In May, the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC), in partnership with global law firm Dentons, hosted its inaugural Energy Boardroom Briefing in Calgary. The theme of the roundtable was “Navigating the Energy Transition.” This event brought together a select group of senior leaders from Western Canada’s energy sector and key government stakeholders to tackle emerging industry challenges.
PICTURED (left to right): Hazel Saffery (Partner – Dentons), Melissa Wharton (CEO – CACC) and Elyse MacDonald (Associate Director – EMM Consulting)
Mel Wharton, CACC CEO, opened the lunch with welcome remarks, setting the stage for an engaging and solutions-focused discussion, with Hazel Saffery, Partner in Dentons’ Energy group moderating the roundtable. The conversation provided an opportunity for candid dialogue on how energy companies are balancing near-term pressures with long-term commitments to sustainability and decarbonization.
The session focused on five key themes: strategy, portfolio, capital allocation, technology, and M&A. Participants shared how they are navigating today’s volatile environment—where oil and gas remain essential, but low-carbon alternatives are becoming increasingly viable. With Alberta’s energy sector accounting for 25% of the province’s GDP and employing over 140,000 people, it is essential to get the transition right.
PICTURED (left to right): Hazel Saffery (Partner – Dentons), Jack Yuan (Associate – Dentons) and Miki Reeder (CEO – Connect Partnership Group)
Central to the discussion was the challenge of balancing short-term profitability with long-term transformation. Companies revealed varying approaches to defining the “right mix” of conventional and low-carbon assets over the next decade. Capital strategy was also a key focus. Attendees explored how financing priorities are shifting in response to both shareholder expectations and policy incentives. There was also reflection on recent M&A activity—highlighting deals that delivered strategic value and cautionary tales that prompted a re-evaluation of risk.
Notably, the event took place just weeks before Calgary hosted to the G7 summit, placing the city at the centre of dialogue on energy, sustainability, and economic resilience, as G7 leaders met to chart the future of climate cooperation and clean growth.
PICTURED (left to right): Martin Ignasiak (Partner – Bennett Jones), Ian Watt (Partner – PwC) and Kristen Baker (Partner – PwC)
The CACC also welcomes newly appointed Co-Chair of the Western Canada Committee, Scott Froggatt. With a distinguished 36-year career in the energy and resource sectors across both Canada and Australia, Scott brings a wealth of experience and cross-border insight to this leadership role.
He most recently served as President of Equinox Engineering Australia and EVP of Global Business Development for Equinox Engineering Ltd, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and growing Canadian business operations in Australia.
Next briefing will be taking place on 4 September as the CACC welcomes High Commissioner for Canada to Australia, Her Excellency Dr. Julie Sunday as she visits the region from Canberra, ACT.
The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organisation that aims to bring businesses together to facilitate a strong environment for economic trade and investment between Canada and Australia.
Written by Ava Tunney
