Bruce Carson

Bruce Carson is the first Executive Director of the Canada School of Energy and Environment (CSEE). He comes to the position after more than two decades in politics. He served as co-chair of a task force developing a new method for dealing with specific claims by First Nations. Carson served as director of policy and research for the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper when he was leader of the Opposition and as the director of Progressive Conservative Party Research Service - Queen's Park.  In his most recent role as Senior Policy Adviser to Prime Minister Harper, he has spent the last two and a half years working on policy in both the Energy and Environment portfolios.

In the March 2007 budget, the federal government identified CSEE as one of Canada's Centres of Research Excellence and Commercialization and, as such granted $15 million to support CSEE activities. Carson was appointed its first director in the fall of 2008.

Carson has an LL.B from the University of Ottawa and an LL.M specializing in constitutional law from the University of Toronto. He recently relocated to  Calgary, with CSEE offices at the University of Alberta's new Calgary Centre. He looks forward to participating as a lecturer on Government Policy at University of Calgary, where he maintains a second office.

The CSEE is an innovative research and educational collaboration involving the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge. The School draws on the diverse knowledge, resources, and expertise of the three institutions to create and advance research and teaching programs related to one of the most pressing issues of the modern world: the need to balance sustainable energy development and environmental management.  For Carson, the primary goal is to become the go-to place in Canada and North America for research in both the development of clean energy and the protection of the environment. One key component is the development of a website for researchers and industry where they can easily communicate and use the space as a repository of ideas and research progress. As part of its funding agreement with Industry Canada, the School also provides Proof of Principle funding to researchers. Successful applicants exhibit a strong potential for commercialization of environmental solutions for clean energy production. In making science relevant to government, Carson plans to build the CSEE into a credible service trusted by industry, government and the public.

Presentation (no presentation available):
Opportunities for Balancing Energy and the Environment

Gain insight as Bruce Carson, recently appointed CEO of the Canada School of Energy and the Environment, discusses the need for a balanced approach to energy, the environment and sustainable development, as well as the role of the new Canada School of Energy and the Environment.