Imperial stories

The first-ever Sahtu Mackenzie River Classic a big success

• Canada’s longest river – the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories – was home to an Imperial-sponsored hockey tournament in March.
• The tournament brought together families, friends and neighbours from the Norman Wells community to cheer on players of all ages.
• A former professional hockey player and advocate for inclusion in the sport, Brent Dodginghorse, joined the festivities, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves to feel welcome in the game.

• Imperial supported the 2026 Canada-Wide Science Fair, a national platform where hundreds of students showcased innovative, research-driven science projects.
• Stephen Karpala, principal engineer at the Strathcona Refinery, volunteers to support students and STEM in his community and represented Imperial at the event.
• The fair highlighted the creativity, curiosity and ingenuity of Canada’s next generation, reinforcing the importance of investing in future innovators to help meet energy challenges.

• Chris Woehleke’s childhood curiosity for fixing things led him into the trades and a 14-year career with Imperial.
• Imperial has long supported the TELUS Spark Science Centre, investing in STEM education and programs like BLUprint to promote skilled trades.
• Chris highlights how early exposure and hands-on programs like BLUprint help open career pathways in the trades.

• Imperial is a proud supporter of the University of Alberta’s ELITE Program for Black Youth.
• The partnership helps Imperial attract top talent and foster a sense of belonging at the Strathcona Refinery.
• Brothers Daniel and Peter Menghesha are among the first ELITE Program interns at Strathcona – and what a journey they’re on.

• The team at Imperial’s Finch Terminal in Toronto focuses on volunteering together to make an impact in the community beyond terminal operations.
• Corey Wheaton and his team support local food banks, Canadian Blood Services, Earth Day clean ups, STEM organizations and more.
• Corey says their efforts contribute to team culture and meaningful community impact.