RJ Johnston leads roundtable on geopolitics, Venezuelan oil, and Canada’s natural resources sector

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces has sparked urgent conversations on global market security and the threats and opportunities for Canada’s oil and gas industries.

Dr. Robert “RJ” Johnston shared his expertise on global energy and geopolitics during a roundtable discussion hosted by the School of Public Policy in partnership with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

The event brought together roughly 60 industry leaders and policy experts to collaboratively examine the implications of the evolving situation in Venezuela for Canada’s geopolitical and energy interests.

Johnston, the School’s Director of Energy and Natural Resources policy, outlined how the recent developments in Venezuela intersect with broader global risks including tensions involving Iran and Russia, shifts in U.S. shale production, and Canada’s ongoing efforts to expand and diversify its oil and gas market access.

The discussion emphasized the interconnected nature of global energy markets and the policy challenges facing Canada in an increasingly complex international environment.

“It’s critical to examine energy markets as an interconnected system and proactively create relationships that allow our energy and natural resources sectors to effectively pivot when faced with disruptions,” said Johnston.

The event highlighted the shared imperative to facilitate informed dialogue on relevant issues to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada.

“These types of discussions allow us to create collaborative solutions between industry and government that strengthen Canada’s economic resilience.”

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