CALGARY, AB Oct. 8, 2014 – Trevor McLeod has joined the Canada West Foundation as Director of the Centre for Natural Resources Policy, the foundation announced today.

Mr. McLeod has worked in corporate and natural resources law, regulatory compliance in forestry, and in the Alberta Department of Energy, focusing on energy market diversification.

Dylan Jones, President & CEO of the foundation, said Mr. McLeod’s breadth of experience will add to the scope and depth of research in public policy issues in the sector.

“He has a nuanced understanding of the issues facing natural resource development in western Canada,” said Mr. Jones. “Trevor is going to help us find solutions.”

Mr. McLeod, a native of Meadow Lake, Sask., said it is a good time for him to be joining the foundation as it grows its research program.

“As a proud western Canadian, I am thrilled to join the Canada West Foundation – an organization with a storied history. The foundation is positioned to deliver practical and meaningful solutions to the problems that beset the natural resources sector in this country and I am excited to be a part of it.”

Mr. McLeod earned a B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Masters degree in law from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

He succeeds Len Coad, who retired from his position as Director on Sept. 30. Mr. Jones praised Mr. Coad for his contributions in building the centre’s research agenda.

“Len combined technical depth with courage. He established the Centre for Natural Resources Policy quickly as a place where we would grapple with difficult truths. This is essential for us in the West to get sustainable resource development back on track.”

The Canada West Foundation focuses on the policies that shape the West’s quality of life. Through our evidence-based research and commentary, we provide the objective, practical solutions. For more than 40 years, we have been a passionate advocate for western Canada.