Primary Risk

In this episode of Primary Risk, hosts Allie and Byng, sit down with Todd Stone, CEO, Associations of Mineral Exploration (AME), to examine what B.C.’s mineral exploration sector needs from government at a pivotal moment. Drawing on Todd’s experience as an entrepreneur, cabinet minister and industry advocate, the conversation goes behind the policy announcements to explore permitting certainty, Indigenous relationships, infrastructure, investment competitiveness and how better government–industry engagement can turn geological potential into durable projects and prosperity.

In this episode of Primary Risk, hosts Allie Meeres and Byng Giraud sit down with Melissa Caouette, Principal of MC Consulting and Founder of Pocket Lobbyist, for a timely conversation on the political forces shaping major project development in Alberta, B.C., and across Western Canada. 

Drawing on her experience inside the Alberta government, the private sector, and national public affairs, Melissa unpacks how governments are defining “priority projects,” what investors and proponents should understand about political and government relations risk, and why provincial alignment is becoming central to Canada’s economic future. 

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Scott, Senior Director of Communications and Public Engagement at Western LNG, for a timely conversation on the role of communications, public affairs, and relationship-building in advancing major projects in British Columbia.

Our conversation explores the primary risks that shape major project development today — from public trust and reputation management to regulatory uncertainty, Indigenous partnerships, environmental considerations, and political decision-making.

In this episode of Primary Risk, hosts Allie and Byng, sit down with Steve Swaffield, President & Principal of Carbex Consulting Inc. in a conversation that traces a throughline from some of the world’s most complex energy deals to the realities facing major project development in Canada today. Where projects are no longer defined solely by engineering and economics—they hinge on meaningful partnerships and the ability to navigate increasingly complex stakeholder environments.

In this episode of Primary Risk, hosts Allie and Byng, sit down with Jonathan Turner, Development Consultant, Elemental Energy to explore what it takes to build durable relationships and Indigenous partnerships in an environment where timelines are tight, scrutiny is high, and “soft issues” like process, clarity, and credibility can quickly become the principal risks for schedules and investment.

In this episode of Primary Risk, Byng and Allie take stock of where major projects in Canada stand, and why the gap between political commitments and on-the-ground progress still feels persistent. They unpack the tension between economic growth and environmental stewardship, probe what’s holding back permitting and regulatory reform, and argue for clearer metrics to track whether critical minerals and infrastructure projects are actually moving.

This episode of Primary Risk explores Ontario's bold push to unlock the Ring of Fire critical minerals frontier—from the landmark Marten Falls road agreement to the $62 million corridor investment and $3.1 billion Indigenous partnership financing. Join us for an insightful conversation with the Honourable Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenorra—Rainy River, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, as we delve into the challenges and opportunities driving Ontario’s Bill 5 reforms, the "One Project, One Process" framework, and economic reconciliation. Tune in to understand the balancing act between accelerating development, upholding consultation rights, and securing long-term prosperity for northern Ontario.

In this episode of Primary Risk, we sit down with Emily Black, Director of Special Projects and Initiatives at Enbridge, to unpack the landmark Stonlasec8–Enbridge equity partnership — a first-of-its-kind deal that saw 38 First Nations acquire a 12.5% equity interest in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system. This conversation takes listeners inside the boardroom, behind the negotiations, and into the lessons that will shape the next generation of Indigenous equity ownership.

This episode of Primary Risk explores Canada’s urgent push to fast-track critical port infrastructure projects—from Vancouver’s Deltaport expansion to the Port of Montreal’s Contrecoeur Terminal upgrades and the strategic ambitions for the Port of Churchill in the North. Join us for an insightful conversation with Marko Dekovic from Global Container Terminals as we delve into the challenges and opportunities driving these transformative developments in trade capacity, regulatory reform, and economic resilience. Tune in to understand the balancing act between speeding delivery and securing environmental stewardship, Indigenous partnerships, and long-term community benefits. 

On this episode of Primary Risk, co-hosts Byng Giraud and Allie Meeres take a deep dive into Canada’s evolving approach to major projects. They discuss why new legislation should only be the starting point for change. The conversation also explores the forthcoming federal Major Projects Office, the authority it will need to be truly effective, and the importance of setting clear national goals for major projects to guide investment and decision-making and drive alignment across government.