New federal energy minister tells oil and gas execs it’s time for some quick wins

CALGARY — Canada’s new energy minister walked into the lion’s den Friday and spoke to oil and gas executives in Calgary about Ottawa’s plans to turn the country into an energy superpower.

“I’m not here to waste your time,” Tim Hodgson told an event at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Hodgson said it’s time for a reset and that major projects need to get done in a more timely manner. He said the federal government will have a single body in charge of approving all major projects in two years.

“No more five-year reviews. Decisions will come in two years for all projects. This is not a time for half measures or slow steps,” he said.

“Canada will no longer be defined by delay. We will be defined by delivery.”

Hodgson said there are two types of projects: large ones that are in the national interest and may take longer to complete and others that could happen sooner.

“There are common projects that we can identify which will be quick wins,” he said. “I think we were elected to show some quick wins.”

The minister was planning to meet later Friday with his Alberta counterpart, Brian Jean. He also sat down Thursday with Saskatchewan deputy premier Jim Reiter.

Some oil executives said Hodgson’s comments are encouraging, but only time will tell if they come to fruition.

“There’s a lot of cautious optimism in the room,” said Craig Watt, vice-president of operations for Enserva, a national association representing energy companies.

“I think we have some hope at the moment, but we’re going to be watching to make sure the minister and the government lives up to what they’re promising.”

Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney said she was encouraged after hearing the speech.

“That Canada needs to be a superpower in terms of conventional and clean energy and the fact that we’re looking at accelerated timelines is also very encouraging. Looking forward to a productive working relationship,” she said.

Mark Scholz, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, said he was also impressed.

“Our workers matter. And the fact (Hodgson) came out and said the oil and gas sector is an absolutely critical part of the Canadian economy … these are very encouraging statements,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re willing to work with the government.

“We want to see big projects built.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2025.

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press