the window of opportunity that’s open right now, and we have to take advantage of that, and that means there’s no time to waste,” she said. Other industry association leaders told CTV News they are seeing a “tone shift” that signals a change from the previous 10 years of Liberal leadership. “We were also really encouraged that for a very long time, nobody has acknowledged how critically important the Canadian oil and gas sector is for Canadian sovereignty, to our national security and to our GDP and productivity,” said Lisa Baiton, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Leaders from Enserva, a national association representing manufacturing and the energy sector, also say they are keen to work with government. “We have some hope at the moment, but we’re going to be watching to make sure that the minister, the government, lives up to what they’re promising,” said Craig Watt, vice-president of operations with Enserva. Other policy experts say they are pleased with Hodgson’s background in the private sector and as a board member for an Alberta-based energy company. “(He is a) great guy to have in that role, but the bigger question is will the whole of government take the same approach?” said Martha Hall Findlay, director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. She adds the industry still needs clarity on policy items like the emissions cap and what investment in infrastructure will look like. Hodgson met with various stakeholders throughout his visit in Calgary on Friday.
