Opening Keynote & Plenary

Begin MEMO 2025 by joining us for an insightful presentation by Peter Zebedee, Executive Vice President at Suncor. 

Thursday, October 2 | 8:00 – 09:00 | Exhibition Hall D

Keynote Speaker
Peter Zebedee

Executive Vice President
Suncor, ​Oil Sands​

Peter Zebedee is the Executive Vice President – Oil Sands, responsible for all oil sands operations including mining, in situ, and upgrading.​

Before joining Suncor, Peter brought 25 years of multi-disciplinary industry and executive leadership experience to his role as Chief Executive Officer of LNG Canada. Prior to his secondment by Shell into the LNG Canada joint venture, Peter’s last positions with Shell were Vice President Canada Manufacturing and General Manager, Scotford.​

​For the first two decades of his career, Peter worked in oil sands mining in a variety of technical and operational positions of increasing responsibility at Shell, Petro‑Canada and Syncrude. He held positions in engineering, operations and numerous corporate assignments where he was a driving force in improvements in personal and process safety, delivery of exceptional business results and enhanced competitiveness.​

Peter is Chair of the Energy Safety Canada Board, and a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.​

Peter holds a bachelor of applied science in geological engineering from the University of British Columbia.​

General Panel Session

Why Mining Needs You – Mining Opportunities in Canada.

Friday, October 3 | 8:00 – 09:00 | Exhibition Hall D

Is mining still a growth sector and a viable long-term career path?

Join us on Day 2 of MEMO 2025 for a panel discussion tackling the big questions about where the industry is headed and what that means for the next generation of workers.

The panel will explore emerging opportunities across Canadian mining, including oilsands, potash, metallurgical coal, critical minerals, and Indigenous partnerships.

We’ll also dive into what future mining careers could look like, and why mining remains a vital, opportunity-rich sector of the Canadian economy.

Panelists

Nicole Bourque-Bouchier

CEO and Co-Owner
 Bouchier 

Nicole Bourque-Bouchier is an accomplished CEO, entrepreneur, and proud Mikisew Cree woman whose bold leadership has reshaped Canada’s business and social landscape. As Co-owner and CEO of Bouchier, she leads one of the country’s largest Indigenous-owned companies, known for its excellence in industrial services and deep commitment to Indigenous inclusion.

With over 30 years of experience in the energy industry — including senior roles at Shell Canada and TrueNorth Energy — Nicole blends operational discipline with strategic foresight and values-based leadership. Since becoming CEO in 2014, she has guided Bouchier through significant growth, service diversification, and capital investment, establishing the company as a trusted partner in Alberta’s energy sector.

Under her leadership, Bouchier has significantly expanded its workforce and reach. 38% of employees self-identify as Indigenous, representing over 90 Indigenous communities from across Canada. Nicole’s efforts have earned Bouchier recognition for operational excellence, workforce equity, and community partnerships.

Beyond business success, Nicole is deeply committed to social impact. Over the past decade, she has championed significant philanthropic investments in education, leadership development, wellness, community and female empowerment, including contributions through the Bouchier Family Foundation and direct support to Indigenous communities across Canada.

She also launched internal initiatives, such as the Female Empowerment Initiative and high-performance leadership training, to foster inclusive leadership within Bouchier.

Nicole’s influence extends nationally. She serves as Board Chair of the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation. She has held governance roles with Indspire, Keyano College, the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association, and the Alberta Apple Schools Foundation.

Her impact has been recognized with the Order of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, RBC’s Canadian Women of Excellence CEO of the Year, and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Indigenous Women in Leadership Award.

Nicole Bourque-Bouchier is a nation-builder whose leadership is rooted in Indigenous values, driving progress for business and community across Canada.

Sheila Risbud

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs (Canada)
Glencore

Sheila Risbud, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs (Canada) at Glencore, brings nearly 30 years of experience in government affairs, sustainability, and Indigenous partnerships in the Canadian mining sector. Before joining Glencore, she held senior roles at Teck Resources and spent over a decade in federal public service, shaping policy and regulatory frameworks. At Glencore, she leads engagement strategies that strengthen community relationships and advance responsible resource development.