Alberta Energy Regulator names former oil and gas CEO as top executive

Signage is seen at the offices of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) in Calgary, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Matthew Scace

CALGARY — Alberta’s energy watchdog has chosen a former oil and gas company CEO as its new boss.

The Alberta Energy Regulator says Rob Morgan, who most recently led Strathcona Resources, is to take the helm starting Tuesday.

The AER says Morgan is an engineer who has almost 40 years of oil and gas industry experience.

The regulator says Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party government has set a goal of increasing oil and gas production and accessing new markets, and the AER has a key role in that.

It says Morgan brings industry experience, skills and knowledge to help the AER “turn the page” as a “responsible and effective regulator.”

The AER has been criticized for how it informed the public and local First Nations about the release of millions of litres of oilsands wastewater from Imperial Oil’s Kearl mine in northern Alberta in 2022.

“I’m steadfast in my belief that a modern, efficient and effective regulator can provide the necessary safeguards for the environment while ensuring industry can deliver on the safe and innovative development of Alberta’s resources,” Morgan said in the statement Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2025.

Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press