NEWS: Johnston highlights energy’s role as an economic catalyst of Canada

Canada’s abundant oil and natural gas are poised to be an economic driver for the country and provide a major advantage for industries across the country, RJ Johnston told a Calgary Chamber event this week.

As the country adapts to a new world order with the United States, our largest trading partner, at the forefront of tariffs and trade wars, Johnston cited to the potential of Asian markets and domestic manufacturing as an economic path forward for Canada.

There are growing markets for Canadian oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) in Asia and the “key to success for us is having strong political and commercial relationships,” said Johnston, who joined the School of Public Policy as Director of Energy and Natural Resources Policy this summer.

His perspective on the risks and opportunities for Canadian energy was part of a keynote address at the Energy and Environment: A Calgary Chamber Alberta Next series event.

Along with diversify export markets, Johnston recalled the nation-building projects during and after the Second World War to transport oil and gas from Western Canada to the manufacturing centres in Ontario and Quebec.

“We need to rediscover the spirit of an East-West partnership, yes export our energy to Asia, but also to encourage investment in sectors like materials, critical minerals and of course data centres,” he said. “On the question of energy-intensive manufacturing and AI data centres, I think that is a great opportunity for a pan-Canadian energy policy – West and East working together.”

Johnston was introduced to the audience at Calgary’s BMO Centre by Martha Hall Findlay, Director of the School of Public Policy and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy.

Hall Findlay said Johnston’s arrival completed the process of putting place directors in the School’s five areas of focus. He joins Dr. Jennifer Zwicker in Health & Social Policy, Dr. Trevor Tombe in Economic and Fiscal Policy, Carlo Dade in International Policy and Dr. Anthony Sayers in Canadian Governance Policy.

She praised the team for driving critical policy discussions in Canada and urged audience members to get involved with the School and move public policy forward.

“Today is just a taste of what we’re looking forward to doing in the world of public policy,” Hall Findlay said. “Anybody here who wants to get involved, who wants to participate, who wants to support, who wants to challenge, a moment of real time, real opportunity for Canada, let’s have a conversation. Because it’s going to take all of us to really make a difference this time.”

To view the full slide deck from Johnston’s presentation, click here.

RJ Johnston is Director of Energy and Natural Resources Policy at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary.

Pictured L-R: Nazifa Rahman, RJ Johnston, Doug Braden, Martha Hall Findlay, Preeta Raghunathan