OCC Event to Explore the Role of Natural Gas in Ontario’s Energy Transition

(Toronto – October 2, 2023) – After a warning from the Independent Electricity System Operator that phasing out gas-fired plants by 2030 will result in rotating blackouts, Ontario is procuring natural gas as a means to maintain energy stability and affordability. On October 3, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is bringing together industry leaders and energy experts at First Canadian Place in Toronto for a balanced discussion on the role of natural gas in the province’s energy transition.

“Ontario is facing widening electricity shortfalls as electrification and economic growth put upward pressure on demand,” said Claudia Dessanti, Senior Manager, Policy, OCC. “As we plan for the future, this event presents an opportunity for a conversation about the limitations and opportunities of using natural gas in a low-carbon economy.”

The event will feature opening remarks from Mark Cameron, Vice President External Relations, Pathways Alliance and Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and a panel of experts including:

• Bonnie Hiltz, Vice President and Energy Practice Group Lead, Sussex Strategy
• Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO, CUTRIC
• Sara Petrevan, Vice President, Sustainability, Cement Association of Canada
• Jim Redford, Vice President, Energy Services Enbridge Gas Inc.
• The Honourable Tony Valeri, Decarbonization Investment Project Team – Funding and Government Relations, ArcelorMittal Dofasco

“As one of the largest consumers of Canadian natural gas, oil sands companies are keenly interested in how they can work collaboratively with the industry to lower emissions on the path to net zero emissions from our operations,” said Mark Cameron, Vice President External Relations, Pathways Alliance. “Natural gas will play a major role in helping to enable our proposed carbon capture and storage project and will continue to be a significant part of the energy transition and Canada’s energy future.”

Thank you to our Lead Partner, Pathways Alliance, and Presenting Partner, Enbridge Gas.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Carmona
Manager, Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | (647) 234-0255