Energy for a Secure Future (ESF) took part in recent national and international discussions focused on Canada’s role in strengthening energy security at home and abroad, including the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI) conference on Canada’s Future Energy Role in the Indo-Pacific which took place in Ottawa on October 28, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s B7 meetings held alongside the G7 Energy and Environment Ministerial in Toronto on October 29.
These conversations reinforced a central point: Canada’s partnerships, with Indigenous Nations and international allies, are key to building a secure and reliable energy future.
CGAI Indo-Pacific Energy Summit
At the CGAI conference, ESF Chair Shannon Joseph joined experts, government and industry leaders from across Canada and the Indo-Pacific to discuss how collaboration can support regional growth and energy stability.
Ellis Ross, Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, spoke about the progress made by Indigenous Nations in British Columbia to become global LNG exporters. His remarks focus on the value that partnership with Indigenous communities can bring to Canada’s energy success and to ensuring the benefits of development are broadly shared.
Jun Nishizawa, Fellow at Japan’s Institute of Energy Economics (IEEJ) and former executive at Mitsubishi Corporation, presented data on Asia’s growing energy demand and import dependence. His analysis showed that many Indo-Pacific economies, including Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, remain energy insufficient, underscoring the opportunity for Canada to serve as a reliable and responsible supplier of LNG and other essential fuels.
In addition to insights from a Canadian government official, industry and thought leaders, the conversation included the participation of representatives from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia. As one participant noted, Canada has the opportunity to be a “Partnership Superpower.”
G7 and B7 Energy Meetings
With Canada serving as Chair of the G7 in 2025, energy security has been a leading topic in international dialogue. Ahead of the G7 Energy and Environment Ministerial, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s B7 brought together industry and policy leaders to share insights and priorities.
The conversations involved key areas for G7 cooperation, including: the Security of critical fuel supplies, including LNG and LPG, and reviewing G7 restrictions on financing for energy infrastructure in developing countries.
Crystal Smith, Senior Fellow with ESF and Former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, also addressed the B7 audience, emphasizing that Indigenous partnership is fundamental to building a reliable energy system that supports both communities and the broader economy.
Looking Ahead
Across both events, participants emphasized the same conclusion: Canada’s energy advantage lies in partnership, between Indigenous and industry leaders, and between Canada and its global allies.
By advancing projects that deliver reliable, affordable, and secure energy, Canada can strengthen its position as a trusted energy partner to the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
