Pry open the Energy Sector with Andrew Nikiforuk Saturday

Andrew Nikiforuk already was Canada's leading investigative reporter about the oil industry when he arrived as writer in residence at The Tyee. That was nearly three years ago and Andrew hasn't left, producing a steady stream of investigations and analyses that pull big audiences to these pages.

Among the important work by Andrew we published last year were series on a pipeline engineer whistleblower, Fracking Shale Gas: Myths and Realities, and, currently, about the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuel dependence: The Big Shift.

How does Andrew cut through the public relations bafflegab and dense numbers to get to the nub of the story?

This Saturday he will tell you. All you need do is enrol in his five-hour Tyee Master Class, Analyzing the Energy Sector Without Being Taken Captive, a guaranteed to be stimulating session that includes lunch and wine. "Any citizen alarmed by the growing power of hydrocarbon lobbies in Canada will find this course an illuminating exploration on the real power dynamics challenging democratic interests in B.C. as well as the nation as a whole," says Andrew, who expects to devote particular focus to B.C.'s shale gas development and export plans.

It's a great opportunity to gain an edge for journalists, analysts, political pros and more.

"The course will explore and explain the government's fixation on fossil fuel revenues; the captive nature of energy regulators and the quality and quantity of shale gas resources in the north," says Andrew from his home in Calgary. "We will end with an open discussion on policy options for subsidized shale gas development in the future."

A stellar resume

Andrew Nikiforuk has been writing about the oil and gas industry for nearly 20 years and cares deeply about accuracy, government accountability and cumulative impacts. He has won seven National Magazine Awards for his journalism since 1989 and top honours for investigative writing from the Association of Canadian Journalists.

Andrew has also published a number of highly acclaimed books including Saboteurs: Wiebo Ludwig's War Against Big Oil, The Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of the Continent, and Empire of the Beetle.

As Andrew's Tyee editor, I regularly have the pleasure of gleaning his insights in phone conversations or, when the stars align, we are in the same city. This Saturday, April 20, Andrew Nikiforuk comes to Vancouver and you can be among his guests for what is certain to be a fascinating class.

There are a few seats left so act quickly. Find out more by clicking here.

Find about more Tyee Master Classes being offered this spring by clicking here.