SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 / EDMONTON, AB – The 2025 Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA) Conference once again proved itself as the premier gathering for industry experts, government representatives, business development leaders, and stakeholders driving growth in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.
A sold-out crowd of 1,000 delegates filled the Edmonton Convention Centre for a full day of insights, updates, and dialogue about the future of Canada’s largest petrochemical processing region and most advanced carbon sequestration hub.
“The conference is our annual opportunity to showcase the incredible things happening—and planned to happen—in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland,” AIHA Executive Director Mark Plamondon said. “It’s almost like an annual update for our stakeholders, and we’re proud of the momentum being built.”
This year’s conference opened with a fireside chat between Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade & Immigration Joseph Schow, who spoke candidly about Alberta’s economic strengths and ambitions. Federal Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, also addressed delegates, highlighting federal initiatives directly relevant to Alberta’s energy and economic future.
The day concluded with a highly anticipated keynote panel featuring Chantal Hebert, Althia Raj, and Andrew Coyne. Known for their sharp political analysis, the panelists debated today’s key issues while reflecting on how social media and political polarization have reshaped both their work and personal lives.
Industry Leaders Share Major Updates
The conference stage also spotlighted industry leaders who shared updates on significant projects driving growth and innovation in the Heartland:
⚪ Liz Cornfield, Director, Marketing & Business Development, G&W – announced the Alberta Heartland Railway, a new short-line railway co-located with the Gasia Homestead project that is expected to start up in 2027.
⚪ Jason Johnson, Vice President, Liquids Infrastructure Business Development, Oil Sands & New Ventures, Keyera – shared project advancements and the company’s role in supporting Alberta’s growing petrochemical sector.
⚪ Ian Balfour, Vice President, Gas & NGL, Pembina Pipeline – highlighted infrastructure investments and midstream opportunities.
⚪ May Wong, SVP, Energy Markets & Low Carbon Solutions, Capital Power – presented on the company’s progress in advancing low-carbon power solutions.
⚪ Jay Cranney, Senior Vice President, Commercial & Business Development, Cando Rail – spoke about Cando’s new hydrogen locomotives and a $100 million loan announced the day prior to advance their clean rail initiatives.
⚪ Mike Shaw, Vice President, Business Development & Commercial, ATCO Energy Systems – provided an update on ATCO’s Yellowhead mainline project.
⚪ Stephen Velthuizen, Corporate Relations Manager, Downstream & New Energy Solutions, Shell Canada – provided an update on Polaris, Shell’s latest carbon capture project at the Scotford Energy & Chemicals Park.
Expert Insights and Panel Highlights
Delegates also heard from global and national experts:
🔴 Mark Eramo, Co-President, S&P Commodity Insights, offered a global perspective on energy and chemicals markets.
🔴 Mark Parsons, VP & Chief Economist, ATB Financial, provided valuable analysis on Alberta’s economic outlook and investment climate.
A highlight of the day was Edward Keith (Benchmark Mineral Intelligence), who shared results from a major study that sparked an in-depth panel discussion on mineral opportunities with three key players in the sector:
⚫ Robin Goad, President & CEO, Fortune Minerals
⚫ Omar Elnikheli, Chief Executive Officer, Fibrenx Technologies Inc.
⚫ John Merritt, Chief Executive Officer, PRISM Diversified
Later, a panel hosted by Mark Plamondon—including Greg Moffatt (Chemical Industry Association) and Evan Legate (Resource Diversification Council)—discussed strategies to process more of Alberta’s natural resources locally, focusing on policy, infrastructure, and investment alignment to grow value-added industries.
“We’re grateful to all of our speakers who made this conference such a success,” Plamondon added. “Their expertise and willingness to share their insights with our stakeholders underscores the strength and collaboration that define our region.”
We also extend our thanks to our sponsors for their support—see the full listing here. Their partnership is integral to making the AIHA Conference a premier gathering for industry leaders.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 AIHA Conference showcased Alberta’s Industrial Heartland as a global leader in innovation, collaboration, and economic opportunity. From world-class petrochemical processing to advanced carbon capture and a thriving network of value-added industries, the Heartland is shaping the future of energy and manufacturing.
Mark your calendars for September 10, 2026—next year’s conference promises even more insights and connections.
About Alberta’s Industrial Heartland
Alberta’s Industrial Heartland is Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing region and most advanced carbon sequestration hub. With $50 billion in existing capital investment and more than 40 companies, AIH provides fuels, fertilizers, power, petrochemicals, hydrogen, and more to consumers around the world. Explore the people, partnerships, and potential behind Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.