Out-Of-The-Ordinary Challenges
Require Extraordinary Consultants.

When Air Products committed to building its first world-scale hydrogen plant in Strathcona County in the early 2000s, we conducted a thorough selection process for a public affairs firm to support our permitting and stakeholder consultation process. IMC brought to the table deep experience, approval know-how and an excellent reputation, which made the selection process simple. Since that original file over 20 years ago, Air Products has partnered with IMC to build several large projects.  IMC supported our business objectives in nearly every province in Canada and in Ottawa. In each of those initiatives, IMC formed a formidable team of advisors that proved very effective in securing the needed results. They also provided considerable commercial support as required. What’s more, I have been so impressed with the IMC team and client portfolio that I decided to become an IMC associate after my retirement from Air Products.

We used IMC quite extensively for government and stakeholder relations. There were numerous instances where IMC’s involvement was critical to achieving our corporate objectives, and which we could not have done without IMC’s knowledge and expertise. When I chose to retire, joining IMC was a great way to continue to provide value, and still have time for sailing and other pursuits.

Manufacturers typically do not maintain staff with the expertise to evaluate and support the execution of business diversification opportunities, special projects, or feasibility studies. IMC was able to supply the required expertise in our areas of interest that focused on timely and cost-effective services supporting important investment decisions. Two key projects worth mentioning that IMC managed for Al-Pac were: the ability to generate and sell surplus power into the grid generating enough revenue to offset a plant’s natural gas costs (~$2MM annually) and converting ~20% of our harvested wood to rail delivery, reducing carbon emissions and saving ~$800K each year. The time spent with and the appreciation for IMC’s team has led to my joining the firm as a senior associate post-retirement!

I have worked with Ian Murray and the IMC team for over 15 years. We hired them to help with tough public policy problems at both Petro-Canada and Provident Energy Trust. I also partnered with IMC when I worked for public relations agencies, helping clients to work constructively with the Alberta government. I have always appreciated IMC’s approach to government relations. Unlike the consultants who trade on their political relationships, IMC draws on their depth of knowledge of how government functions and builds public policy solutions that work both for clients and for citizens. It was an easy decision to join IMC.

I worked directly with IMC over a period of six years from 2005. As a GM at Suncor, I led 15 other companies in developing an early collaboration on carbon capture and storage technical and economic analysis and advocacy (The Integrated CO2 Network). The IMC team was our lead in government relations for Alberta. They facilitated formal discussions at senior political levels, as well as the necessary broader discussion and education on this new topic within the bureaucracy and MLAs. The key benefits that IMC brought to our consortium were its depth of experience, relationships with the Alberta government, and the ability to advocate aggressively. IMC referenced government spending on CCS development as akin to paying for fire insurance. It wasn’t needed immediately, but future federal policies and international pressure could make it essential. This work by IMC and the ICON group laid the groundwork for the decision by the province to fund a substantial part of the initial CCS facilities and infrastructure. When I retired from Suncor, I joined IMC so I could continue to stay engaged in my experience areas – CCS, clean energy, and technology development.

The contributions that IMC made to several initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture was significant. IMC’s consulting team brought a depth and validity of knowledge that is exceptional. The IMC team provided the resources and capacity to make an immediate impact on our projects, were excellent at keeping a firm understanding of client needs, providing advice on several possible courses of action, while helping to determine which direction most closely aligns with the stated outcomes. IMC was particularly strong in the area of technology due diligence. I was so impressed with the quality of work and core values of IMC, that when I retired from GoA, IMC was an excellent fit.

I first started to work with IMC through an industry association where IMC was engaged to support the government relations efforts. IMC’s team of professionals provided valuable insight in developing an effective government relations strategy and provided ongoing support in gaining access to key political policy makers. I have maintained my relationship with IMC by becoming a senior associate with the firm when I retired.

We used IMC first to assist with Business Continuity planning. They worked with our senior team to help us build a logical process to develop a plan. The value of this work was put into practice when we had a fire in one of our apartment buildings. We went on to work with IMC to help determine our IT needs and develop a contract with our provider that improved our capacity and security. When we had capital projects approved, IMC was there to aid us in project management and business redesign as we expanded. With the variety of talented IMC consultants, IMC was able to provide us with prompt qualified support as we required. I was pleased to join IMC due to the comfort I had with the team and track record.