Former Senator, the Hon. Doug Black, joins Canada West Foundation as Board Chair

April 5, 2022 – The Canada West Foundation is announcing that the Honourable Doug Black, a strong voice for western Canada and advocate for responsible energy development, has been appointed Chair of the Board.

Mr. Black, Senior Counsel at Dentons Canada, has a long history of service to the community and was a tireless advocate for the West during his eight years in the Canadian Senate. He maintains a sharp focus on policy issues impacting western Canada but at the same time holds a deep passion for the nation – values that align perfectly with the Canada West Foundation which produces thoughtful, evidence-based solutions to some of today’s toughest challenges.

“The Canada West Foundation offers credible, pragmatic recommendations on issues ranging from clean energy to an aging trade infrastructure system to the changing values of young professionals,” says Mr. Black. “This work needs to be in the hands of decision-makers and I believe I can assist with that.”

Gary Mar, President and CEO of Canada West Foundation, welcomes the addition of Mr. Black to the team and notes he has a solid track record of taking action and getting results.

“We are excited to have Doug join us. He brings an invaluable combination of energy, enthusiasm and experience.” says Mar, adding “He is perfectly suited to engage our stakeholders, to share our work with decision makers and to advocate for action because of his connections throughout Canada.”

Advocate for Energy and Economy

Mr. Black served in the Canadian Senate from 2013 until 2021 and was well-known for advancing western Canadian policy issues that also supported Canadian interests. He was the first westerner to chair the Senate Banking and Trade and Commerce Committee and was also Vice Chair of the Energy Committee. Mr. Black has been a long-time proponent for responsible energy development and an advocate for diversifying Canada’s energy markets. He was founding president of the Energy Policy Institute of Canada, a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the development of a Canadian energy framework. Mr. Black also founded Alberta 2.0, an organization focused on diversifying Alberta’s economy.

Mr. Black has always been deeply engaged in the community – working to support both education and the arts. He studied at the University of Alberta and holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Doug Black was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2002 and was named as one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers for 2012 by Canadian Lawyer Magazine.