Imperial stories

• More than 40 U13 girls from the 2026 Little Native Hockey League Tournament got an inside look at the NHL on March 19, visiting Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena through a partnership supported by Imperial and Esso.
• The players took part in a panel discussion with Olympic medalist Natalie Spooner and Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, toured player facilities and met Spooner for autographs and photos.
• The night capped off with an on-ice practice led by Maple Leafs development coach Greg Schell and joined by Imperial Chairman, President and CEO John Whelan, focused on building confidence and encouraging Indigenous girls to see a future for themselves in hockey.

Focus on building partnerships: Imperial’s spending with Indigenous businesses tops $1 billion

• Imperial spent more than $1 billion with Indigenous businesses in 2025, representing roughly one‑third of its total contract spending and marking a significant milestone in the company’s long‑term partnership efforts.
• A total of 119 Indigenous companies provided services across Imperial’s operations last year, supporting work ranging from mining and reclamation to engineering, logistics, safety and specialized technical services.
• Growth in Indigenous contracting reflects years of relationship‑building, collaboration and shared business development with Indigenous partners.

A YWE Award winner’s journey on International Women’s Day

• Imperial’s Nathalie Carson has been recognized with a Young Women in Energy Award for her role overseeing tailings operations at Kearl.
• Nathalie, the only woman at her leadership level in mine operations, credits curiosity, clarity and strong mentorship for helping her navigate rapid career growth.
• Marking International Women’s Day, she encourages young women to “go before you’re ready,” noting that discomfort is key to development.

• Imperial’s Enhanced Thickened Tailings (eTT) technology received up to $12.8 million from Emissions Reduction Alberta to advance toward commercialization.
• The eTT process speeds water recovery and improves tailings drainage and supports better water reuse and long‑term reclamation at Kearl.
• Developed by a cross‑disciplinary team starting in 2017, the technology proved successful in lab and pilot trials with larger‑scale testing planned ahead of a potential 2027 deployment.

Cue the stick taps for our new Esso Community Arena

• Imperial announced a new partnership with the Calgary Flames that includes the creation of the Esso Community Arena to support community hockey.
• The 1,000‑seat downtown Calgary arena will prioritize community access while also serving as a practice facility for the Flames, Hitmen and Wranglers.
• This new partnership will lead Imperial into a century of supporting hockey across Canada at all levels of achievement.