-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
OTTAWA, ON — August 31, 2026 — Fulbright Canada will launch its new Energy Security & Sustainability Initiative (ESSI) on September 3, bringing together leading Canadian and U.S. scholars to examine how to advance economic growth and affordability while strengthening energy security and sustainability in a rapidly changing North American and global environment.
The North American and global landscapes have changed fundamentally in recent years, and Canada is at a pivotal moment in its energy and economic history. Discussions about sovereignty, security, and resilience are reshaping the context in which Canada makes economic decisions. Regarding energy, the complex geopolitical environment has significantly impacted energy markets and trade relations. Governments around the world are exploring opportunities for trade diversification and new industrial policies to strengthen economic growth and affordability, including through investment in major infrastructure.
The ESSI begins from the premise that energy security and sustainability are foundational to these national objectives. Energy security is no longer only about uninterrupted supply at an affordable price; it also encompasses resilience, infrastructure, geopolitical exposure, supply chains, technology readiness and public confidence in decision-making. Sustainability, the practice of using resources in ways that meet current needs without adversely affecting the ability of future generations to meet theirs, is about responsible development and meaningful engagement with communities and Indigenous Peoples affected by energy development and infrastructure.
The initiative is led by Dr. Monica Gattinger of the University of Ottawa, with Dr. Robert Johnston of the University of Calgary and Dr. Stephen Bird of the University of New Hampshire serving as Senior Researchers. Together, they bring complementary perspectives to a shared challenge: understanding the barriers and catalysts that will shape Canada's ability to diversify its economy and energy relationships and implement its industrial policy goals.
“Canada is facing some critical decisions in terms of how we strengthen our economy, our energy systems and our relationships with the world,” said Dr. Michael Hawes, President & CEO of Fulbright Canada. “The ESSI is designed to support rigorous evidence-based research and offer different perspectives on the issues at hand. By connecting Canadian and U.S. scholars, we can better understand the choices and trade-offs ahead and contribute to this important discussion.”
Three Perspectives on a Shared Challenge
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As Lead Scholar, Dr. Monica Gattinger brings extensive expertise in energy policy, regulation, governance, and public and investor confidence. She is Founding Chair of Positive Energy and Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa. Her work examines energy governance and policy decision-making in Canada and Canada-United States relations, including how governments and other decision-makers can strengthen public and investor confidence in energy decisions. She convenes policy, regulatory, industry, Indigenous, civil society and academic leaders to help develop effective and trusted energy decision-making. |
“Canada stands at a critical juncture in its energy and economic history, with generational opportunities to strengthen energy security and sustainability at home, in North America and globally. It is a privilege to lead this unique initiative that will help the country turn its energy ambitions into reality.”
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Dr. Robert Johnston, Senior Researcher and Director, Energy and Natural Resources Policy, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, brings decades of experience examining the geopolitical, market, and policy forces shaping global energy and natural resources systems. His work spans global energy markets, energy security, finance, critical minerals and supply chains, with a particular focus on how changing trade relationships, geopolitical dynamics and international competition are shaping Canada's energy position and its relationship with the United States and global markets. |
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Dr. Stephen Bird, Senior Researcher and Director of the Carsey School of Public Policy and Professor of Political Science at the University of New Hampshire, brings expertise in energy policy, regulation, technology and the governance of the energy transition. His research examines issues of energy governance, public acceptance of emerging energy technologies, renewable energy development, smart housing, microgrids, and municipal sustainability, as well as the implications of AI, data centres, and growing electricity demand for energy systems, infrastructure, and communities. |
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Nik Nanos, ESSI Panel Moderator and Founder of Nanos Research, brings extensive experience in public opinion, political risk and understanding how Canadians perceive complex policy issues. His participation will help explore the public dimension of the energy conversation, connecting the scholars’ perspectives on governance, geopolitics, technology and the energy transition to broader questions of public confidence, priorities and how Canadians understand the choices and trade-offs shaping the country’s energy future. |
A Research Program Focused on Implementation
ESSI's work program will be grounded in a series of carefully selected case studies and three policy briefs. An overarching brief will examine Canada's current context, national objectives, models of diversification and industrial policy, and the barriers and catalysts affecting implementation. Two subsequent briefs will examine case studies in energy production and consumption:
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and uranium supply chains, with attention to their North American and global dimensions.
- Canada–U.S. electricity trade and AI/data centres, examining opportunities and challenges related to electricity demand, economic growth, community support, environmental and sustainability considerations, affordability and connection timelines.
The initiative will also convene external participants to test emerging findings, host webinars and panels, and culminate in a final conference and briefings designed to mobilize findings and recommendations. Across these activities, the ESSI aims to create a binational forum for rigorous, balanced and policy-relevant research and discussion on the choices shaping Canada's and North America's energy future.
The September 3 ESSI launch panel at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa will bring these perspectives together for a public conversation about the forces shaping Canada's energy future. Rather than presuming a single pathway or a predetermined policy outcome, ESSI will use research, comparative analysis, and engagement to examine competing priorities, uncertainties, and trade-offs.
About the Energy Security & Sustainability Panel Event
Date: Thursday, September 3rd, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (EST)
Location: The National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5W1
About the Energy Security & Sustainability Initiative
The Energy Security & Sustainability Initiative (ESSI) is a Fulbright Canada initiative bringing Canadian and U.S. scholars together to examine the interconnected challenges and opportunities shaping energy security and sustainability. Through research, dialogue and engagement, the ESSI seeks to contribute evidence and insight to discussions about secure, sustainable, equitable and publicly trusted energy systems.
About Fulbright Canada
The Fulbright Program is a merit-based residential academic exchange program established in 1946 to promote mutual understanding, support academic excellence, and contribute to peace, prosperity, and stability. The program is widely regarded as the gold standard in educational exchange and a powerful instrument of public diplomacy.
The Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America (aka Fulbright Canada) administers the Fulbright program in Canada, providing exchange opportunities for exceptional students, scholars, and researchers in the two countries.
About the University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is powered by research. Located in Canada’s capital, we bring together energetic and creative scholars to tackle urgent global challenges and to respond to emerging opportunities.
As one of Canada’s most innovative universities, we generate breakthroughs and discoveries that make a real difference in communities across Ontario, Canada and the world. Our thought leaders provide evidence-based insights that inform policy and support industry.
Our influence keeps growing due to our vast range of international partnerships, including our membership in the U7+ Alliance. As the world’s largest French-English university, we are a driving force in the Francophonie.
Discover our research.
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À propos de l’Université d’Ottawa
L’Université d’Ottawa est propulsée par la recherche. Au cœur de la capitale du Canada, nous réunissons des universitaires énergiques et créatifs pour faire face aux enjeux mondiaux urgents et saisir les nouvelles possibilités.
En tant qu’université parmi les plus innovatrices au pays, nous réalisons des percées et des découvertes qui ont des retombées concrètes dans les communautés de l’Ontario, du Canada et du monde entier. Nos plus brillants esprits diffusent des connaissances factuelles qui orientent les politiques et aident les entreprises.
Notre influence continue de s’accroître grâce à notre large éventail de partenariats internationaux, y compris au sein de l’Alliance U7+. Nous sommes la plus grande université français-anglais au monde, et une force motrice dans la Francophonie.
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university in this country’s most enterprising city. The youngest top five research university in Canada, UCalgary is a leader in startup creation and research innovation. With groundbreaking discoveries in child health, quantum computing and water sustainability, we’re transforming bold ideas into real-world impact. Curious and determined, our 38,000 students are using hands-on learning to forge bright futures for all. Ready to take the leap? Start something at UCalgary.
For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. Stay up to date with UCalgary news headlines on X @UCalgary. For access to UCalgary news releases, images and b-roll, and details on faculties and how to reach experts, check out our newsroom at ucalgary.ca/newsroom.
About the University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. More than 15,000 students from 40 states and 25 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. A Carnegie Classification R1 institution, UNH had FY25 research expenditures of more than $188 million to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.
Media Contacts
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University of Ottawa
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Paul Logothetis
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www.uottawa.ca
University of Calgary
Sean Myers
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403-561-7405
www.ucalgary.ca
University of New Hampshire
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603-862-1567
www.unh.edu