(St. John’s, NL – June 2, 2026) The Energy NL Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026 got underway today with an opening address by Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, who spoke to the importance of Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy industry and its role in driving economic growth, investment, and long-term opportunity for the province. Premier Wakeham announced a new approach to seeking offshore oil and gas investment, including direct discussions with potential operators led by the Oil and Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (OilCo).
Premier Wakeham was followed by Kerry Moreland, President of ExxonMobil Canada, who provided an update on ExxonMobil Canada’s operations, including ongoing activities in the offshore, project developments, and the company’s continued commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy industry. Attendees then heard from Graeme Bagley, Head of Global E&A at Westwood Energy, who shared insights on global trends in the offshore sector. Jim Keating, CEO of OilCo, complimented those remarks with an overview of the offshore oil and gas industry of Newfoundland and Labrador and providing further details on OilCo’s role in seeking investment through direct negotiation.
Later in the morning, Energy NL CEO Charlene Johnson sat down one-on-one for a fireside chat with The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, Government of Canada, to discuss the national economy and the strategic role the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry will play in advancing that economy.
Following the fireside chat with Minister Champagne, Zach Kaplan, Managing Director of Teneo, Andrew Corbett, Asset Manager (Pre-Operations), BW Offshore, and Matt Adams, CEO of NetBenefit Software, explored the topic of local content, including how it is impacting the global energy industry, how nations are altering their approach, and how local content can be measured and monitored in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Lunch keynote speaker Lana Payne, National President of Unifor, provided valuable insights into energy development, the role of workers, and Canada’s economy. Her talk brought a timely and relevant perspective through her recent appointment to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations, offering important commentary on the evolving relationship between energy, trade, workforce development, and economic resilience in Canada.
Day two of the Energy NL Conference & Exhibition 2026 will begin at 8:30 a.m. with project updates from Jim Beresford, Vice President of Equinor Canada; Tracey Power, Chief Financial Officer of North Atlantic; and Jeff Jeworski, Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Region with Cenovus Energy. Sessions Three and Four will explore the evolving energy regulatory landscape, as well as the path from Indigenous engagement to inclusion.
Speakers throughout the day will include:
- Scott Tessier, CEO, CNLOER (Session Three)
- Terry Hubbard, President of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (Session Three)
- Hilda Broomfield Letemplier, President of Pressure Pipe Procurement & Management (Session Four)
- Michael Rose, District Director for East Coast Catering Ltd. (Session Four)
- Sheila O’Neill, Indigenous Relations Manager with Horizon Naval Engineering (Session Four)
Wednesday’s keynote luncheon address will be delivered by Chris Lemons, inspirational speaker and Saturation Diver. His powerful presentation, titled Last Breath – Reasoning with Life and Death at the Bottom of the North Sea, recounts his extraordinary survival story following a deep-sea diving incident that was turned into the Hollywood movie, Last Breath.
Further information on the conference program and speakers is available here.
“Day one of the Energy NL Conference & Exhibition 2026 demonstrated the incredible momentum and opportunity that exists across Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy sector. From insightful discussions on offshore development and emerging energy technologies to important conversations around local content, workforce development, and economic growth, the level of engagement from Energy NL members, industry leaders, and governments has been exceptional. The strong participation and collaboration seen throughout the day reinforces the important role our province will continue to play in supplying energy from the Atlantic to the world. Premier Tony Wakeham outlined his vision for the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry and I was also pleased to share the stage with both François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, and Lana Payne, National President of Unifor, both of whom provided valuable insights into the national economy and energy development. I cannot wait for day two of the Energy NL Conference & Exhibition 2026.”
- Charlene Johnson, Energy NL CEO
Energy NL represents approximately 500 member organizations worldwide which are involved in the energy sector. Members are active in all areas of the supply and service sector and include a diverse representation of businesses that range from offshore supply vessels and helicopters, carbon reduction and sustainable technologies, health and safety equipment and training, engineering solutions and fabricators to law firms and human resource agencies.
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Media contact:
Ken Morrissey, Chief Strategy & Communication Officer
Mobile: 709-725-5172 |[email protected]| @WeAreEnergyNL
