Primary Risk

In this episode of Primary Risk, hosts Allie and Byng, sit down with Jonathan Turner, Development Consultant, Elemental Energy to explore what it takes to build durable relationships and Indigenous partnerships in an environment where timelines are tight, scrutiny is high, and “soft issues” like process, clarity, and credibility can quickly become the principal risks for schedules and investment.

In this episode of Primary Risk, Byng and Allie take stock of where major projects in Canada stand, and why the gap between political commitments and on-the-ground progress still feels persistent. They unpack the tension between economic growth and environmental stewardship, probe what’s holding back permitting and regulatory reform, and argue for clearer metrics to track whether critical minerals and infrastructure projects are actually moving.

This episode of Primary Risk explores Ontario's bold push to unlock the Ring of Fire critical minerals frontier—from the landmark Marten Falls road agreement to the $62 million corridor investment and $3.1 billion Indigenous partnership financing. Join us for an insightful conversation with the Honourable Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenorra—Rainy River, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, as we delve into the challenges and opportunities driving Ontario’s Bill 5 reforms, the "One Project, One Process" framework, and economic reconciliation. Tune in to understand the balancing act between accelerating development, upholding consultation rights, and securing long-term prosperity for northern Ontario.

In this episode of Primary Risk, we sit down with Emily Black, Director of Special Projects and Initiatives at Enbridge, to unpack the landmark Stonlasec8–Enbridge equity partnership — a first-of-its-kind deal that saw 38 First Nations acquire a 12.5% equity interest in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system. This conversation takes listeners inside the boardroom, behind the negotiations, and into the lessons that will shape the next generation of Indigenous equity ownership.

This episode of Primary Risk explores Canada’s urgent push to fast-track critical port infrastructure projects—from Vancouver’s Deltaport expansion to the Port of Montreal’s Contrecoeur Terminal upgrades and the strategic ambitions for the Port of Churchill in the North. Join us for an insightful conversation with Marko Dekovic from Global Container Terminals as we delve into the challenges and opportunities driving these transformative developments in trade capacity, regulatory reform, and economic resilience. Tune in to understand the balancing act between speeding delivery and securing environmental stewardship, Indigenous partnerships, and long-term community benefits. 

On this episode of Primary Risk, co-hosts Byng Giraud and Allie Meeres take a deep dive into Canada’s evolving approach to major projects. They discuss why new legislation should only be the starting point for change. The conversation also explores the forthcoming federal Major Projects Office, the authority it will need to be truly effective, and the importance of setting clear national goals for major projects to guide investment and decision-making and drive alignment across government.

In this episode of Primary Risk, Sedgwick Strategies’ Byng Giraud and Allie Meeres sit down with the Hon. Jason Kenney to explore how the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) model can be replicated—and why Indigenous equity in major projects is key to building sustainable trade and energy corridors.Hon. Kenney, one of the primary architects behind the AIOC, offers a pragmatic playbook for replication across provinces. This includes financing that empowers Indigenous communities to take equity stakes in high-quality, commercially viable deals. Crucially, the model moves at the pace of business and is shaped by Indigenous leadership.

Facing investor flight, climate events, and shifting politics, a lot can be learned from the TMX expansion project that navigated consistent public scrutiny. Allie Meeres and Byng Giraud sat down with former CEO of Trans Mountain, Ian Anderson, to chat through what helped build Canada’s largest pipeline to tidewater.

Facing investor flight, climate events, and shifting politics, a lot can be learned from the TMX expansion project that navigated consistent public scrutiny. Allie Meeres and Byng Giraud sat down with former CEO of Trans Mountain, Ian Anderson, to chat through what helped build Canada’s largest pipeline to tidewater.

Our newest episode of Primary Risk features Jeff Stibbard, Founder and Executive Chairman of JDS Energy & Mining.With 40 years of mining experience spanning operations and investment globally, Jeff shares how he builds thriving projects, and the communities that grow alongside them.In an era dominated by automation, Jeff makes a compelling case for the power of human connection and how it remains the ultimate catalyst for cutting through bureaucratic complexity, attracting investment, and moving projects forward.

In this candid conversation, Co-Hosts Allie Meeres and Byng Giraud sit down with the former Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to unpack:Key takeaways from the rapid reconstruction of the Coquihalla HighwayToday’s challenges facing major infrastructure projects in British ColumbiaStrategies to accelerate projects that boost Canadian economic independenceWhat lies ahead for infrastructure and communities in B.C.Reflecting on the urgency of the Coquihalla crisis, Rob shared: "They were issuing permits that normally take a few weeks in forty-five minutes or less. We did what we had to do—we had to make material, blast rock, and get at the thing as quickly as possible."Listen now to hear how government can move quickly when it matters most

Kicking off the first episode of 2025 Sedgwick’s Allie Meeres, and Byng Giraud, sat down to discuss the ongoing threat of US tariffs and the top 10 projects B.C. can use to protect our economy. Reflecting on the economic and political realities of British Columbia and its economic dependence on the US Byng Giraud notes: “That dependency, not only has it made us vulnerable to the situation today, it's one of the reasons we have low productivity in this country because we live off this 30% discount on our dollar. We've got to get over taking the easy way out here. If we want to be innovative, we need to remember that Japan, Greece and Germany, amongst others, came to this country and said they would like to buy your natural gas, and we told them no.”Read Sedgwick's top 10 list here.

January 31st, Sedgwick Strategies President, Byng Giraud, OBC, and Executive Vice President, Allie Meeres, sat down with Melissa Caouette of Pocket Lobbyist for a critical discussion on what a second Trump presidency could mean for B.C. and Canada. With trade, policy shifts, and economic uncertainty on the horizon, one thing was clear—organizations can’t afford to sit back and wait."Get off the couch." That was Byng’s message to businesses and decision-makers who may be tempted to take a wait-and-see approach. The world is moving fast, and those who act early will be in the best position to adapt.Allie echoed this need for action, reminding us that "We have to get out of our own way. We need to diversify ourselves not only for the next four years but for the rest of our lives." Long-term resilience starts now, and preparation today will define success in the years ahead for Canada.To stay ahead of the conversation:Learn more about Sedgwick Strategies: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sedgwick-strategies/?viewAsMember=trueSign up for the Pocket Lobbyist B.C. newsletter:  https://www.pocketlobbyist.com/subscribe

Primary Risk's final episode of the year is now live!  In the spirit of the holidays, Sedgwick's Byng Giraud and Allie Meeres sat down to share their thoughts on the highs and lows of the year in the space of major projects development, while taking a look forward to see what next year may bring.

Last month, Sedgwick wrapped up our final Primary Risk episode of 2024 with special guest Tessa Gill, External Relations Lead at Arbios Biotech. With decades of experience leading major projects like Petronas Pacific NorthWest LNG and Woodfibre LNG, Tessa shared invaluable insights on navigating the complexities of major project development. For those navigating project development in British Columbia this episode is a must-listen as Tessa shares her decades worth of insights and learned experience developing major projects in the province.

We had the privilege of hosting Brian Kynoch, President of Imperial Metals Corporation, on the latest episode of the Primary Risk podcast. Brian's storied career has defined a legacy in mining, not just for his impact on the industry, but for his commitment to making British Columbia a better place. Our conversation tackled the pressing realities of the mining industry today, his vision for BC’s resource sector, and the groundbreaking mine agreements Imperial Metals established with First Nations—a first in Canada's operating history. For those navigating the future of mining, this episode is a must-listen, as Brian shares insights that highlight both the challenges and transformative opportunities shaping the mining sector.

Episode 4 of Primary Risk features Bill Lomax, President and CEO of First Nations Bank of Canada; exploring behind the scenes of his time on Wall Street, the challenges First Nations face in major project development, and the primary risks of major project investment in Canada.

Episode 3 of Primary Risk features Susannah Pierce, President of Shell Canada, Country Chair, and Vice President, Emerging Energy Solutions.     Together with Byng Giraud, President of Sedgwick Strategies, and Allie Meeres, Executive Vice President and Partner of Sedgwick Strategies, we delved into Susannah Pierce’s early career and her path to Shell Canada, insights into Canadian LNG’s past and future, and how the people behind critical projects are navigating soft issue risks. 

In today’s complex environment, almost every major project from mining to transmission lines is contentious. On Primary Risk we speak with the people behind these projects shaping our world, exploring the soft issue risks, solutions, and behind-the-scenes stories of what it took these projects across the finish line or not. Join Sedgwick Strategies President, Byng Giraud, and Executive Vice President & Partner, Allie Meeres, as they explain what is primary risk, the realities often unreported on project development, and sheds light into the mover and shakers shaping the natural resources and infrastructure sector.

Join co-hosts Byng Giraud, President of Sedgwick Strategies, and Allie Meeres, Executive Vice President & Partner at Sedgwick Strategies, as they delve into Christy Clark's political journey, the strategies needed to boost foreign direct investment in BC, and her significant work on major projects during her tenure.