A Call for Speed, Scale, and Shared Ambition

Canada is entering a hinge moment. 

We have vast reserves of critical minerals, a skilled and growing workforce, world-class research institutions and deep partnerships with Indigenous communities. And now, a rare policy alignment across federal and provincial governments that’s focused on fast-tracking the infrastructure and permitting systems needed to unlock it all. 

That was the backdrop for our sold-out luncheon with the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s new Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The message was clear: Canada is built for this moment.

With the One Canadian Economy Act now passed into law, global demand for critical minerals intensifying, and provinces moving to accelerate approvals, the conversation has shifted decisively. It’s no longer just about what we build, it’s about how we deliver, at speed and scale, and whether we can rise to this generational challenge with the ambition, unity, and urgency it demands. 

This spirit of collaboration was underscored when the federal minister was introduced by Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, the Honourable Stephen Lecce. In his remarks, Minister Lecce said this is not a moment for partisanship, it’s a moment for results. 

As our President & CEO, Giles Gherson said in his opening remarks: “Natural resources and energy are two cornerstones of the federal government’s ambition to transform Canada’s economy from laggard to G7 leader. Today’s conversation is part of that larger national effort to take advantage of what we have to drive productivity, resilience, and prosperity.”

Certainty must be our competitive edge
Unlocking major projects will depend on whether Canada can reduce regulatory friction between jurisdictions and provide clear, predictable pathways for investment. The shift from fragmented oversight to coordinated delivery with tools is laying the groundwork for faster approvals, stronger Indigenous partnerships, and real investor confidence.

Energy and resources are Canada’s growth engine
Canada is one of the few countries with the full value chain: natural resources, affordable, secure and reliable power, and industrial capability to lead the next era of global economic transformation. From critical minerals to nuclear power, the opportunity isn’t just to export commodities, but to export credibility, technology, and trust. The ability to scale infrastructure, processing, and transmission will determine the outcome.

Indigenous engagement and partnership are key to success
Building meaningful Indigenous partnership will transform infrastructure development - from consultation to collaboration - with Indigenous communities recognized as key enablers who have a role to play in accelerating project timelines and improve outcomes. This approach requires genuine relationship-building founded on trust, shared ownership, and mutual benefit - not viewing it as a regulatory hurdle. 

The window is now
The global race for secure, sustainable resources is underway. Canada has what the world needs, but credibility will depend on speed, clarity, and delivery. Allied nations are actively seeking partnerships, and capital is mobile. If Canada doesn’t lead with urgency and unity, the opportunity will move elsewhere.