Last week, ESF Chair, Shannon Joseph, attended the Energy Security Summit, hosted by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) and the Energy Security Technical Advisory Committee (E-STAC). Discussions this year highlighted several developments that are increasingly relevant to Canada’s energy future: the central role of Indigenous participation in resource development, clearer policy signals around natural resources nationwide, and the continued importance of LNG in supporting economic growth and energy security, not just in Canada but abroad.
Over the two days, ESF engaged with leaders from Indigenous nations, government, and industry to examine the evolving global threat landscape, Canada’s role in supporting global energy security, and the technologies critical to protecting and strengthening energy production and delivery systems.
More about Shannon Joseph’s appearance at ESS trip follow below.
Fireside Chat and On-Camera Interview with H.E. Dinesh Patnaik, the High Commissioner of India
ESF Chair, Shannon Joseph, had the opportunity to sit down with H.E. Dinesh Patnaik, the High Commissioner of India to Canada, to discuss Canada’s potential role as a long-term, reliable energy supplier for India.
India signalled strong interest in expanding imports across all forms of energy, with a particular focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG), aiming to double its LNG imports by 2030. And they’re not just ready to buy it, they’re willing to invest in Canada to help make new projects happen. This push is being driven in part by geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, which supplies the majority of India’s oil and natural gas. Today, close to 90% of India’s fuels are imported. Ongoing conflict in the region has raised concerns about security of energy supply, underscoring the need for supply diversification. In this context, Canada is increasingly seen as a reliable and stable partner to help support India’s long-term energy security.
After a decade that has been challenging for many foreign investors in Canada, this kind of interest is encouraging to see. It will be exciting to watch how this opportunity develops in the months and years ahead.
Roundtable for the High Commissioner and Key Industry Representatives
Following the fireside chat, Shannon conducted a round table with High Commissioner H.E. Dinesh Patnaik, alongside Kellen Foreman of Ovintiv, Jon Morrison of Alta Gas, Sheila Taylor of Cenovus, and Chris Vivone of TC Energy.
The discussion provided an opportunity for the High Commissioner to directly engage with Canadian energy companies to explore possibilities for expanding trade in critical fuels with India. It also created space to gather the High Commissioner’s perspectives on Prime Minister Carney’s recent visit to India and the potential next steps from India’s standpoint. Importantly, the discussion helped establish key touchpoints to support ongoing dialogue and continued collaboration.
Energy for a Secure Future and Data Centres
An on-camera interview was also conducted with Phil Harris, CEO of Cerio, during the event. He discussed global growth of data centres and the features that make Canada uniquely well positioned to be a leader in data security and data sovereignty. Video highlights will be released shortly. Stay tuned for more insights from these conversations.
Data Centers: Canada’s new Superpower
Shannon also moderated a panel featuring Ian Arcand of Alexander First Nation and member of ESF’s advisory council, Phil Harris, President and CEO of Cerio, and Jamie Heard, CFA of Tourmaline, which highlighted Canada’s emerging competitive edge as a destination for digital infrastructure investment. Speakers emphasized the country’s unique advantage as a reliable and abundant energy supplier, paired with strong capabilities in carbon capture and sequestration, an increasingly important factor for companies looking to build more sustainable data centres.
Canada’s investment tax credits and incentives were also noted as giving it a strategic edge over the current policy environment in the United States, helping to change the flow of capital, at least in this area—a very good new story. Beyond economics, the conversation underscored Canada’s strength in maintaining data sovereignty and ensuring high standards of security and reliability, key considerations as Canada seeks to grow this sector.
Importantly, the discussion also reflected growing demand at the community level. Local populations are not only supportive of data centre development, but are calling for these projects to be delivered in a responsible, environmentally sustainable way that aligns with long-term regional priorities.
