In every successful industry, it’s the people who make progress possible: the innovators, the collaborators and the leaders who not only advance their careers but lift their peers, communities and the next generation along the way. For more than six decades, the Gas Processing Association of Canada (GPAC) has been that vital connection point. Founded in 1959 as a small technical group, GPAC has grown into an influential network representing the backbone of Canada’s natural gas processing sector. Today, it unites producers, midstream operators, engineers, suppliers and technology innovators around a shared purpose: driving responsible energy development through safety, integrity and innovation.
“Canada is the land of opportunity, a place where we develop our natural resources safely, responsibly, and with world-class environmental standards,” says Sally Carefoot, GPAC president. “We’re proud to tell that story before someone else tells it for us.”
For more than 60 years, GPAC has told their story, highlighting an industry that is moulded by innovation, stewardship and sustainability. GPAC is more than an industry association. It’s a trusted voice shaping the future of Canada’s energy dialogue. Far from eliminating hydrocarbons, the energy transition relies on natural gas playing a critical role as a bridge fuel and stability partner for renewables. Advocacy surrounding what gas processors do, how well they do it and why hydrocarbons are an important component of Canada’s energy future is deeply rooted in the organization’s history; it strives to influence governmental policy in order to strengthen the industry. From regulatory consultations with officials to thought-provoking panel discussions with industry experts, GPAC ensures that the gas processing sector has a seat and a say.
This advocacy reflects the strength and diversity of its membership: engineers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, operators leading change from the ground up, suppliers innovating with purpose and business leaders driving creative pathways toward net-zero.
“GPAC acts as a catalyst for collaboration,” says Allan Sun, GPAC director of technical programs. “It’s where producers, midstream operators and technology providers come together to move the industry forward – smarter, cleaner and more connected than ever.”
There’s no better way to move forward than with education, both through advocacy efforts and knowledge sharing as an association. Few resources have had the enduring impact of the GPSA Engineering Data Book, a cornerstone of technical excellence for generations of engineers in gas processing and design. GPAC continues to support and promote this vital tool, ensuring Canadian expertise stays aligned with global best practices. The association also presents a popular Gas Processing 101 course led by industry veterans, which bridges classroom theory with the evolving realities of carbon capture, processing and sustainability.
But GPAC’s commitment to education extends well beyond technical manuals and industry workshops. Through scholarships at NAIT, SAIT, the University of Calgary, and the University of Alberta, the association invests directly in the next generation of energy professionals.
“Our roots have always been in education,” says Caitlin Flynn, GPAC vice president. “We’re connecting what was once standard practice with what’s possible now, helping professionals learn, share and grow together.”
As the industry evolved, GPAC progressed as well, establishing itself as a strong voice that speaks for a rapidly changing community. Whether members are taking advantage of valuable professional development opportunities, industry-specific educational sessions or participating in social events that encourage networking while fundraising, GPAC has proven to be a way to connect the different areas of the industry to support its growth.
Ask anyone who’s attended a GPAC event, from the annual golf tournament to Stampede celebrations and technical luncheons, and they will all tell you the same thing: the value extends far beyond the event itself. These gatherings spark ideas, partnerships and friendships that drive the industry forward. Whether it’s a sold-out gas plant tour or a panel on the future of carbon capture, GPAC creates opportunities where learning and connection intersect; innovation thrives on collaboration as much as data. After all, it’s the passionate people in the industry who not only move innovation forward but also collaborate to ensure their voices are heard in order to implement that innovation across the sector.
“Volunteering with GPAC has given me the chance to expand my network and gain valuable insight into not just the energy sector, but also the many industries connected to it. It’s also a way for me to meaningfully contribute to an industry I’ve grown deeply passionate about. I especially value the opportunity to attend technical sessions – hearing directly from prominent voices in our sector has been a big part of my own professional growth. For me, GPAC is about connection, learning and giving back while helping tell the story of Canada’s energy future,” says Chetan Deep Singh, GPAC director of marketing.
GPAC is powered by dedicated volunteers who are deeply invested in the industry. Behind every initiative the association presents is a dedicated volunteer base and a 12-member board of directors balancing demanding careers with a shared commitment to GPAC’s mission. With support from their employers, who are among the most influential companies in the industry, these men and women coordinate events, secure sponsorships and guide advocacy efforts, all to ensure the association remains vibrant, visible and relevant.
“We’re strengthening our board with greater technical depth and diversity,” says Carefoot. “Bringing on an ESG director ensures we’re leading the discussion on sustainability, inclusion and innovation in energy.”
This discussion is more important now than ever. At a time when Canada’s energy future is being redefined, GPAC stands as proof that collaboration, not competition, builds stronger industries. Its members exemplify how technical excellence and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand to shape a sustainable energy future.
GPAC isn’t just shaping the evolution of gas processing, it’s shaping the people who will lead it. And those people, united by purpose and passion, are what make membership truly matter.
