Calgary – On his first visit to Alberta since taking office, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a high-level meeting on Sunday with senior executives in the oil and gas sector in Calgary, in a move described as an attempt to rebuild trust and enhance cooperation between the federal government and the industry in the context of the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The meeting, held at the “Harry Hayes” building, was attended by more than twenty leaders from major Canadian energy companies, including the heads of Tourmaline Oil, Imperial Oil, Cenovus Energy, ATCO, and the Pathways Alliance, accompanied by Energy Minister Tim Hodgson.

In his remarks during the meeting, Carney emphasized the importance of “practical partnership” between the government and industry, asserting that his government adopts a “one project, one review” approach, and supports expediting approvals for major energy projects within a timeframe of no more than two years. He said: “This is not a time for confrontation. We need realistic cooperation that balances climate goals with economic necessities and energy security.”

The meeting follows a congratulatory letter Carney received from 38 energy company executives after his election victory, in which they called for urgent regulatory reforms, including reviewing environmental project assessment laws and expanding export infrastructure, particularly towards non-U.S. markets.

For its part, the energy sector welcomed the government’s new position. Kendall Dilling, head of the Pathways Alliance, stated that Carney’s positive signals could help save a $16 billion carbon capture project that faced financial and legislative hurdles.

The new liberal government aims to reduce emissions in the oil and gas sector by 35% compared to 2019 levels by 2032, focusing on supporting innovation in carbon capture and renewable energy without harming the competitiveness of the Canadian industry.

Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed her welcome of the new openness, indicating her desire for a bilateral meeting with Carney during the upcoming provincial premiers' conference in Saskatoon.

The meeting represented a tangible beginning to what observers described as “a new era of political realism” in managing energy affairs in Canada, where climate transition requires alignment between decision-makers and productive sectors, not conflict.