Fort St. John mayor Lori Ackerman was named Energy Person of the Year 2019 by the Energy Council of Canada. — Photo courtesy Energy Council of Canada
The Energy Council of Canada has chosen Mayor Lori Ackerman of Fort St. John, British Columbia as Canadian Energy Person of the Year. As a 30-year resident of Fort St. John, B.C. and the community’s first female mayor, Ackerman is one of Canada’s top energy advocates. She is admired for her leadership of a resource-driven municipality, striking a balance between energy development, community representation, and local Indigenous communities.
Fort St. John mayor Lori Ackerman was named Energy Person of the Year 2019 by the Energy Council of Canada.
Mindful of the challenges and opportunities that energy resource development presents, Mayor Ackerman consistently advocates for economic and community development, technological innovation, and Canadian competitiveness. Her willingness to share lessons learned and to engage in dialogue regarding the relationship between local communities and Canada’s energy sector marks her as a leader not only in her own community but across Canada. Together with Fort St. John city council, she successfully aligned the city’s strategic plan with United Nations Global Sustainable Development goals. Under her leadership, Fort St. John was presented Clean Energy B.C.’s Community of the Year Award. Mayor Ackerman is also a contributing member of the Sustainable and Inclusive Communities in Latin America (CISAL) initiative, working with resource-based communities in Colombia and Peru to build capacity in local government. She’s also been recognized as one of the Top 35 Most Influential Women in B.C. and was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
“Canadian communities that grow alongside energy development manage unique development opportunities, said Energy Council of Canada President Jacob Irving. “Balancing economic highs and lows, while moving toward a sustainable future for the community and the energy industry requires vision, tenacity and strong leadership. Canada is fortunate to have a leader like Lori Ackerman who sees the big picture and the local reality, and is able to fit the two together for mutual benefit.”
The Canadian Energy Person of the Year Award was established by the Energy Council of Canada in 2001 to pay tribute to a Canadian leader who has made a significant impact at the national and international levels promoting the Canadian energy sector and Canada’s role in the world energy market. Nominations are based on the nominee’s outstanding accomplishments, strong sense of social responsibility and commitment to the community, forward thinking and innovative spirit.
