Nancy Southern sees potential opportunity stemming from the Alberta-Canada energy pact and a growing economy.

And the chief executive of ATCO Ltd. and Alberta business leader still sees potential risk from the debate over separation and the possibility of a vote on the contentious issue.

Varcoe: ATCO CEO touts importance of energy accord for Alberta, expects 'good agreement' on carbon price Back to video

Those two forces have become dominant themes in 2026 for segments of Alberta business, as a volatile and unpredictable year soon heads into the summer months.

After ATCO’s annual meeting in Calgary on Wednesday, Southern spoke with journalists about the Alberta-Canada energy memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a new deal on industrial carbon pricing that is likely to be announced by the two governments on Friday.

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It’s one of the key components of the broader energy agreement, which includes the potential for Alberta to propose a large greenfield oil pipeline to the British Columbia coast for expedited federal approval, although it is “mutually dependent” on the Pathways carbon capture network in the oilsands also being developed.

An expected carbon pricing agreement between Alberta and Canada, reported Monday by the Herald, will see both sides sign on to an effective carbon price in the province of $130 per tonne by 2040.

“I think it’s a critical time, and I believe that they’re going to come to us with a very good agreement,” said Southern, who leads one of the province’s largest businesses.

“I absolutely believe it’s important for Alberta and the federal government to see eye to eye on how we develop oil. What I’m........

© Calgary Herald