The recent federal election put energy security in the spotlight—and rightfully so. Global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics are underscoring the rationale: access to reliable, affordable, and acceptable energy is more critical than ever, both here at home and around the world.
Our new government no doubt recognizes that there’s a real opportunity and growing expectation for Canada to lead on energy – the term superpower was used widely during the campaign.
Canada is already part of the integrated North American gas system – one of the most secure natural gas networks in the world – and natural gas remains the fuel of choice for heating homes, fuelling industry, and supporting commercial buildings across the continent. Why? Because it works, offering a proven advantage in its affordability and reliability. But Canada stands at the threshold of a major opportunity to do more with gas energy. With the right policy alignment, we can unlock even more benefits from our natural gas advantage—broadening the affordability advantage, boosting competitiveness, and delivering the economic growth that creates jobs.
This issue of ENERGY explores what’s possible. We examine the political, economic, and technological forces shaping Canada’s energy future—and what needs to happen to ensure we don’t fall behind.
We begin with a thought-provoking feature that brings together political commentators from across the spectrum—Conservative, Liberal, and NDP—to answer one critical question: How can Canada leverage its natural gas advantage to become a key player in North American energy security? Their insights highlight both the opportunities and the tensions at play in today’s policy environment.
We head south of the border with the story Boom times for U.S. gas? Once thought to be on the decline, natural gas demand in the U.S. is rising fast, driven by AI fuelled growth in data centres and a historic surge in LNG export capacity. It’s a powerful reminder of how fast markets are shifting, and why Canada can’t afford to sit still.
Back home, our Facts and Developments section examines how natural gas once again delivered through a challenging Canadian winter. From coast to coast, our systems kept homes warm and businesses active—something worth reflecting on as the energy debate continues to evolve.
Innovation is also front and centre. Gas heat pumps: Advancing energy efficiency in heating and cooling takes a closer look at a promising technology that combines efficiency with performance in cold-weather climates.
From the global industry, we bring you a conversation between Andrea Stegher, Senior Advisor at SNAM and – effective end of June 2025 – President of the International Gas Union and Paul Cheliak, Vice President Strategy & Delivery at the Canadian Gas Association. Together, they reflect on global energy trends, Italy’s resilience strategy, and Canada’s evolving role in the gas market.
Finally, in our industry profile, we introduce An Energy Champion: Jacob Irving, the new President of the Industrial Gas Users Association. With a strong track record of leading some of the country’s most important energy organizations, Irving brings both insight and energy to a sector that underpins Canada’s manufacturing and industrial strength.
Wherever you are in the energy conversation—a policymaker, a business leader, a customer—we hope this edition offers meaningful insights and fresh perspective on the path ahead.