Energy Security & Sustainability Initiative (ESSI) Expert Panel

Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Location: The National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ontario

Fulbright Canada launched its new Energy Security & Sustainability Initiative (ESSI) with a public panel bringing together leading Canadian and U.S. scholars to examine the choices, barriers and opportunities shaping Canada’s energy and economic future. Moderated by Nik Nanos, Founder of Nanos Research, the discussion featured ESSI Lead Scholar Dr. Monica Gattinger of the University of Ottawa, Senior Researcher Dr. Robert Johnston of the University of Calgary, and Senior Researcher Dr. Stephen Bird of the University of New Hampshire. Drawing on their expertise in energy policy and governance, geopolitics and global energy markets, and technology and the energy transition, the panel explored competing priorities and trade-offs around energy security, sustainability, affordability and economic growth. The discussion was grounded in research and designed to consider multiple perspectives rather than advocate for a predetermined policy outcome.