2025 Fireside Chat Series: Navigating a Shifting Policy Landscape
Earlier this month, our Canadian Fuels Association (CFA) Awards of Excellence event featured two engaging fireside chat sessions focused on the evolving policy and regulatory environment in North America—and what it means for Canada’s fuels sector.
Session 1: A Changing U.S. Policy Landscape – What a Trump Administration Means for Transportation Fuels
Moderated by: Bob Larocque, CFA President & CEO
Featuring: John Eichberger, Transportation Energy Institute and Tammy Klein, Transport Energy Strategies
This session tackled the growing policy uncertainty in the United States, including the potential dismantling of key incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Panelists emphasized the importance of stable, long-term policies to attract investments and accelerate clean energy development.
“Effective policy needs to be achievable, flexible, long-term, and durable. When done right, incentives can drive real progress. Canada has a chance to get this right by learning from past experiences and building smart, stable policy frameworks.”— Tammy Klein
While federal uncertainty remains, U.S. states are stepping up with new clean fuel and hydrogen policies. Both speakers highlighted this as a strategic window for Canada to strengthen its domestic resilience and energy independence.
“Canada is going to get much more independent, much stronger… That’s a good thing at the end of the day.” — John Eichberger
Session 2: Fueling Canada’s Next Chapter: The Policy Landscape Post-Election
Moderated by: Lisa Stilborn, CFA Vice President of Public Affairs
Featuring: The Honourable Janice Charette, Former Clerk of the Privy Council, and Marci Surkes, and Andrea Sarkic from Compass Rose
This panel focused on how Canada’s newly elected federal government is navigating a complex economic and political landscape. With a new cabinet and mission-driven governance structure, the government is focused on building a more connected, east-west Canadian economy, enabling Indigenous participation, and improving internal trade and major project delivery.
“The government may govern like a majority, but it’s still a true minority. Parliament will shape the path forward, and collaboration across party lines will be essential to getting big things done.” — Andrea Sarkic
Panelists highlighted the balancing act ahead: advancing climate goals while enabling pragmatic energy development—including the possibility of amending major legislative frameworks like C-69 and the Impact Assessment Act (IAA).
“On energy and the environment, there’s an opening for engagement and dialogue in a way there wasn’t before. The government is looking at things through a practical lens—and that’s a meaningful shift.” — Marci Surkes
“Cabinet is the decision-making body of the largest enterprise in the country. And this one has been structured for delivery.” — Janice Charette
Looking Ahead
CFA extends sincere congratulations to all award recipients and thanks the many members and guests who joined us for this special day. From recognizing individual and organizational excellence to fostering meaningful dialogue on the future of fuels, the 2025 CFA Awards of Excellence underscored the momentum and leadership that will continue to shape our sector.
We look forward to carrying this energy forward—and to welcoming everyone back for next year’s celebration.
