Canada Powered by Women is proud to welcome the leadership of Becky Penrice, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, ATCO Ltd., and Andrew Swart, Global Industry Leader for Energy, Resources and Industrials at Deloitte, as co-chairs of our newly launched Advisory Committee. This committee marks an exciting step forward in broadening our national reach and deepening our impact as we work to advance energy policy that supports economic prosperity and the well-being of all Canadians. With their diverse experience and strong commitment to CPW’s mission, Becky and Andrew are helping shape the future of our organization by bringing our Advisory Committee members together for key conversations about CPW’s strategy and will foster collaboration amongst our ecosystem including the board, funders, strategic partners and the CPW staff team.
We sat down with them to hear what inspired their involvement, what excites them about the road ahead, and how they see the Advisory Committee playing a key role in strengthening CPW’s national voice.
Becky Penrice on why she joined CPW:
What inspired you to get involved with CPW, and/or what motivated your decision?
“For too long, topics like emissions or pipelines have been thought of as strictly energy industry issues, confined to Western Canada and other specific energy regions of Canada like Northeast British Columbia or offshore Newfoundland. I believe energy policies, opportunities and challenges are increasingly issues of national importance — across the energy spectrum and these connect with every aspect of our work, home and lifestyle. So, I see CPW as a forum and avenue to broaden the discussion and enhance our understanding of energy, its importance as an economic engine for growth and prosperity – and the criticality of sound energy policy that considers the perspectives of engaged women from coast to coast to coast.”
What opportunities do you see for the Advisory Committee to support CPW’s mission
“I also see CPW as a way to support women who are often underrepresented in all areas of the energy industry. Having spent most of my career in the retail sector, I believe I have some different perspectives to add to the pool of knowledge and perspective. The committee is here to amplify and connect the work of CPW to engaged women and support advocacy efforts for sound energy policy. I feel very passionate about igniting and broadening the bold conversations required to create real change for the industry, women and all Canadians.”
Andrew Swart on why this moment matters:
What inspired you to get involved with CPW, and/or what motivated your decision?
“We are at a pivotal moment in time for Canada and in many ways, energy is and should be at the heart of that discussion. I have been impressed with CPW’s data-driven approach through surveys and forums to create the environment for debate and discussion in a non-partisan and objective way. This is a discussion I believe is very necessary and I am honoured to have been asked to serve in this capacity with Becky.”
What opportunities do you see for the Advisory Committee to support CPW’s mission?
“The Advisory Committee will play a critical role in helping shape the agenda of the organization. The Advisory Committee has, by design, such incredible talent and minds on it. The opportunity here is to leverage that expertise and knowledge direction to shape the surveys, content and engagement plan of the organization. As CPW expands its reach across the country and across sectors, I see the Advisory Committee playing a very important role.”
With leaders like Becky and Andrew helping to shape the path ahead, CPW is poised for a new chapter of growth, reach, and real impact. Their voices and those of the women are exactly what we need to shape a stronger energy and economic future for Canada.