Energy minister says Ottawa needs more 'Prairie pragmatism' on energy

OTTAWA — Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson didn’t directly mention the threat of Alberta separation when speaking in Calgary on Friday, but his remarks drew a clear connection between Ottawa-Alberta energy cooperation and keeping the country together.

Hodgson said it was high time for federal policymakers to adopt a mindset of “Prairie pragmatism” when it comes to developing and leveraging Canada’s abundant natural resources.

“Ottawa has awoken to something Western Canada has known for a long time: energy and mineral security is also national security,” Hodgson told the downtown Calgary audience.

Hodgson pointed to the recent Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed in November by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, as a sign that his government understood the province’s centrality to both building a nationally integrated economy and securing Canada’s place in the world.

“That MOU lays out a clear and credible path to create the conditions necessary for nation-building infrastructure … that move Alberta’s world-class energy and resources to market,” said Hodgson. “This is how we increase our economic security while strengthening our sovereignty.”

The Winnipeg-born Hodgson said that his Western Canadian roots shaped his approach to his job.

“The Prairie boy in me that looks at resource and infrastructure projects and sees more than pipes and steel. I see good jobs — jobs that allowed my friends and family to put roofs over heads, buy homes, and build stable, dignified lives,” said Hodgson.

He also leaned into his biography when addressing the elephant in the room: national unity.

“As a Western Canadian, and a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, I will always stand up for a strong, united Canada,” said Hodgson.

Hodgson called Canada the “greatest country in the world” and challenged those in the audience to “name a better place to live.”

“Not an imaginary country that has some of this and some of that — but somewhere, in its entirety, better than Canada.

Hodgson was speaking at an event co-hosted by the Financial Post and Calgary’s municipal economic development corporation. He sat down for a fireside chat with Financial Post Western Bureau Chief Reid Southwick shortly after the remarks concluded.

This was the second speech he’s given in city since becoming energy minister, following an address to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce last spring.

The stakes were a lot higher this time around, with Alberta separatists midway through a petition drive to put the province’s independence to a province-wide vote. They have until early May to collect the 177,732 signatures needed to put their question on this year’s referendum ballot.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added fuel to this fire last month when he said in an interview that an independent Alberta would be a “natural partner” to his country.

Bessent was reportedly not one of the unnamed U.S. officials leaders of the pro-independence Alberta Prosperity Project met with in three visits to Washington, D.C. last year.

Veteran Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur told National Post that ex-oil and gas executive Hodgson is a natural emissary to Alberta on energy issues.

“Having worked extensively in the energy sector himself, Hodgson is someone who prioritizes pragmatism over ideology,” said Kaur. “By fostering a respectful partnership with Alberta and the industry, he plays a critical role in bridging regional divides.”

National Post rmohamed@postmedia.com

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