‘Energy is Canada’s power’: New federal energy minister touts past Alberta oilpatch ties [Video]

The new federal energy minister delivered a boisterous speech in support of the country’s energy sector on Friday morning, while highlighting his past involvement in the sector and the urgent need to build a variety of new energy projects.

Tim Hodgson spoke to a business crowd, which gave him loud applause at a sold-out event in downtown Calgary as part of his first appearance since the cabinet appointment by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“Energy is power. Energy is Canada’s power. It gives us an opportunity to build the strongest economy in the G7, guide the world in the right direction, and be strong when we show up at a negotiation table,” said Hodgson in his speech.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Hodgson served as a reserve officer in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1979 to 1985. Hodgson is most-known as a former banker with Goldman Sachs who served as an …