JEKYLL AND HYDE: Carney’s schizo Energy-Environment duo signals high stakes for Western ambitions

Call it a Bonnie and Clyde pairing.

In his first major moves as Prime Minister, Mark Carney has appointed two key ministers who will shape Canada’s energy and environmental policy — decisions that could carry profound consequences for Western Canada, particularly Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

The appointments, seen as a deliberate “good cop/bad cop” pairing, set the tone for a federal approach that seeks balance between economic growth in the energy sector and climate action — a tightrope that has long proven politically volatile in the West.

On the Good Cop side is Tim Hodgson, Carney’s new Minister of Energy and Resources. He’s former Goldman Sachs Canada CEO and investment board chair for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, which holds major stakes in companies like Suncor and Canadian Natural Resources.

But Julie Dabrusin, a long-serving Toronto MP with a track record on the progressive side of Liberal climate policy, has been elevated from her role as parliamentary secretary to the Environment Minister — a position she held under both Jonathan Wilkinson and climate hardliner Steven Guilbeault. 

The stakes are massive. Hodgson and Dabrusin will oversee the future of a sector that represents more than 10% of Canada’s GDP and over 500,000 jobs. 

Hodgson brings deep Bay Street credentials and close ties to Alberta’s oil sector. His corporate résumé includes a stint as special advisor to Carney at the Bank of Canada and board roles with Calgary-based MEG Energy and PSP Investments, among others.

“He’s a known quantity in boardrooms from Calgary to Toronto,” said one Alberta energy executive. “This is someone who understands the capital markets and the global headwinds our industry is facing.”

Hodgson, who won his Markham-Thornhill seat in April with over 54% of the vote, struck a conciliatory tone on election night.

“When we are united, we are Canada strong,” he said. 

His mandate is expected to focus on energy security, attracting investment, and navigating trade tensions with the US.

But if Hodgson is meant to reassure the oil patch, Carney’s pick for Environment Minister may rattle it.

Whereas Hodgson’s appointment is seen as an olive branch to the West, Dabrusin’s promotion is widely viewed as a signal that Carney will not back down from the aggressive climate action of his predecessor.

That’s because Dabrusin, a former litigator and community activist, has championed emissions reductions and supported stronger enforcement of environmental regulations. 

Her background and alignment with urban progressive voters suggest continuity with Guilbeault’s more combative stance toward the fossil fuel industry — but with a more collaborative tone.

Namely, she supports the ban on single use plastics and carbon taxes.

From her website: “Julie’s action on the environment…includes developing the ban on single-use plastics... She has supported putting a price on carbon pollution, has taken a strong stance against oil sands expansion, and has promoted the critical need for a transition from fossil fuels to a low-carbon economy.”

But her appointment may intensify Western skepticism toward Ottawa’s climate agenda even as Hodgson soothes Calgary’s corporate boardrooms.

Alberta and Saskatchewan governments have already clashed repeatedly with the federal Liberals over emissions caps, clean electricity targets and regulations on oil and gas development. 

Now, they’ll be dealing with ministers perceived as ideologically firm on both goals.

The broader context is that both appointments come amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty, global energy transition and political friction. 

The Liberals — and Carney in particular — have staked credibility on managing a ‘just transition’ for fossil fuel workers while also hitting net-zero targets.

But critics in Western Canada remain unconvinced.

“Putting an investment banker in charge of energy doesn’t guarantee Alberta gets a fair shake,” said a senior Alberta government official, speaking on background. “And Dabrusin’s promotion shows Carney hasn’t learned from Trudeau’s mistakes with Guilbeault.”

Still, some in the oil patch are cautiously optimistic that Hodgson’s presence in Cabinet signals a shift toward economic pragmatism on the energy file.

His long-standing ties to Carney and the business community could allow him to advocate more credibly for Canada’s fossil fuel industry on the international stage, including in Washington, where Trump’s auto tariffs and energy protectionism pose major challenges for Canadian producers.

Billions in investments in carbon capture, hydrogen, and critical minerals also hang in the balance, particularly as Ottawa moves to balance its climate agenda with economic growth.

Ultimately, the success or failure of this energy-environment duo will not just shape Carney’s legacy — it could define the federal government’s fragile relationship with the West.

Industry reaction was guarded.

The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors — drillers — said today’s swearing-in of Prime Minister Carney’s cabinet signals the start of a new chapter in Ottawa that will be judged by action and results, not rhetoric.

During the federal election, Prime Minister Carney promised a new tone and direction for Canada's natural resource development. He promised Canadians he would make Canada an 'energy superpower' by developing both Canada’s conventional oil and gas and alternative energy resources.

“The 2025 federal election marked a defining shift in Canada's energy future. Canadians spoke clearly: the debate is no longer whether to develop our natural resources, but how swiftly and boldly we can advance. Now, the question is whether this new government is prepared to act with the urgency and ambition this moment demands,” it said.

“The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) remains ready to work with this new Cabinet. However, collaboration must be met with conviction.”