Celebrating 10 Years

Photo: Maddie Faunt

On November 4, 2025, the very same day that the Lab’s first workshop closed a decade earlier, over 150 members of the EFL’s extended network, including founding members of the Lab platform, joined us in Calgary at Bonterra Trattoria for a very special gathering to celebrate the Lab’s 10th Anniversary.

Guests attend the 10th anniversary celebration of the Energy Futures Lab | Photo: Maddie Faunt

Between rounds of delicious food, drinks, and enthusiastic reunions of community members, the evening’s program kicked off with a very special opening by Hal Eagletail, who performed a song to bless and safeguard the people leading the important work of energy innovation.

Alison Cretney speaks to guests of 10 Forward: A Celebration of 10 Years of Impact | Photo: Maddie Faunt

The Lab’s Managing Director, Alison Cretney, offered remarks highlighting the many ways in which the Energy Futures Lab community has helped break through polarization, open new pathways in Alberta’s energy transition, and build the momentum, partnerships, and leadership needed to shape a prosperous, sustainable energy future. And we also debuted two new videos, highlighting the Lab’s journey from inception to impact:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d01BJlFWOuw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7RiJ6Ba8jg

Next, toasts offered by six supporters of the Lab showcased unique aspects of the Lab’s approach, its community and what it has achieved in its first decade.

Arlene Strom | Photo: Maddie Faunt

Arlene Strom

A founding partner of the Energy Futures Lab, Former Suncor Chief Sustainability Officer and General Counsel and now Chancellor of Mount Royal University toasted the Lab’s ambition, and its unique willingness to truly relinquish control in a co-creative space, and the empowerment and sense of duty that trust unlocks in participants. She reflected on the discussions with Suncor leadership in deciding whether or not to fund the Lab’s initial 3-year arc given the ineffable nature of what it might generate, and how their trust in the founders’ vision ultimately persuaded them to proceed.

Steve McDonald | Photo: Maddie Faunt

Steve McDonald

The Current Generate Canada board member, long-time Lab Advisor, Former CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta and now Principal at +SM Advisory Services toasted the Lab’s unwaivering commitment to finding solutions amidst deep complexity, and solving problems with integrity, ingenuity and a truly representative diversity of perspectives.

Photo: Maddie Faunt

Prageet Nibber

The CEO and founder of ReWatt Power Inc. toasted the Lab’s capacity as a forum for mentorship and a springboard for new ideas, reflecting on an initiative she developed with support from Lab members, Community Power Aggregation, that’s since gone on to be implemented in the UK.

Watch the video

Dani Hansen | Photo: Maddie Faunt

Dani Hansen

Current EFL Fellow and BMO Capital Markets VP Environmental Commodities Sales & Structuring, Dani toasted the Lab’s ability to take complex, systemic issues, and create space for practical collaboration that leads to meaningful impact, pointing to its role in the creation of the investment tax credit now in place to support carbon capture and storage projects in Canada.

Watch the video

JP Gladu | Photo: Maddie Faunt

JP Gladu

The Energy Futures Policy Collaborative Indigenous Advisory Committee Chair and Principal of Mokwateh toasted the Lab’s emphasis on building relational capital, forged through valuable shared experiences.

Watch the video

Chad Park | Photo: Maddie Faunt

Chad Park

Last but not least, the founding Managing Director of the Energy Futures Lab and current Vice President, Sustainability & Citizenship for The Co-operators, toasted the Lab’s longevity, which he credits to its adaptability, which allows it to sense the system and quickly pivot to respond to what’s needed most at any given moment. He also praised the application of adaptability in learning and not being deterred by the inevitable missteps that accompany innovation and human relationships.

Watch the video

Photos: Maddie Faunt

We're grateful to everyone who was able to join us for the event, and to those who sent messages and texts congratulating us on this significant milestone. Your support means the world to us!

As we reflect on our journey, we couldn't be prouder of what the Lab community has collectively achieved. Each contribution, big or small, has played a vital role in our success. We value every individual who has been a part of this journey, and we recognize that our accomplishments are a direct result of your hard work and dedication. We extend our most heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to the Lab's vision and the hard work and passion you bring to the table every day in service of making that vision a reality.

Onwards!