Canada’s new Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, delivered a clear message to oil and gas executives last week in Calgary: it’s time to move quickly on energy projects.

Speaking at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on May 23, Hodgson emphasized the federal government’s commitment to speeding up approvals. “No more five-year reviews. Decisions will come in two years for all projects. This is not a time for half measures or slow steps,” he said.

“Canada will no longer be defined by delay. We will be defined by delivery.”Hodgson described two categories of projects — large, national interest ventures that may take longer, and “common projects” that can deliver “quick wins.” “I think we were elected to show some quick wins,” he added.

The minister’s remarks were met with cautious optimism from industry leaders. Craig Watt, vice-president of operations for Enserva, said, “There’s a lot of cautious optimism in the room. We have some hope at the moment, but we’re going to be watching to make sure the minister and the government lives up to what they’re promising.”Alberta’s Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney, also expressed support, noting, “That Canada needs to be a superpower in terms of conventional and clean energy and the fact that we’re looking at accelerated timelines is very encouraging.”Mark Scholz, president of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, praised Hodgson’s stance. “Our workers matter.

The oil and gas sector is an absolutely critical part of the Canadian economy … these are very encouraging statements,” he said. “At the end of the day, we want to see big projects built.”

Hodgson also plans further discussions with provincial counterparts in Alberta and Saskatchewan to advance the government’s energy agenda.