Advertise on podcast: Road Chats

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.