STATE OF THE PROVINCE HYDROGEN LUNCHEON
Where we are, where we’re going, and how we can thrive in a net-zero future.
Bringing together industry, government officials, Indigenous leaders, and civil society to celebrate Alberta’s thriving hydrogen economy
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Strathcona County Community Centre
“Hydrogen is a model for Alberta’s energy industry, increasing production, decreasing emissions, and improving diversification by adding value to our oil and natural gas, and keeping jobs here. And I predict it will become one of the mainstays of Alberta’s economy in the years ahead.”
– Premier Danielle Smith
On October 24, 2023, join us as we lead insightful discussions, forge partnerships, and explore the growth of the region’s hydrogen sector. With sector-specific progress updates from the City of Edmonton, ATCO, the AMTA, and more—plus addresses from Premier Smith, Mayor Sohi, and Mayor Frank—this luncheon aims to drive Alberta’s economic growth through hydrogen innovation.
You’ll also have a chance to experience hydrogen vehicles first-hand, as the luncheon will be followed by an optional ride-along in hydrogen fuel cell buses provided by Strathcona County and the City of Edmonton.
Special Guests
The Honourable Danielle Smith
Danielle Smith is a proud Albertan. As leader of the governing United Conservative Party, she was sworn in as the 19th Premier of Alberta on October 11, 2022. She represents the riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
Premier Smith has had a lifelong interest in Alberta public policy and finding the right balance between free enterprise and individual freedom, and the role of government. She was previously MLA for Highwood and leader of the Official Opposition.
Before re-entering politics, Premier Smith worked extensively in the media and in business, most recently as president of Alberta Enterprise Group. Before that, she was a radio host with Corus Entertainment for six years.
Premier Smith holds degrees in both Economics and English from the University of Calgary. She is married to David and a proud stepmom to his son. They live in High River with their two dogs.
His Worship Amarjeet Sohi
Mayor of Edmonton
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi came to Canada when he was just 18 years old and had little to his name. But he was lucky. He wasn’t in just any city. He was in Edmonton.
He learned to speak English in schools and public libraries and found friendship and community by playing sports and performing in the arts. He got to discover the city through the windows of city buses—until one day he got a job driving one.
Eventually his bus stopped at City Hall when he was elected as city councillor where he served for two terms. He worked hard for a city that invested in him through public services. His passion for Edmonton took him all the way to Ottawa where he served as the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Minister of Natural Resources, overseeing billions in investments in our economic future.
From bus driver to city councillor to member of parliament and now Mayor of Edmonton, his experiences have shown him what it takes to bring people together—and build a thriving city for all.
His Worship Rod Frank
Mayor of Strathcona County
Rod Frank was elected to his second term as Mayor of Strathcona County in 2021. Mayor Frank’s vision is to make Strathcona County Canada’s most livable and prosperous community.
Rod has a deep knowledge of the community, moving here in 1963 with his family, and raising his own family here. During his two terms he has demonstrated disciplined, calm leadership in facing unprecedented challenges of a major recession and a 100- year global pandemic. Results during his term include delivering best-in-class municipal services, championing fiscal prudence, and making evidence-based decisions.
He is a lawyer with 30 years of corporate experience. Rod earned business and law degrees from the University of Alberta.
Schedule
Agenda may be subject to change
11:15 am: Doors open
12:00 pm: Welcome address
12:05 pm: Address by Mayor Amarjeet Sohi
12:20 pm: Lunch
1:05 pm: Address by Mayor Rod Frank
1:15 pm: Address by Premier Danielle Smith
1:30 pm: Updates by the City of Edmonton, Strathcona County, and ATCO
1:45 pm: Updates by the Transition Accelerator and Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA)
2:00 pm: Closing remarks
2:05 pm – 3:00 pm: Hydrogen bus ride-along tours (Optional)