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West Coast Bioenergy Guild

The West Coast Bioenergy Guild is a monthly networking event for the stakeholders in the bioenergy sector.

Upcoming Event

BC Bioenergy Network (BCBN) invites you to attend the special networking event in downtown Vancouver on June 11th, 2025, West Coast Bioenergy Guild, with special guest Jane Bracken, P. Eng., MBA, Manager of Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement at Parkland Refining. The special guest’s presentation is titled “The Continuing Journey to Produce Low Carbon Fuels at the Burnaby Refinery.”

Join us on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, at 11:30 AM PT in Vancouver!

Register Here

About the Special Guest

Jane Bracken, P. Eng., MBA

Manager of Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement at Parkland Refining

Jane is a Professional Engineer with extensive experience in Refinery Operations, Supply Chain, Project Management, and Change Management. As part of the low carbon processing team at the Parkland Refinery in Burnaby, she led the first coprocessing commercialization project and played a key role in strategic project development to increase and diversify low carbon fuel production. Currently serving as Manager, Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement, Jane oversees initiatives to drive operational improvements at the Burnaby Refinery as Parkland continues to develop and execute on energy transition projects.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering from Queen’s University and an MBA from the University of Alberta.

About the Presentation

The Continuing Journey to Produce Low Carbon Fuels at the Burnaby Refinery

As the demand for liquid low carbon fuels grows, Parkland continues to lead and innovate to increase co-processing to produce low carbon gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This presentation will focus on the transition of the Burnaby Refinery into a co-processing facility. The accomplishments and challenges of the various initiatives will be highlighted as we meet the regulations under CleanBC and plan for the future with increased demands for low carbon products.

The doors open at 11:30 AM PT, the presentation starts at noon, and the event concludes at 1:30 PM PT.

The $45 registration fee includes light gourmet catering and drinks.

The event is held at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Square – the Stack office tower, downtown Vancouver (1133 Melville Street, suite 1500 / 15th floor, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4T8).

Thank You to Our Partner: BDC - Business Development Bank of Canada

BDC Communication Consent

    About the West Coast Bioenergy Guild

    The monthly event provides a relaxed atmosphere to share ideas, learn, and expand networks. The event is open to the general public, free to attend, and an opportunity to see a real-time presentation by a key opinion leader in the bioenergy sector. For further information and updates, please request to join our Linkedin Group, or join the mailing list through our Newsletter signup.

    Past Presentations

    Amit Bhargava

    CEO, EnviroApps Inc. | May 2025

    Presentation topic: “Low Carbon, High Efficiency: Shipping Compliance Made Easy for Bioenergy”

    Follow this link to view the presentation.
    Amit Bhargava
    EnviroApps Inc.

    Kavanagh Mannas

    Vice-President of Corporate Development, Canary Biofuels Inc. | March 2025

    Presentation topic: “Biofuels in 2025 – Why is this still so hard?”

    This presentation was not recorded.
    Kavanagh Mannas
    Canary Biofuels Inc.

    Aurora Marstokk, Project Manager, and Jotham Peters, Managing Partner

    Navius Research Inc. | February 20285

    Presentation topic: “Exploring the Unknown Unknowns: BC’s Low Carbon Fuels Market Under Uncertainty”

    Follow this link to view the presentation.
    Aurora Marstokk
    Navius Research

    Dave Bennett

    Director of Renewable Gas and Low Carbon Fuels, FortisBC Energy Inc. | December 2024

    Presentation topic: “A Lower Carbon Gas System: Looking Back and Looking Forward”

    Follow this link to view the presentation.
    Dave Bennett
    FortisBC Energy Inc.

    Katie Kachur

    Vice-President of Government Relations (West), Canadian Propane Association | November 2024

    Presentation topic: “Pathways to Decarbonize Canadian Propane”

    Follow this link to view the presentation.
    Katie Kachur
    Canadian Propane Association

    Scott Treadwell

    President, SixRing Inc. | September 2024

    Presentation topic: “Unlocking Nature’s Energy: Reinventing Biofuels and Sustainable Materials”

    Follow this link to view the presentation.
    Scott Treadwell
    SixRing Inc.

    James J. Spaeth

    Program Manager of Systems Development & Integration, the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office | July 2024

    Presentation topic: “US Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge”

    Follow this link to view the presentation.
    James J. Spaeth
    U.S. DOE's BETO

    Fred Ghatala

    Director for Carbon & Sustainability, Chair of SAF Caucus, Advanced Biofuels Canada Association | June 2024

    Presentation topic: “Low-Carbon Fuel Policy: What Have We Learned Along the Way?”

    Follow this link to view the presentation.
    Fred Ghatala
    Advanced Biofuels Canada Association

    Mark Cooper

    CEO, Prairie Clean Energy | May 2024

    Presentation topic: “The Impending Agricultural Residue Biomass Rush”

    Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
    Mark Cooper
    Prairie Clean Energy

    Rob Pinchuk

    Director – Low Carbon Strategy, Parkland | April 2024

    Presentation topic: “Parkland coprocessing and how we move ideas forward against the normal human resistance to change: Vol. II”

    Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
    Rob Pinchuk
    Parkland

    Bil Hetherington

    Principal, New Wave Advisory | March 2024

    Presentation topic: “State of Play: Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations”

    Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
    Bil Hetherington
    New Wave Advisory

    Dr. Qingshi Tu

    Assistant Professor, Department of Wood Science, UBC | February 2024

    Presentation topic: “Applying life cycle assessment (LCA) to understanding the environmental impacts of bioenergy systems: What can we learn from the current practices?”

    Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
    Dr. Qingshi Tu
    Department of Wood Science, UBC

    Dr. David Claus

    Director of Facilities Management and Capital Planning, University of Northern British Columbia | January 2024

    Presentation topic: “Campus heating: Carbon challenges”

    Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
    David Claus
    University of Northern British Columbia

    Rob Pinchuk

    Director – Low Carbon Strategy, Parkland | November 2023

    Presentation topic: “Parkland coprocessing and how we move ideas forward against the normal human resistance to change”

    Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
    Rob Pinchuk
    Parkland

    Dr. Fahimeh Yazdan Panah

    Director of Research and Technical Development, Wood Pellet Association of Canada | September 2023

    Presentation topic: “Capturing the Benefits: Environment & Efficiency”

    View the presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.
    Fahimeh Yazdan Panah
    Wood Pellet Association of Canada

    Louise Burke

    VP Strategic Business Development NA Renewables and Global Head of Aviation, Argus Media | August 2023

    Presentation topic: “Renewables and Feedstocks in the Transport Sector”

    View the presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.
    Louise Burke
    Argus Media Inc.

    Will Robson

    VP Global Conferences, Argus Media | August 2023

    Presentation topic: “Argus North American Biofuels, LCFS & Carbon Markets Conference – making new relationships with Canada”

    View the presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.
    Will Robson
    Argus Media Inc.

    Dr. Michael Rensing

    President, MJ Rensing Consulting Inc.  |  June 2023

    Presentation topic: “BC Transportation Energy from 2010 to 2035”

    View the presentation here.
    Michael Rensing
    MJ Rensing Consulting Inc.

    Presentation topic: “Biofuels in Canada: A Decade of Progress & Policies for the Next Decade of Growth”

    View the presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.
    Ian Thomson
    Advanced Biofuels Canada

    Presentation topic: “Opportunities for forest based biomaterials”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch webinar.
    Gurminder Minhas
    Performance BioFilaments Inc

    Presentation topic: “SIF 101”

    View presentation here. Supplemental Q&A document here.

    Follow this link to watch webinar.
    Perry Eddy
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

    Presentation topic: “Tomorrow’s Workforce for the Bioeconomy”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch webinar.
    Scott Renneckar
    Department of Wood Science

    Presentation topic: “West Coast Reduction and Bioenergy Feedstock Supply”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch webinar.
    Jared Girman
    West Coast Reduction Ltd.

    Dr. Mahmood Ebadian, and Dr. Mohsen Mandegari

    Presentation topic: “Decarbonizing the Canadian Rail Sector; with a focus on bio-based diesel and the opportunities and challenges”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch webinar.
    BC-SMART

    Presentation topic: “Bioenergy Development Opportunities in Canada and the IEA Roadmap ‘Net Zero Emissions by 2050’”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch webinar.
    Oshada Mendis
    Natural Resources Canada 

    Presentation Topic: “Accelerating Decarbonization”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.
    Stefan Muller

    Presentation Topic: “Opportunities in Advanced Clean Energy from Negative Value Wastes in Canada”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.
    Jennifer Littlejohns

    Presentation Topic: “The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Sector”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.
    Mark Kirby

    Presentation Topic: “The SR&ED Tax Incentive Program”

    Due to copyright restrictions, the presentation slides and recording are not available for distribution.

    Presentation Topic: “FortisBC Renewable Gas Program Overview, Rethinking BC’s Energy Future”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.
    David Bennett

    Presentation topic: “Highlights from the Biofuels in Canada Project”

    View presentation here.

    Follow this link to watch the webinar.

    Presentation topic: “How Do We Decarbonize Long Distance Transport During/After COVID-19?”

    View presentation here.
    Chantale Despres

    Presentation topic: “Canola as a Feedstock for Low Carbon Fuels”

    View presentation here.
    Chris Vervaet

    Presentation topic: “GHGenius Version 5.01”

    View presentation here.
    Don O’Connor

    Presentation topic: “Introduction to the B.C. Low Carbon Fuel Standard”

    View presentation here.
    Anna Ringsred

    Presentation topic: “Circular Bioeconomies for a Greener Future”

    View presentation here. 

    Presentation topic: ” FPInnovations: Accelerating the Bioeconomy’s Growth as a Solution to Greenhouse Gases”

    View presentation here.
    Stéphane Renou

    Presentation topic: “Federal Clean Fuel Standard: Opportunities and Challenges for Non-fossil Clean Fuel Sectors”

    View presentation here.
    Ian Thomson

    Presentation Topic: “Bioenergy’s Role in Low Carbon Buildings of the Future”

    Presentation Description: The presentation highlighted options to lower carbon heat in B.C. such as renewable gas, biomass fuels and other bioheat projects.

    View presentation here.
    David Dubois

    Presentation Topic: “What does ‘Net Zero’ Really Mean?”

    View presentation here.
    Anna Stukas

    Presentation Topic:  “Low Carbon Policies – Adapting the Transportation Fuel Infrastructure”

    Presentation Description: The presentation described the role of Canadian climate policies, and outlined how adaptation of the existing energy infrastructure will be key in meeting consumer needs while avoiding unintended consequences.

    View presentation here.
    David Schick

    Presentation Topic: “The Changing Face of the Bioeconomy”

    Presentation Description: The presentation described adapting industrial symbiosis for the bioeconomy, and related the bioeconomy to competitiveness, climate change, and the circular economy. The presentation also addressed value chain gaps to maximize the potential for long-term bioeconomy competitiveness,

    View presentation here.
    Paul Stuart

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    Tasha Booth

    Project Manager

    Tasha Booth comes with a strong background in developing and managing educational programs in the non-profit sector. Currently, at BC Bioenergy Network, she leads curriculum development for micro-credential courses, overseeing each project from concept through launch and ongoing improvement. She collaborates with subject matter experts to ensure content quality and manages all aspects of project execution, including partnerships, timelines, budgets, and reporting.

    Previously, as a Continuing Education Coordinator at Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Tasha developed programs in environmental sustainability, mining, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her experience spans university and regulatory settings, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and building strategic partnerships. Tasha is passionate about creating impactful learning experiences that support professional growth. She holds a Business Administration degree from BCIT.

    Petra Srutkova​

    Business and Marketing Manager

    Petra graduated from the Czech University of Life Sciences in 2016 with a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Rural Development in Tropics and Subtropics. She worked for the Czech Development Agency as a grants administrator for projects in the Czech Republic and partnering countries. In this role, Petra facilitated collaboration among the government, NGOs, and the academic sector, supporting initiatives that promoted awareness of development cooperation and capacity building. Her work took her to Moldova and Zambia.

    As an adrenaline and safety enthusiast, Petra completed “Survival Training for Journalists and Humanitarian Aid Workers,” organized by the Czech Armed Forces. She later moved to Vancouver in 2019, where she enjoyed exploring Canadian nature and engaging in sports. Passionate about travelling and animal rights, she continues to seek new experiences.

    Currently, as the Business and Marketing Manager at BC Bioenergy Network, Petra oversees marketing and communications, events, finances, reporting, and administration.

    Ralohn Hunt

    Project Director

    Growing up on an orchard in the Okanagan, Ralohn cultivated a strong interest for sustainability and natural systems that sparked a seven-year career as an environmental professional in the energy industry. Throughout his experience at a consultancy firm, he built a proven track record of delivering small and large-scale projects on time and within budget for over 30 clients on 50+ projects. He completed a Master of Engineering Leadership in Green Bio-Products from the University of British Columbia in 2017 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Calgary. As Project Director, he will support and deliver on the advancement of renewable and bio-based products through collaboration with BC Bioenergy Network’s community of businesses and innovators.

    In addition to his passion for the bioeconomy and sustainability, Ralohn is an avid biker, adventurer and volunteer for a variety of personal and professional interests.

    Paul Austin

    Director

    Paul is a Business and Corporate Development Executive in advanced technology enabled infrastructure projects, systems, products and services.

    Paul has worked throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia in private and public sectors, as well as not-for-profit organizations. Building international commercial alliances and investment relationships has been his focus while working for the Federal Government of Canada and its affiliates, in addition to executive roles with several foreign multi-nationals and Canadian corporations, including Mitsubishi Corporation, Hughes Aircraft Company, Telus and MDSI Mobile Data Systems Inc. Currently, Paul is with Fort Capital Partners, a Vancouver based boutique investment bank serving clients’ advisory and capital raising needs across a broad spectrum of industries. Prior to joining Fort Capital, Paul served as Regional Director for Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), a $1B+ foundation created by the Government of Canada focusing upon demonstration of pre-commercial technologies to deliver cleaner air, water, soil and reduction in greenhouse gases. Paul maintains a global network of corporate strategic, institutional and family office venture capital investors and government agencies and connects investors with private Canadian companies seeking growth capital.

    Paul graduated from Queens University in Economics and completed an executive marketing program at UCLA. He loves living and learning in Vancouver, a leading centre for knowledge-based industries that is coupled with unsurpassed variety and access to outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.

    Scott Stanners

    Director

    Dr. Scott Stanners has worked for over fifteen years in bioenergy technology evaluation and investment and has grown a 4,000+ network in the bioenergy sector. Scott serves as Executive Director at BC Bioenergy Network, a not-for-profit funding agency that has invested over $20 million in first-of-its-kind bioenergy demonstrations in B.C. Scott previously worked for a US-based technology marketing company and a Canadian engineering and management consulting company.

    Scott is past-President of Pacific Energy Innovation Association; Managing Director of West Coast Bioenergy Guild; former Board Member at Canada, Australia & New Zealand Business Association; and Advisor at Eagle Energy. Scott has contributed as a mentor in the BC Innovation Council New Ventures Competition and Connecting Environmental Professionals, and as an interviewer for the Doctor of Medicine Program at UBC. Scott was awarded a PhD and a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Enterprise from the University of Sydney, Australia in 2008, a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary in 2000, and a professional Master of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia in 2022.

    David Bennett​

    Director

    David A. Bennett is Director, Renewable Gas and Low Carbon Fuels for FortisBC Energy Inc.
    He is responsible for providing leadership to growing our renewable energy portfolio, which is a key component focused on our transition to a low-carbon future. In his former role he was responsible for all corporate and customer communications and public affairs including municipal, provincial and federal government and indigenous relations, including managing FortisBC’s consultation on its major infrastructure projects.

    David has been involved in the energy industry for over 30 years, holding positions with Shell Canada, Westcoast Energy and FortisBC. During that time, his roles have included work in marketing and customer service, gas supply, business development, energy efficiency and conservation programs, public affairs and communications.
    David is a Director on the Surrey Board of Trade, the Private Sector Co-Chair of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, a member of the Executive Committee and Policy Chair of the National Electricity Roundtable and Chair of the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia.

    David holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Victoria with a double major in economics and computer science.

    Vivian Kan

    Director

    Vivian Kan is a Director in the Cleantech Practice at BDC Capital Inc. Vivian has over 15 years of experience in business development, structuring, risk analysis, and commercial and corporate finance. She has helped some of Canada’s top exporters and emerging global entrepreneurs in sectors ranging from cleantech, oil and gas, mining, transportation, infrastructure, light manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, forestry pulp and paper, and consumer products. Vivian holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Calgary and has completed the Certificate in Carbon Finance from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Environment.

    Dave Schick

    Chairperson

    Dave Schick is the Vice President of the Canadian Fuels Association. He has worked in the downstream energy business for over 30 years, primarily for a major integrated oil company in a variety of government relations, marketing, systems development, planning and finance roles, including his position as the Director of Policy and External Affairs at Parkland Fuel Corporation. Dave is active in the development of environmental policy at the federal, provincial and local levels. Recent activities include technical development of the Clean Fuel Standard and evolving the B.C. Low Carbon Fuel Standard to meet CleanBC targets. He has served as chair of the B.C. Used Oil Management Association for over 11 years.