Welcome to our first webinar of 2026, Powering the Future; Energy Insights, featuring guest speaker David Szybunka from Canoe Financial’s Energy team. In this session, we explore what’s shaping the energy landscape heading into 2026, including where we are in the current energy cycle and how the rapid growth of AI is driving an enormous surge in global power demand.

The discussion highlights why today’s cycle looks so different from past ones. Energy companies are operating with far more disciplined stronger balance sheets, controlled spending, and a sharp focus on shareholder returns. That backdrop helps explain why the sector has been steady rather than flashy, even as fundamentals strengthen.

A major theme throughout the webinar is the link between AI and energy. David breaks down how AI‑driven data‑center expansion is creating unprecedented pressure on power infrastructure. With reliability being essential, natural gas and nuclear remain critical players alongside renewables. It’s a clear reminder that energy isn’t being replaced by AI, it’s enabling AI’s growth.

We also touch on the opportunities emerging beyond the large‑cap names most investors already hold. Mid‑cap producers, private energy companies, and innovative storage and infrastructure projects are all playing a bigger role in shaping long‑term returns.