The Canadian Gas Association has had a long-standing awards program to recognize its members’ leadership and commitment to safety and innovation. In 2022, CGA enhanced this program to honour its members’ work in areas such as customer care, and environmental stewardship.
The Young Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes emerging leaders (40 years of age and under) in the gaseous energy industry who have demonstrated their potential to guide/pilot the gaseous energy industry of the future from a business, environmental, regulatory and/or public service perspective. We interviewed the five recipients of this award to get their perspectives on working in the natural gas industry and what the future holds for the sector.
The recipients for CGA’s 2022 Young Business Leader of the Year Award are:
- Patrick Bain, ATCO
- Daniel Blata, Enbridge Gas Inc.
- Jamie Kilkenny, SaskEnergy Incorporated
- Brad Lattanzi, Enbridge Gas Inc.
- Ashley Mathew-Lang P.Eng, PMP, TC Energy
Patrick Bain, ATCO
With close to 13 years’ experience, Patrick has held progressively senior roles in engineering design & project management in the natural gas utility industry. Patrick is currently responsible for leading a team of experts through the scoping, design & execution of key initiatives, including the Fort Saskatchewan Hydrogen Blending pilot. In 2022, Patrick’s leadership was instrumental in advancing ATCO’s hydrogen strategy to decarbonize the distribution system. Patrick leads a team of 14 people & leaned on a team of 150 other subject matter experts to build & execute a comprehensive organizational change management program in 2022. While this endeavor was the result of his leadership & greater team’s efforts, his unique ability to inspire others by asking questions, being curious, soliciting ideas of others & executing with intent was prevalent. His leadership was instrumental in cultivating a culture of collaboration across a large group of peers, vendors, and community members.
1. What motivated you to join the energy industry?
I was born and raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta. As a young adult finishing high-school in the mid-2000’s, the energy industry was booming. There was a natural gravitation for people in Grande Prairie to work in the upstream oil and gas sector. I spent some time doing pipeline and facility construction during high-school and afterwards, before ultimately taking Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta. My final engineering co-op term was with ATCO. I was motivated by that experience because it offered me the ability to put my engineering degree to use in an industry that was essential to many friends, family, and the town I grew up in.
Alberta and Canada have always and will continue to have a huge role to play in the future as the energy transition progresses. We offer safe, reliable, lower-emission, secure, and affordable energy for Albertans, Canadians, and others across the world. For me, being at the heart of that here in Alberta is very exciting.
2. In your opinion, how do you see the role of natural gas infrastructure changing in the next 30 years?
The significant amount of natural gas infrastructure that we have invested in over many decades is going to continue to be vitally important in the next 30 years, and certainly is not going away. The natural gas system is crucial, especially in Canadian climates, when it comes to delivering energy to customers. The system will continue to grow to meet increasing energy demands; however, the gas that flows through them will continue to evolve with increased production and use of cleaner fuels, such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen.
3. How do you think the Canadian energy industry can contribute to domestic and global energy security?
In my opinion, the answer to this is three-fold: Energy demand globally is growing, the energy transition is here and happening at a relatively rapid pace, and the worlds energy markets need more responsibly produced Canadian energy. The abundant resources we have in Canada can not only meet increased domestic demand, but also provide the global energy supply and security that is needed. Enabling policies at both the provincial and federal levels can provide for a prosperous and lower-emission future for Canada and other parts of the world.
4. What advice would you give to young professionals today who are interested in joining the energy industry?
There is no greater time in the Canadian energy industry than now. One might think that our traditional energy industry is at the end of the road, when in fact, it will continue to grow. Additionally, new industries and technologies are emerging rapidly. This offers young professionals extremely rewarding opportunities to tackle challenging problems, collaborate with the industry and our communities, and ultimately unlock the potential that Canada plays both domestically and globally for production of cleaner energy. Canadian energy and infrastructure companies are viewed as world leaders and trusted partners to tackle the global energy transformation. We need people who are courageous, creative, who care, and who want to make a difference.
Daniel Blata, Enbridge Gas Inc.
A highly respected team member, Daniel is an inspiration & informal mentor to his colleagues within the Operations Team by developing trusting relationships, leading with a high-level of accountability & continuously sharing his knowledge & experience; he brings a vast level of experience from previous roles (Station Engineering, Distribution Planning, Regional Engineer). Daniel brings a ‘can do’ attitude to work through his positive energy & infectious drive to deliver value-added results. His flexibility in adapting to change have also benefited the industry through his ability to provide strong assistance & support for regional initiatives such as pipeline maintenance, emergency,& compliance projects in a highly collaborative & respectful manner. Daniel is well respected by his team, peers across the organization, direct & executive leadership, & external stakeholders/customers.
1. What motivated you to join the energy industry?
As I reflect on the start of my career, I wanted to work in an industry that held social responsibility at the core of its decisions and in a collaborative environment that positively impacted the community. The energy industry provided just that, and more. It allowed me to focus on leadership development through different programs including rotational opportunities where I could gain an understanding of different business units within the organization.
The energy industry relies on corporate citizenship to energize communities, improving the quality of life of those around us both today and in the future.
2. In your opinion, how do you see the role of natural gas infrastructure changing in the next 30 years?
Natural gas infrastructure plays an important role in the global transition to a cleaner energy future; however, building pipelines has become increasingly difficult over the In order to support the growing demand while looking to meet our 2050 net-zero targets, we will need to modernize our infrastructure which includes powering our pipelines with renewable energy, improving operational efficiencies and expanding our carbon capture storage solutions.
It is important to note that our existing natural gas infrastructure is essential to an energy transition that meets energy demand while reducing emissions.
3. How can the Canadian energy industry contribute to domestic and global energy security?
In order to contribute to domestic and global energy security, energy industry leaders need to be at the table when governments discuss energy policy, both federally and provincially. Our industry experience and expertise are essential voices. The Canadian energy industry holds itself to the highest standards and can move energy efficiently, safely, and reliably within our network. Furthermore, with the support of governments and policies in the United States, we can also work together with our American neighbours to increase LNG exports, contributing to global energy security.
4. What advice would you give to young professionals today who are interested in joining the energy industry?
The energy industry is full of individuals who are passionate about meeting the energy needs of their communities in a socially responsible manner. The industry values collaboration and mentorship and it shares its learnings and best practices among its members — we are all in this together.
I have been fortunate enough in my career to sit on several committees where individuals across multiple organizations have come together for the advancement of the energy industry and it truly has been an experience like no other. We are in a time of energy transition, and it’s an exciting, innovative, all-hands-on-deck experience!
Jamie Kilkenny, SaskEnergy Incorporated
Jamie began her engineering career with SaskEnergy in 2010. Jamie has remarkable leadership qualities that she has demonstrated throughout her career at SaskEnergy as well as her contributions personally in support of those in need. When putting a spotlight on SaskEnergy’s values (Safety, Integrity, Stewardship, Spirit and Relationships), it’s hard not to think of Jamie. She absolutely exemplifies each one of our corporate values, sharing her positive attitude each day. During this time, she has delivered some of SakEnergy’s largest transmission pipeline projects while also building effective relationships with her colleagues, customers and project stakeholders. Jamie is someone that her peers tend to lean on for advice and mentorship, and she sets a high bar for delivering value to our customers.
Jamie is always finding new ways to get involved in her role and beyond. Jamie was awarded the SaskEnergy Aboriginal Government Employees (SAGE) Champion for Change in 2022 and has also been recognized by the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Saskatchewan to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan) Award which commemorates the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s Accession to the throne as Queen of Canada. This medal recognizes Jamie’s valuable contributions to the Province of Saskatchewan.
1. What motivated you to join the energy industry?
When I first joined SaskEnergy in 2010, I was excited to stay in Saskatchewan and build a career here at home. As I began managing projects, I was motivated by the opportunity to work with such a diverse team! I learn so much from our environmental experts, Indigenous engagement team, land agents, lawyers, purchasing agents, and other engineers. There are many wonderful and talented people at our company and I feel lucky to work with them all!
2. In your opinion, how do you see the role of natural gas infrastructure changing in the next 30 years?
I believe natural gas infrastructure is going to face challenges with the focus on shifting to renewable energy. This is why the industry needs innovative and creative thinkers to envision adapting our systems to the rapidly changing business environment.
3. How can the Canadian energy industry contribute to domestic and global energy security?
Canada has such an abundance of resources like hydro, wind, solar and uranium. We are in a strong position to be an important contributor to the energy industry. I think the continued efforts to shift to a more diverse and inclusive workforce will help solve our industry’s complex challenges, both here and abroad.
4. What advice would you give to young professionals today who are interested in joining the energy industry?
I would recommend joining the energy industry if you have a passion for problem solving and a creative mind. The industry is growing rapidly so there are endless opportunities to have a rewarding, exciting and impactful career!
Brad Lattanzi, Enbridge Gas Inc.
Brad Lattanzi is a public affairs professional with over a decade of public policy, stakeholder engagement, and project management experience. As Government Affairs Strategist at Enbridge Inc., Brad works with subject matter experts, industry and community partners, and governments to help safely deliver a diversified mix of energy that people and businesses rely on. Prior to this, he served as Advisor to Canada’s Science and Technology Minister where he led stakeholder engagement to develop Canada’s Science & Innovation Strategy. Brad has contributed to various election campaigns including in community engagement roles. On the international stage, Brad has represented Canada as a youth delegate to the OECD Forum in Paris and joined a not-for-profit mission to Peru where he helped install sustainable energy systems in rural and remote communities. Brad holds a Master’s degree from Western University where he specialized in Canada-U.S. relations, worked as a Teaching Assistant, and presented at conferences across Canada.
1. What motivated you to join the energy industry?
The energy industry is a team sport that requires collaboration including with governments, industry and local and Indigenous communities. I was drawn by the opportunity to engage with these groups, build coalitions and work toward shared goals of delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. As the industry continues to grow and change, this brings tremendous opportunity to help shape the future energy landscape and I’m excited to be part of that journey.
2. In your opinion, how do you see the role of natural gas infrastructure changing in the next 30 years?
Over the next 30 years, the energy industry will need to continue delivering secure, affordable and sustainable energy choices for a growing population. I see natural gas infrastructure as a significant asset that must be leveraged to meet this growing demand and evolve to help advance net-zero goals. This will require strong public policy frameworks and investments in new opportunities such as the blending of hydrogen and renewable natural gas through the system as well as investments in carbon capture and sequestration particularly for hard-to-abate industries like cement and steel manufacturing.
3. How do you think the Canadian energy industry can contribute to domestic and global energy security?
Canada has a significant energy advantage with its diverse mix of abundant resources, skilled workforce and world-class ESG standards, and access to North American energy infrastructure. These are essential to delivering the secure and affordable energy that people and businesses rely on in Canada and abroad. By leveraging North America’s integrated energy market and promptly growing export-ready infrastructure, more Canadian energy can be delivered globally including to address the energy security challenges faced by our European allies as well as to fast-growing Asian markets to displace heavier emitting fuels.
4. What advice would you give to other young professionals looking to make an impact
My advice would be to always bring a growth mindset and seek out opportunities to learn and gain experience including through networking, participating in industry events and engaging in discussions with colleagues. This is an exciting time to be part of the energy industry as it is constantly growing and evolving, and will require individuals who can adapt to change and think creatively.
Ashley Mathew-Lang P.Eng, PMP, TC Energy
Ashley Mathew-Lang started at TC Energy over a decade ago as an engineering intern with the Pipeline Maintenance Project Management team. Since then, she has progressed through the organization, honing her technical skills, leading projects and teams, and making a meaningful impact on business and culture. Currently, as the Canada Gas Heartland Area Manager Ashley leads a team responsible for the operational excellence of TC Energy’s natural gas assets in South Saskatchewan while fostering an environment which actively enables and encourages employee innovation, continuous improvement, community and stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Ashley is passionate about moving the needle regarding Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) and ensures each team member feels valued, safe, and comfortable to bring their entire selves to work every day. Ashley has mentored numerous young professionals internal and external to the energy industry.
1. What motivated you to join the energy industry?
The energy industry is tied to our everyday activities and contributes to the quality of life we have today. Our energy security is often taken for granted and is sometimes overlooked when it comes to how ingrained it is in every aspect of our daily lives.
It’s empowering to know the work we do every day is important and provides the energy to every critical service we require. The problem-solving opportunities that arise every day in our industry is what motivated me to join the industry and what keeps me in it!
2. In your opinion, how do you see the role of natural gas infrastructure changing in the next 30 years?
In my opinion, natural gas infrastructure will be critical as a safe and reliable form of energy, as well as a key player in the overall energy transition for the next 30 years. I believe the global natural gas demand will continue to rise, with some market demands growing higher than others where access to natural gas is available and economical.
I work with frontline workers every day who work extremely hard to ensure gas is flowing to our critical points across North America and would love to see their hard work continue for decades to come!
3. How can the Canadian energy industry contribute to domestic and global energy security?
I have been fortunate enough to work in several field locations over the last 10 years and have seen the care our frontline workers have for their safety, the public’s safety, and the overall environment.
When it comes to our safe practices and environmental stewardship and sustainability, I believe the Canadian energy industry can be a role model for other energy markets across the world. This is especially important as we move forward with sustaining our clean burning natural gas infrastructure and exploring different facets of energy transition.
4. What advice would you give to young professionals today who are interested in joining the energy industry?
Spend as much time in the field as possible with our front-line workers in the energy industry, and don’t let fear prevent you from taking on a challenge or new opportunity in a new world!
It’s so important to have different mindsets, backgrounds, and people working in our energy industry to solve any challenge that comes our way!