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Since its inception in 1999, the Frontier Centre for Public Policy has been steadfast in its mission to foster Ideas for a Better Tomorrow. Through research, publications, educational events and policy analysis, Frontier has impacted dozens of governments and policy sectors. With Western Canadian roots and a drive to cultivate responsible citizenship, Leaders on the Frontier features discussions of common sense and good governance from this non-partisan, cutting-edge think tank.
Venezuela Oil is Threatening Canada's Future, Now What?
Canada’s energy future may be at risk—but most Canadians don’t realize it yet. David Leis talks with Dan McTeague of Canadians for Affordable Energy about how Canada “put all its eggs in one basket” by relying almost entirely on the U.S. as its oil customer. With the recent U.S. removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Washington tightening control over Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, the United States could shift its energy strategy—potentially boosting Venezuelan heavy crude supply and reducing its dependence on Canadian oil. Venezuela once supplied the U.S. Gulf Coast with heavy oil, and its resurgence could squeeze Canada’s export advantage. Canada has already been filling the gap left by Venezuela’s 30‑plus years of decline, helping U.S. refineries that are designed for heavy crude. Now, the question is whether Canada’s energy policy, pipeline capacity, and trade strategy can adapt fast enough or whether Canada has lost its bargaining chip and put its economy in jeopardy.
Featured Podcast Episode
Venezuela Oil is Threatening Canada's Future, Now What?
Canada’s energy future may be at risk—but most Canadians don’t realize it yet. David Leis talks with Dan McTeague of Canadians for Affordable Energy about how Canada “put all its eggs in one basket” by relying almost entirely on the U.S. as its oil customer. With the recent U.S. removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Washington tightening control over Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, the United States could shift its energy strategy—potentially boosting Venezuelan heavy crude supply and reducing its dependence on Canadian oil. Venezuela once supplied the U.S. Gulf Coast with heavy oil, and its resurgence could squeeze Canada’s export advantage. Canada has already been filling the gap left by Venezuela’s 30‑plus years of decline, helping U.S. refineries that are designed for heavy crude. Now, the question is whether Canada’s energy policy, pipeline capacity, and trade strategy can adapt fast enough or whether Canada has lost its bargaining chip and put its economy in jeopardy.
David Leis
Before becoming the president and CEO of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, David Leis served in a variety of senior leadership roles within industry, government, First Nations and education. His academic credentials from Waterloo, Ryerson and Toronto led him to earn his Masters in Public Policy at Queen's University in Ontario. Networking everywhere he goes, David's warm personality has created connections with leaders around the globe. With a tenacious passion for Canada's success and a high regard for people, David relishes the opportunity to educate and inform by hosting Leaders on the Frontier.
