Ivey Energy Consortium to drive the conversation on energy policy
LONDON, ON, October 8, 2014 – The Ivey Business School is continuing to lead the way in energy policy research with today’s announcement establishing the Ivey Energy Consortium. Already an established research forerunner with a dedicated focus on energy and public policy, Ivey, along with five industry partners: ATCO Ltd., OMERS, Power Workers’ Union, TransCanada Corporation and Union Gas Limited, have joined together to form the Energy Consortium, dedicated to tackling the complex and multi-faceted challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s energy sector, policy-makers and community stakeholders.
Energy Consortium members have pledged a total of $1.25 million over a period of five years to support the research activities of the Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre whose mandate is to contribute to the national public debate on energy sector policy development. Research at Ivey is also supported by the Suncor Energy Foundation through its $1.125 million gift for the Suncor Chair in Energy Policy, student scholarships, and outreach activities.
“Balancing economic and social pressures in Canada’s energy sector has become increasingly challenging in recent years,” said Guy Holburn, Director, Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre and holder of the Suncor Chair in Energy Policy. “The Energy Consortium will serve as a forum for identifying and debating critical issues in a rapidly changing policy environment.”
These investments will allow Ivey to expand its research capacity through engaging more faculty members, attracting and recruiting new researchers, and building an even stronger team of experts to produce independent energy policy research; and promote greater engagement between industry, government and academia on national and global energy issues.
“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to deliver the latest knowledge about energy issues aimed at providing critical leadership for industry and policy-makers,” said Bob Kennedy, Dean, Ivey Business School. “Ivey would like to thank our Energy Consortium partners for their vision and desire to promote important policy debate.”
The funding will also help Ivey create new and innovative teaching tools, curricula and case study materials for future students. Additionally, it will allow Ivey to expand outreach capacity through conferences and speaker events providing a national forum for the private and the public sector to come together and engage with other stakeholders.
“The Power Workers' Union is delighted to join the Energy Consortium. We see the Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre as an important venue to drive the energy policy conversation in Canada,” said Don MacKinnon, President, Power Workers’ Union and Energy Consortium representative. “Difficult policy questions require thoughtful, evidence-based research to support decision making, and we are pleased to collaborate with Ivey and other Consortium members to move this vision forward.”
About the Ivey Business School, Western University
The Ivey Business School (www.ivey.ca) at Western University is Canada’s leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provide the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today’s complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as Executive Education at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.
Media Contact:
Ivan Langrish, Senior Manager, Media Strategy
Ivey Business School
416-203-0664
ilangrish@ivey.ca