Primary Risk

In this episode of Primary Risk, hosts Allie and Byng, sit down with Steve Swaffield, President & Principal of Carbex Consulting Inc. in a conversation that traces a throughline from some of the world’s most complex energy deals to the realities facing major project development in Canada today. Where projects are no longer defined solely by engineering and economics—they hinge on meaningful pa...

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...

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...

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...

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 op...

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...

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 play...

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...

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 Highway Today’s challenges facing major infrastructure projects in British Columbia Strategies to accelerate projects that boost Canadian economic independence What lies ahead for infrastru...

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,...

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...

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 Co...

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 r...

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 f...

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 Presid...

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.