Jacob Irving

Following a more than twenty-year career across various energy sectors, Jacob Irving became the President of the Industrial Gas Users Association (IGUA) in November of 2024. His experience has been divided almost evenly between the petroleum and electricity industries. He has spent most of this time, successfully leading prominent associations, including the Oil Sands Developers Group, the Canadian Hydropower Association and most recently, the Energy Council of Canada.

Originally from the Huron and Franco-Ontarian community of Penetanguishene, Mr. Irving attended French Language Primary and Secondary Schools, which led him to pursue post- secondary studies at the University of Ottawa. His education and work experience have taken him and his family from South Africa to Calgary, to Fort McMurray and Regina, with a return to Ottawa.

As President of IGUA, Mr. Irving leads a team of dedicated professionals who advocate with provincial and federal governments on policy issues that impact reliable access to natural gas at a competitive price.  He knows the interests of large-scale energy users are central to the continued creation of products that are critical to Canada’s national interest.  He is also aware that these same energy interests are equally important to the thousands of employees who work for large energy consumers.

Mr. Irving has significant knowledge of Canadian energy systems combined with a specialization in the areas of government policy, regulation, communications and stakeholder engagement. He is a passionate champion of all forms of Canadian energy and has promoted the country’s products, services and expertise nationally and internationally.  He is primarily concerned with matters related to energy security and promoting Canada’s continued, enviable strength in this critical area of growth and sustainable development.