Recorded on Zoom in mid-July 2020, episode 23 is the third podcast in a series on preparation for and response to the challenges of Covid-19, featuring a discussion with Scott Aaronson, Vice President of Security and Preparedness at the Edison Electric Institute in Washington and secretariat to the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC). Scott and I talk about the evolution of the ESCC, how industry came together to tackle pandemic challenges, issue spotting and Tiger Teams, preparing for the next pandemic, and mutual assistance.

Recorded on Zoom in late June 2020, episode 22 is the second podcast in a series on the current challenges and future prospects of supplying electricity in Canada’s North. The featured discussion is with Noel Voykin, the President and CEO of Northwest Territories Power Corporation Our conversation touches on economic development in the north, new renewable technologies, climate change impacts, and leadership.

Recorded by phone for National Lineworker Appreciation Day on July 10th 2020, episode 21 features a discussion with the founder and Executive Director of Women of Powerline Technicians, Lana Norton. We talk about the typical day for a lineworker, how the changes in the electricity sector are changing (and in some cases, not changing) the work of lineworkers, and the role Women of Powerline Technicians plays in supporting women PLTs and in promoting careers in trades for young women.

Recorded on Zoom in late June 2020, episode 20 is the second podcast in a series on preparation for and response to the challenges of Covid-19, this time from a government perspective. The featured discussion is with Craig Oldham, Director General of the Critical Infrastructure Directorate, in the National and Cyber Security Branch, at Public Safety Canada. We talk about the evolution of the response to Covid-19, how the government coordinates through the Government Operations Centre, the complexity of preparedness and response in the context of the broader threat environment, and the importance of relationships and partnerships.

Recorded on Zoom in June 2020, episode 19 is the first in a series on the current challenges and future prospects of supplying electricity in Canada’s North. The featured discussion is with Andrew Hall, Yukon Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. We talk about the unique challenges of the electricity sector in the north, how Yukon differs from the other territories, the complexity of managing an islanded grid, integrating new renewables, the criticality of partnerships with indigenous communities, and the Sustainable Electricity program.

Recorded on Zoom in June 2020, episode 18 is our return from hiatus due to the Coronavirus, and the first in a series on electricity sector preparation for and response to the challenges of Covid-19. The featured discussion is with Eóin Cooke, AltaLink’s Vice-President of Security and Information Services. We talk about AltaLink’s preparedness for a pandemic, technology and productivity in the time of Covid-19, and the importance of partnerships in pandemic response. Eóin also shares his views on artificial intelligence and the AI cybersecurity arms race.

Recorded at the Globe 2020 Conference in Vancouver in February 2020, episode 17 features a panel discussion following the release by CEA of the report “State of the Canadian Electricity Industry 2020.” Tim Boston, Vice President Public Policy and Government Relations at ENMAX facilitated the conversation, which featured Jay Grewal, President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro, Roger Dall’ Antonia, President and CEO of FortisBC and Kate Chisholm, Q.C., Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer with Capital Power.

Recorded in Toronto in February 2020, episode 16 features a discussion with Tabatha Bull, the Chief Operating Officer with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). We talk about the CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program, which a number of CEA members participate in, and how the pillars of PAR are foundational to reconciliation. Tabatha also shares her views on a range of issues, including some notable examples of best practices of indigenous community engagement.

Recorded at the Globe 2020 Conference in Vancouver in February 2020, episode 15 features a discussion with Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin, President and Chief Executive Officer with WaterPower Canada. We talk about the importance of Canadian hydro, future prospects, and what policy makers should be doing to support further development of hydro. From the CEA team, Policy Development VP Channa Perera joins me to share his views on the Globe conference and it’s dialogue on sustainability with stakeholders and government.

Recorded at the UN Climate Change Conference COP25 in Madrid, episode 14 features a discussion with Roger Dall’Antonia, President and Chief Executive Officer at FortisBC. We talk about the COP25 experience and observations as a first-time attendee at a COP conference, the distinct challenges facing an electricity and natural gas company, and some of the differences in the utility business environments in Canada and the United States. From the CEA team, Policy Development VP Channa Perera joins me to highlight the big issues on the agenda at COP25.