Speakers
Leah brings two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. Leah provides expert advice to leaders and organizations that hones in on core goals and drives outcomes. She is the former Director of Communications to Rachel Notley and the Alberta NDP Caucus and served as a senior advisor to former Premier Rachel Notley during the NDP’s term in government. Leah has a master’s degree in political science from the University of Alberta and an honors degree in political science from Carleton University. She is also an occasional commentator. Her recent appearances include CBC’s Power and Politics, CBC Calgary’s political panel, CPAC, CTV National News, CBC’s Alberta at Noon, and the CBC podcast West of Centre.
Brad is a longtime political activist in Alberta serving as a senior advisor to provincial political parties. Brad has a long track record of navigating the Government of Alberta’s political and department levels to deliver unparalleled value for clients. Brad has also served as a professional fundraiser for political parties and political action committees in Alberta. Brad is an energy expert having worked with numerous energy companies in his time with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Advocacy, Nick draws on his 15 years of political experience across Canada to advise the senior leadership of some of Canada’s largest companies and associations. Prior to Wellington, Nick directed issues management for the Prime Minister of Canada, served as Chief of Staff to the former Premiers of British Columbia and Alberta, and as a political party Campaign Director.
Moderators
Courtney Burton is a partner in Dentons’ Calgary office, where she practices in the Corporate/Commercial group and is the co-leader of the Energy department. She regularly advises clients on transactions and commercial matters, including asset share transactions and the provision of advice on governance matters. Courtney has extensive experience negotiating and drafting commercial and energy-related agreements as well as implementing corporate reorganizations. She advises a variety of public and private companies on derivatives matters, including negotiating physical and financial commodity trading transactions, providing advice on Canadian derivatives regulation and compliance matters, and assisting with cross-border energy derivatives compliance issues. Courtney also provides governance and commercial advice to clients in the not-for-profit sector.