Charlene Johnson on Politics, Oil & Gas, and Leadership in Newfoundland & Labrador | H&H Episode 7

Trailblazer, Cabinet Minister, & Energy Advocate | Charlene Johnson on Politics, Energy, and LeadershipIn this episode of The Honourable & the Hack, Andrew and Alex sit down with Charlene Johnson, former Newfoundland and Labrador Cabinet Minister and current CEO of Energy NL, for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about leadership, energy, and the realities of governing.Charlene reflects on her time in provincial politics as one of the youngest people ever elected to the House of Assembly, and as the first woman to have a child while serving in Cabinet—at a time when no parental leave policies existed for elected officials. She speaks openly about the personal and professional challenges that came with breaking new ground, and how those experiences shaped her approach to leadership.The conversation dives deep into Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil and gas sector, including what Charlene describes as a “lost decade” of federal support under the Trudeau government, and how momentum has shifted significantly under the Carney government. She explains why Newfoundland and Labrador is uniquely positioned to supply some of the lowest-carbon oil in the world, and why simply shutting down production does not reduce global emissions—especially when worldwide demand remains at roughly 100 million barrels per day, supporting not just transportation but medical equipment, consumer goods, and critical supplies.Charlene also discusses the importance of balancing traditional energy with emerging technologies, noting that Energy NL actively supports a broad mix of energy development, including renewable and lower-carbon solutions.Beyond energy, Charlene shares her most meaningful memories from Cabinet, reflects on the achievements she’s most proud of, and joins Andrew and Alex in an insider conversation about how decisions are really made behind the scenes. The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on underrated premiers, effective leadership, and how a simple “get things done” mindset can drive real progress.This is a candid, informed, and engaging conversation that offers rare insight into politics, policy, and leadership—from someone who has lived it.🎥 Watch the full episode:👉 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHackDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employer, organization, or institution. This content is intended for discussion and commentary and should not be considered professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion in this episode includes speculation and forward-looking commentary based on publicly available information and personal experience.