What does it take to build the largest private investment in Canadian history? Susanna Pierce reveals the inside story of the $40 billion LNG Canada project as it prepares to ship its first cargo – a milestone she helped shape during her tenure as president of Shell Canada.
The conversation takes us behind the curtain of mega-project development, where Pierce describes the intricate dance of coordinating every aspect of the value chain while building meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities. "What made LNG Canada reality was everyone coming together," she explains, highlighting how Indigenous leadership from figures like Crystal Smith and Ellis Ross was fundamental to the project's success. This represents a powerful model of economic reconciliation where First Nations have "a share and a say" in resource development.
Pierce offers unique perspective on what it means for Canada to become an energy superpower – balancing our hydrocarbon resources with climate responsibility while remaining competitive in global markets. Drawing from her experience living in both Alberta and British Columbia, she provides nuanced insights on the cultural and economic divides that shape our national energy conversations: "When I read the newspaper in BC about oil and gas, I heard about how bad we are. In Calgary, I heard about how misunderstood we are."
Now heading into a new chapter with Peter Tertzakian at StudioEnergy, Pierce is applying her skills to create data-driven solutions for Canada's energy challenges. But perhaps most surprising is her passionate commitment to fighting human trafficking in Canada – a cause she's tackling by building networks between organizations and corporations to create collective impact.
As Canada navigates complex choices about its energy future, Pierce offers a compelling vision: the opportunity to redefine who we are on the global stage while creating prosperity at home. Her journey demonstrates how leadership, resilience and cooperation can move seemingly impossible projects from vision to reality.
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