Road Chats

Challenges Facing the Canadian Automotive Sector with David Adams, President and CEO of the Global Automakers of Canada

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (David Adams, Catherine Clark) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, host Catherine Clark talks to David Adams, President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada. The pair discussed the impact of U.S. tariffs and Canadian government mandates on the auto industry, along with the uncertainty caused by U.S. policies and the challenges of meeting zero-emission vehicle targets. Adams also discussed the potential for Canada to lead in electric vehicle (EV) development, focusing on long-term investments and alignment with global trends.

Innovative and Competitive: Bob Larocque explains where he believes the fuel sector is headed

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Catherine Clark, Bob Larocque) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, host Catherine Clark talks to Bob Larocque, President and CEO of the Canadian Fuels Association, about Canada’s changing energy landscape and the transformation of the fuel sector. They discuss the importance of regulatory changes that could reduce the burden on fuel marketers while still protecting the environment and the importance of staying competitive with the U.S market.

How is Bill C-59 reshaping the future of Canada’s energy sector?

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Catherine, Bryan Detchou, Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, host Catherine Clark speaks with Bryan Detchou, Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot, Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the MacDonald-Laurier Institute, about the federal government's sweeping new rules on greenwashing — and how they’re hitting the oil and gas industry hardest. From high-stakes fines to vague standards and legal uncertainty, they explore how Bill C-59 is not only threatening transparency and innovation but also silencing legitimate sustainability efforts across the fuel and energy sector. If you’re in the business of powering Canada, this conversation is one you can’t afford to miss.

John Eichberger, Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Dana Telfer ) — Wed, 5 Feb 2025 17:12:29 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, presented by National Energy Equipment Inc., Catherine Clark sits down with John Eichberger, Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute, to discuss the Future-Ready Fleets campaign. This initiative, presented by the Canadian Transportation Council, aims to help fleet operators navigate the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles by providing them with a comprehensive guide and a fleet conversion calculator. John highlights the importance of tailored solutions for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle operators, addressing the challenges of electrification and exploring alternative options like hydrogen and renewable natural gas. He also emphasizes the economic considerations of fleet decarbonization and how businesses can gain a competitive edge while supporting environmental goals. Tune in to learn how fleet managers can access these free resources and make informed decisions for a more sustainable future.

Anne Kothawala, President & CEO of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 20:44:33 +0000

In this episode, Catherine Clark speaks to Anne Kothawala, President & CEO of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, to explore Ontario’s decision to allow the sale of alcohol in convenience stores. They discuss the evolution of alcohol sales and the challenges, opportunities, regulatory hurdles, and demand this shift presents for convenience stores and fuel retailers.

Jennifer Stewart, President of CEMA

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (CEMA, Jennifer Stewart, Catherine Clark) — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:33:05 +0000

Key Takeaways:

1. Industry Trends

- The electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding, supported by Canada's Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which helps businesses build EV charging infrastructure.

- AI and data analytics are increasingly used to optimize fuel delivery routes, personalize consumer experiences, and enable real-time fuel price tracking.

- Rising interest in alternative fuels like hydrogen and biofuels aligns with Canada’s renewable fuel mandates, encouraging businesses to reduce carbon emissions.

2. Workforce Challenges

- CEMA members address labour issues through flexible scheduling, competitive wages, and technology to reduce driver burnout. Many companies also emphasize training, including safety and anti-theft protocols.

3. Regulatory and Political Impacts

- Regulatory changes, such as Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations, influence companies’ long-term investments, which can be affected by potential shifts in government policies.

- CEMA advocates for policy stability to encourage investment in emissions-reducing technologies and supports locally sourced renewable fuels to reduce reliance on U.S. imports.

4. Engagement

- CEMA members are encouraged to engage in advocacy efforts, participate in events like the Canadian Energy Marketing Conference, and contribute to policy discussions through regional meetings and committees.

Ian Thomson, President Advanced Biofuels Canada

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thomson, CEMA) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 21:32:39 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Ian Thomson, President of Advanced Biofuels Canada, about how energy-agnostic approaches – from clean fuels to electrification – can be designed to work together effectively in our quest to achieve net zero.

Jeff Passmore, Founder and CEO, Passmore Group Inc.

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Jeff Passmore, Passmore Group, CEMA) — Fri, 9 Feb 2024 14:25:35 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Jeff Passmore, CEO of Passmore Group and Founding Chair of Scaling Up, about the bioeconomy and Canada’s need for an industrial strategy to advance our net-zero objectives.

Michael Wolinetz, Partner, Navius Research

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Michael Wolinetz, Navius Research, CEMA) — Fri, 1 Dec 2023 16:22:14 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Michael Wolinetz, a Partner with Navius Research and an Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University, about Navius’ 2023 Biofuels in Canada report. We discuss the impact of current biofuel consumption on greenhouse gas emissions and what needs to happen to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Dean Roberts, Vice Chair, SaskCanola

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Dean Roberts, SaskCanola) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:12:13 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to SaskCanola Vice Chair Dean Roberts, who is also a farmer in Saskatchewan, about what the increased demand for biofuels means for canola farmers as they try to increase yields with limited acreage amid challenging climate conditions.

Chris Vervaet, Executive Director, Canadian Oilseed Processors Association

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:11:46 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Chris Vervaet, Executive Director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association, about the opportunities the Clean Fuel Regulations have created for his sector.

Fred Ghatala, Director for Carbon and Sustainability, Advanced Biofuels Canada

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (CEMA, Advanced Biofuels Canada, Fred Ghatala) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:28:23 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Fred Ghatala, Director for Carbon and Sustainability for Advanced Biofuels Canada, about the seamless integration of the biofuels sector in the transport industry and how Canada can be a global leader in renewable fuel production.

Jessica Friesen, CEO, Gales Gas Bars and Bob’s Fast & Fresh Convenience

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Gales Gas Bars, CEMA, Jessica Friesen) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:18:43 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Jessica Friesen, CEO of Gales Gas Bars and Bob's Fast & Fresh Convenience, about how her operations have changed since COVID and how regulations are affecting retail operations, especially those doing business in the oil and gas sector.

Fred Ghatala, Director for Carbon and Sustainability, Advanced Biofuels Canada

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Fred Ghatala, CEMA, Advanced Biofuels Canada) — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:09:48 +0000

Brendan Jordan, Vice President of Transportation and Fuels, Great Plains Institute

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Great Plains Institute, Brendan Jordan) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:29:29 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Brendan Jordan of the Great Plains Institute in Minneapolis about how to decarbonize the transportation sector through biofuels, hydrogen, and electrification – plus the importance of cross-border cooperation between Canada and the U.S. as we move to net-zero emissions.

Kendall Dilling, President of Pathways Alliance

Thu, 25 May 2023 18:25:14 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Pathways Alliance President Kendall Dilling about getting to net-zero emissions by 2050 with the help of carbon capture storage and biofuels, plus regulatory challenges as the industry looks to the future to be competitive on the world stage.

Michelle Belisle, Imperial Oil Limited

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Michelle Belisle, Imperial Oil) — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 13:00:18 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Michelle Belisle of Imperial Oil Limited about the company’s renewable energy project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about three million metric tons per year, the challenges in meeting government regulations on carbon intensity, and her confidence that Imperial will continue to provide secure and reliable energy for decades to come.

Lisa Stilborn, Vice President, Public Affairs, Canadian Fuels Association

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:43:00 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Lisa Stilborn, Vice President, Public Affairs at the Canadian Fuels Association, which represents the transportation fuels sector. Lisa discusses the challenges brought on by the pandemic, regulations, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the Inflation Reduction Act south of the border and what lies ahead for the sector on its pathway to net zero.

Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology for Newfoundland and Labrador

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Andrew Parsons, Janet E. Silver) — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:56:37 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology for Newfoundland and Labrador. His province has a plan to increase its offshore petroleum projects over the next seven years while advancing its status as a Clean Energy Centre of Excellence. Parsons says both objectives must be met for the province’s financial stability and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Stephen Beatty, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Toyota Canada

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Stephen Beatty, Toyota, CEMA) — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:42:22 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Stephen Beatty, Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Toyota Canada. As Ottawa continues to make investments in the EV sector, Beatty, an advocate of hydrogen fuel technology, says consumers and the government need to look to both hydrogen fuel cell technology and e-fuels if we are to meet net-zero emissions by 2050.

David Yager, Oil and Gas Service Industry, Adviser and Consultant

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (David Yager, CEMA) — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:06:30 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to David Yager who has spent the last forty years working as a consultant and adviser in the oil and gas service industry. He is often called upon as an energy policy analyst and three years ago released a book titled, “From Miracle to Menace-Alberta, A Carbon Story. David talks about the politics of the oil and gas industry and the way forward for this sector.

Ian Thomson, President of Advanced Biofuels Canada

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Ian Thomson, Advanced Biofuels Canada, CEMA) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:56:06 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, we talk to Ian Thomson, President of Advanced Biofuels Canada, an organization that works to promote the production and expand the usage of advanced biofuels across the country. Thomson has over 25 years’ experience in operations and industry development, including market development and sustainability.

Sonya Savage, Minister of Energy, Government of Alberta

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Sonya Savage, CEMA, Janet E. Silver) — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 13:14:54 +0000

As global demand for oil and gas continues, Alberta is doing its part to meeting increasing energy needs while reconfirming its commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Alberta’s Energy Minister, Sonya Savage joins Road Chats this month to discuss the balance between increasing energy exports and decreasing its impact on the environment.

Matthew Klippenstein, Regional Manager for Western Canada, Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Matthew Klippenstein, CEMA, Janet Silver) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 03:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Road Chats, Matthew Klippenstein, regional manager for Western Canada for the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association discusses the growing importance of hydrogen and how it can be used as part of our strategy to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Francis Bradley, President and CEO of Electricity Canada

Fri, 27 May 2022 03:17:40 +0000

Janet E. Silver and special guest Francis Bradley, President and CEO of Electricity Canada, discuss the need to move quickly if we hope to reach government targets for a net-zero electricity grid and economy; the importance of collaboration across the country and between Canada and the U.S.; promising technological developments; and the single greatest challenge facing the electricity industry.

Daniel Breton, President of Electric Mobility Canada

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Janet Silver, Daniel Breton) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 12:42:23 +0000

Join Janet Silver, Senior Director of Advocacy and Communications at Syntax Strategic, and special guest Daniel Breton, President and CEO of Electric Mobility Canada, as they discuss the federal budget and Ottawa’s greenhouse gas reduction plan for 2030. Daniel was a former Quebec Minister of the Environment. He has studied carbon management and written books on transportation electrification, climate change, air pollution and energy transition.

Janet Silver, Senior Director Advocacy and Communications Syntax Strategic

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Janet Silver, Jennifer Stewart, CEMA) — Tue, 5 Apr 2022 18:20:15 +0000

In this episode, CEMA President Jennifer Stewart talks to Janet Silver, Senior Director Advocacy and Communications at Syntax Strategic, about Ottawa’s new emissions plan and what to expect when Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tables her budget on April 7. Tune in to hear about what the government is hoping to achieve with this emissions plan -- and what it means for stakeholders and consumers.

David Schick, Vice President Western Canada Innovation and Regulatory Affairs

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 15:56:30 +0000

CIPMA President Jennifer Stewart talks to Canadian Fuels Association Vice President of Western Canada David Schick about what it was like to collaborate with different levels of government and other organizations to keep British Columbia supplied with fuel when the Trans Mountain Pipeline shut down last fall. Tune in to hear about the biggest challenges they faced and important lessons learned.

Sarah Herdman, CEO of AXOS Renewable Energy

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (CIPMA) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:47:02 +0000

Join Michelle Coates Mather and special guest Sarah Herdman, CEO of AXOS Renewable Energy, as they discuss the evolving Canadian market for clean, combustible fuel solutions, the role renewables play in the path to decarbonization, and why this is such an exciting time to be an entrepreneur in the renewable fuel industry.

Andrea Kent, Vice President of Industry and Government Relations at Greenfield Global

Fri, 3 Dec 2021 04:08:46 +0000

Join host, Michelle Coates Mather and special guest Andrea Kent, Vice President, Industry and Government Relations, Greenfield Global, as they explore the role renewables must play on Canada’s path to net zero.

CIPMA's President and CEO Jennifer Stewart and VP Michelle Coates Mather

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Michelle Coates Mather, Jennifer Stewart, CIPMA) — Thu, 2 Sep 2021 12:24:34 +0000

CIPMA President Jennifer Stewart and Vice President Michelle Coates Mather discuss the impact of the upcoming election on the petroleum sector, what polls are indicating and how organizations can set themselves up for government relations success post-election day.

Jennifer Madigan, Vice President Media and Communications, Syntax Strategic

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Jennifer Madigan, Michelle Coates Mather) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 15:40:26 +0000

Jennifer Madigan, Vice President of Media and Communitcations at Syntax Strategic discusses the best approaches to leveraging media opportunities and managing brand reputation within the fuels sector.

John Eichberger, Executive Director Fuels Institute, Executive Director Canadian Transportation Alliance

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (John Eichberger, Michelle Coates Mather) — Fri, 28 May 2021 12:18:21 +0000

John Eichberger discusses the importance of bringing together players from all sectors of the industry to drive fact-based research to inform policy and educate consumers.

CIPMA's President and CEO Jennifer Stewart and VP Michelle Coates Mather

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Michelle Coates Mather, Jennifer Stewart, CIPMA) — Mon, 3 May 2021 18:21:48 +0000

CIPMA President and CEO Jennifer Stewart and VP Michelle Coates Mather breakdown the recently released federal budget and what that means for the petroleum sector.

Dennis DesRosiers, President DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc.

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Dennis DesRosiers, CIPMA) — Thu, 1 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0000

President of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. Dennis DesRosiers chats EV penetration, carbon tax, and the invisible hand.

Don Smith, Vice President Petroleum and Innovation, UFA Co-operative Limited

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Don Smith) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 13:33:58 +0000

Don Smith, VP of Petroleum and Innovation at UFA talks about what’s on the horizon for petroleum in the agriculture sector, the power of the co-operative, and how the industry can support the sustainability goals of our country.

Ryan Dermody, President, Norcan Petroleum Group Inc.

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:37:57 +0000

President of Norcan Petroleum Group, Ryan Dermody discusses how perseverance, perspective, and communication have helped him and his team adapt to the challenges of COVID-19.

Bob Larocque, President and CEO, Canadian Fuels Assocation

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:52:20 +0000

Canadian Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Larocque discusses their recently launched Driving to 2050 plan. The report shares their vision on solutions for the energy sector and what transportation will look like in the decades to come.

Michelle Coates Mather, Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs CIPMA

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Michelle Coates-Mather, CIPMA) — Fri, 4 Dec 2020 16:02:04 +0000

Michelle Coates-Mather, Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy chats about what a Biden government means to the industry, what advocacy looks like amidst an energy transition, and how the Canadian government is broadening the narrative when it comes to reducing emissions.

Anne Kothawala, President and CEO Convenience Industry Council of Canada

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Dana Telfer ) — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:11:43 +0000

In episode 4, Anne Kothawala President and CEO of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada shares her biggest lessons learned throughout her career, and how she’s adapted her leadership and government relations strategy through COVID.

Tiina McCombie, Market Director National Energy Equipment Inc. and Dan Witkemper, Director North America Payment Gilbarco Veeder-Root

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Dan Witkemper, Tiina McCombie) — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 13:05:24 +0000

Tiina McCombie of National Energy Equipment Inc. and Dan Witkemper of Gilbarco Veeder-Root discuss how the business has evolved, the challenges faced by COVID-19, and what the future holds for the industry.

Peter Kilty, Senior Vice President Parkland Corporation

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Dana Telfer ) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:38:24 +0000

Parkland Corporation is the fastest-growing independent marketer of fuel products in Canada. Senior Vice President Peter Kilty talks growth strategy and what’s been the company’s striving factor to success.

Jessica Friesen, CEO Gales Gas Bars

dtelfer@syntaxstrategic.ca (Gales Gas Bars, Jessica Friesen) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 10:00:15 +0000

Jessica Friesen is a 3rd generation owner and operator of Gales Gas Bars. Servicing the Niagara region since 1967, Jessica speaks about her biggest accomplishments since taking over in 2014, navigating during COVID-19 and the importance of keeping focus on the company’s vision.