Land Matters Advisory Committee Biographies
Darcy Allen
Energy, Utility Policy Specialist
Farmers’ Advocate Office of Alberta
Darcy Allen is a seasoned expert in energy and agricultural policy, currently serving as the Energy, Utility Policy Specialist at the Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO) of Alberta since April 2021. With over 40 years of experience in the energy industry across Western Canada, Darcy brings a wealth of technical, regulatory, and leadership expertise to his role, helping bridge the gap between rural landowners and energy developers.
Born and raised in rural central Alberta, Darcy grew up on a mixed farming operation, which instilled in him a deep understanding of agricultural life and land stewardship. He is an honors graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Gas Plant Operations and holds certification in Power Engineering.
Throughout his career, Darcy has held various roles in the upstream oil & gas and energy sectors, with a strong focus on energy exploration and development, field operations, and regulatory compliance. His skill set also includes community relations, conflict resolution, and collaborative stakeholder engagement, making him a trusted advocate for rural communities navigating complex energy-related issues.
Darcy is actively involved in community initiatives across Alberta and has previously served as a director with Synergy Alberta, the Battle River Watershed Alliance, and the Sundre Petroleum Operators Group. His commitment to sustainable development and fair representation of landowner interests continues to shape his work at FAO, where he supports farmers and ranchers in understanding and responding to utility and energy policy challenges.
Ralph Beauvoir
Policy Analyst - Natural Resources Canada
Ralph Beauvoir is a policy analyst on Natural Resources Canada’s pipelines team. He previously worked in the Industry and Economic Analysis Division of the Lands and Minerals Sector, where he assessed the economic impacts of mining projects on Indigenous communities and supported inclusion initiatives in Nòkwewashk.
Before joining the public service, Ralph gained more than 10 years of experience I the fields of finance, international development, agri-food and media. He earned a master’s degree in agricultural economics as a Fulbright scholar in the United States, and he has Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Fluently bilingual in English and French, he is the father of two children, and he is also a soccer and basketball enthusiast.
Isabelle Bouffard
Agronomist, Head of economic affairs and Director of agricultural research and polity - Union des producteurs agricoles
Isabelle Bouffard is Head of Economic Affairs at the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) and has been Director of Agricultural Research and Policy since 2026. A graduate in agricultural economics from McGill University, she has over 25 years of experience in agricultural management, financing, and policy.
She has helped shape the UPA’s positions on rural economy, energy, and municipal taxation issues, and sits on several provincial and federal committees. Recognized for her strategic vision and understanding of the field, she stands out for her ability to balance analysis, action, and leadership.
Jay Brown
Land Agent
Jay Brown is a seasoned Land Agent with a career rooted in practical experience and a deep connection to agricultural communities. Without formal academic training, Jay entered the field by learning on the job and successfully challenged the Land Agents licensing exam, demonstrating his commitment and capability.
His career began as a Seismic Permit Agent, where he developed a strong foundation in land access and stakeholder engagement. He later transitioned to working for a Land Broker, gaining broader exposure to land management practices. In 2009, Jay joined an oil and gas company, where he continues to apply his expertise in land matters.
Jay’s passion for land stems from his upbringing on a cattle ranch, where he developed a natural affinity for working with people from agricultural backgrounds. His ability to connect with landowners and rural communities is a hallmark of his approach.
A unique and personal fact: Jay’s family ranch has held land for over 110 years, a testament to his deep-rooted ties to the land and its legacy.
Martin Caron
General President - Union des producteurs agricoles
Martin Caron is a dairy farmer from Louiseville, Quebec. His dairy and grain farm currently has a herd of 90 Holstein and Jersey cows, 60 of which are lactating, and grows grain corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, hay and processing vegetables on 245 hectares. He has been the General President of the Union des producteurs agricoles since December 2021, and he is also the President of UPA Développement international.
Martin has served on numerous boards, including those of the Institut de recherche et de développement en agroenvironnement, La Financière agricole du Québec and the Centre d’études sur les coûts de production en agriculture.
Concerned about the health of agricultural producers, he has sat on the board of directors of Au cœur des familles agricoles and has worked closely with the liaison committee of the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail. He has been the president of Alliance Boviteq (R&D), the Centre d’insémination artificielle du Québec, SEMEX Alliance, the Relève agricole de la Mauricie and the Fédération de l’UPA de la Mauricie. He has also served on the board of the Quebec Reference Center for Agriculture and Agri-food.
Riley Côté-DeMerchant
Woodlot Landowner and Forestry Instructor
Riley Côté-DeMerchant is an experienced forestry and remote sensing professional with over 15 years of technical and operational expertise. He holds a Diploma in Forest Technology from the Maritime College of Forest Technology (2009), where he now serves as an instructor.
He began his career with a North American remote sensing firm, where for a decade he managed forest inventory products and supported LiDAR (stands for Light Detection and Ranging, which is a form of remote-sensing technology that measures distance using laser light) and aerial imagery projects across multiple jurisdictions. His work provided critical geospatial intelligence to clients involved in planning, development, and environmental management.
In 2019, he joined the Maritime College of Forest Technology as part of its instructional team. In this role, he contributes to curriculum delivery and professional training, helping prepare future forest technicians with the practical skills required by industry.
In addition to his academic and technical experience, he and his wife operate a small agricultural enterprise, strengthening his first-hand understanding of land use, rural economies, and the realities faced by landowners.
He maintains a strong interest in land matters, with a focus on achieving balanced outcomes that protect landowner rights while enabling responsible industrial development. He supports evidence-based approaches that foster economic growth for Canada and create value for landowners and communities.
Brian Crews
Director - Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Brian Crews is a dedicated advocate for Ontario’s agricultural community and currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), representing farmers in Hastings, Lennox & Addington, Northumberland, and Prince Edward counties. Elected in the fall of 2023, Brian brings a unique blend of rural and urban experience to the role, shaped by his dual career as a dairy farmer and a firefighter.
Brian farms with his family just north of Trenton, Ontario. Together, they operate a multi-generational dairy farm, milking approximately 95 cows and managing field crops. Their farm has deep roots in the region, with their son representing the ninth generation of the family to work the land.
Before joining the OFA board, Brian served for 35 years with the Toronto Fire Service, a career sparked by his early involvement with a local volunteer fire department. His experience as a first responder in Canada’s largest city has given him a valuable perspective on bridging urban-rural divides and advocating for policies that support both communities.
Marc Descôteaux
Principal Advisor, Real Estate Expertise and Land Surveying - Énergir
Marc Descôteaux is an urban planner and land surveyor, recognized for his expertise in land management and real estate appraisal. Since 2018, he has held the position of Senior Advisor in Real Estate Appraisal and Surveying at Énergir, where he leads working groups, coordinates the acquisition of land rights, and negotiates with property owners. He also provides strategic recommendations to management to support large-scale projects.
For the past four years, he has been involved as president of the Association de professionnels en droit de passage et immobilier du Québec.
Marc has also contributed to professional training: he has led sessions at the Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec for real estate brokers on the use of the certificate of location and the online land registry. For over ten years, he taught geomatics at Ahuntsic College, covering areas such as AutoCAD, land surveying, and geographic information systems.
Marc holds a master's degree in urban planning from McGill University and a bachelor's degree in geomatics from Laval University. He has participated in research and international cooperation projects, notably in Nicaragua and Benin.
Sandra Dixon
Supervisor, Lands & Right of Way - Enbridge Inc.
Sandra Dixon is a seasoned land management professional with over 28 years of experience in the energy sector, currently serving as Supervisor of the Lands & Right of Way team at Enbridge Inc. She leads operational activities across British Columbia and parts of Alberta, bringing a comprehensive perspective that spans the full lifecycle of energy development – from exploration to midstream and transmission.
Sandra holds multiple professional designations, including Senior Right of Way from the International Right of Way Association, Licensed Land Agent, and Land Administration, underpinned by university-level education and a strong commitment to lifelong learning.
A fourth-generation Canadian whose ancestors homestead in 1898; Sandra beings a deep personal connection to the land. This heritage informs her respectful approach to working with landowners, rural communities, and Indigenous partners. She is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and contributing to initiatives that positively impact both the land and the people connected to it.
As an active member of the Land Matters Advisory Committee. Sandra is a strong advocate for knowledge exchange and diverse practices in land management.
Crystal Greenlay
Land Management and Acquisition Supervisor - Manitoba Hydro
Crystal Greenlay is a seasoned land professional with a background in Civil Engineering Technology, including specialized training from the Appraisal Institute of Canada and the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Crystal began her career managing road infrastructure projects across Manitoba, which sparked her interest in land acquisition and negotiations. This led her to pursue real estate and appraisals credentials, eventually joining Manitoba Hydro as a Right-of-Way Agent.
Crystal now runs the Land Management and Acquisition section, where she combines technical expertise with a passion for working with landowners to deliver fair and effective land solutions.
Lynn Jacobson
President - Alberta Federation of Agriculture
Board Member - Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Lynn Jacobson is a veteran agricultural leader with over 15 years as AFA President and extensive service on the CFA board. Based in Southern Alberta, he combines decades of farming experience with policy expertise.
A graduate of Lethbridge Polytechnic, Lynn has held key roles in agricultural governance, including the Alberta Wheat Pool, Soft Wheat Growers Commission, and Alberta Wheat Commission. He also served on the Alberta Marketing Board, shaping marketing strategies and policies.
Through AFA and CFA, Lynn champions farmer-informed solutions for land use, energy infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture, ensuring economic development aligns with the long-term health of Canada’s agricultural landscapes.
Maria Reschke
Program Manager - BC Farmers Information Service
Maria Reschke, a resident of Fort St. John, British Columbia, brings over 16 years of experience in regulatory affairs, stakeholder engagement, and landowner advocacy. With a unique blend of public service insight and grassroots communication expertise, she supports the energy and agriculture sectors in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and an Associate Certificate in Leadership and Conflict Resolution – credentials that inform her clear, empathetic, and effective communication style.
Maria spent 12 years with the BC Energy Regulator, where she held diverse roles in compliance and enforcement, permitting, communications, and strategic stakeholder relations. For the final seven years of her tenure, she worked directly with private landowners and rightsholders, bridging the gap between regulatory processes and community concerns.
For the past four and a half years, Maria has worked under contract with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, supporting private landowners in their interactions with oil and gas companies. Her work focuses on equipping landowners with the knowledge and tools to protect their interests – from negotiating lease agreements and managing construction impacts to understanding remediation and restoration processes.
Ron Smith
Forest Scientist, Consultant & Educator - New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners
Ron Smith is a respected forest scientist and educator with a career spanning nearly five decades. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BScF) from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Science (MSc) from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Maine–Orono.
Ron’s expertise lies in applied forest genetics, tree physiology, and non-timber forest products. He dedicated 28 years to research with the Canadian Forest Service, contributing to the advancement of forest science and sustainable land management practices. For the past 20 years, he has worked as a consultant, contract research scientist, and trainer in risk management, while also serving as an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management at the University of New Brunswick.
Known for his collaborative spirit and practical approach, Ron describes himself as a “Jack of all trades and master of none.” He finds energy and purpose in working with students, landowners, and small entrepreneurs, and strongly believes that knowledge is of minimal value unless it is passed on and used.
Keith Turner
Executive Vice-President - Synergy Land Services Ltd.
Keith Turner brings over 25 years of diverse industry experience to his role as Executive Vice-President at Synergy Land Services Ltd. With a background in Petroleum Land Contract Administration from Mount Royal University coupled with the SR/WA designation from the International Right of Way Association,
Keith has built a respected career in land and stakeholder engagement.
Since beginning his career in surface land coordination in 1999, Keith has held key roles at Inter Pipeline, Pembina Pipeline, and HMA Land Services (now under Vertex Resource Group Ltd.), where he also pursued his Land Agent’s license.
His passion for land matters was sparked through early regulatory and pipeline project work and has grown into a deep commitment to strategic land acquisition and stakeholder negotiations across Western Canada.
At Synergy Land Services Ltd. where he is currently employed, Keith leads corporate operations, innovation, and resources planning, while mentoring staff and guiding high-level project execution. As one of the two IRWA representatives on the CER’s Land Matters Advisory Committee, he continues to champion professionalism and best practices in the industry.
Josh Vass
Vice President of Business Development - Aurora Land Consulting LTD
Josh Vass brings over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, including 13 years leading land teams on major pipeline projects. He has managed more than 3,870 km of pipeline development across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.
A licensed land agent in Alberta, Josh holds a designation as a Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA)—the highest credential from the International Right of Way Association—and he also completed his training as a Qualified Arbitrator through the ADR Institute of Canada.
Commitment to Landowner Engagement: A strong advocate for landowner interests, Josh served six years on Alberta’s Land Agent Advisory Committee, including three as Chair. His focus on strategic engagement and early planning has helped reduce project impacts and foster constructive landowner relationships.
Josh is also the mayor of the Village of Pangman, SK—proving he’s just as comfortable planning pancake breakfasts as he is negotiating pipeline routes.
Jenna Wood
Land and Stakeholder Relations Professional - TC Energy
Jenna Wood is a seasoned land and stakeholder relations professional with over 16 years of experience in the energy sector. She holds the Senior Right of Way Agent (SR/WA) designation through the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) and is a Permanent Land Agent certified by the Province of Alberta.
Jenna began her career working for a land service provider, where she spent 11 years progressing through a variety of roles including receptionist, land agent, project manager, industry lead, and ultimately Director of Corporate Development. Her diverse experience in both field and leadership positions laid a strong foundation for her transition to TC Energy, where she has spent the past five years. Starting as a Team Lead, Jenna now holds a strategic role focused on land and stakeholder engagement.
Growing up in a rural community, Jenna developed a deep understanding of the energy industry's impact on everyday stakeholders. Her passion for land matters stems from a commitment to responsible energy development—one that prioritizes relationship-building, active listening, and collaborative solutions. She believes that meaningful engagement and proactive negotiation are key to achieving outcomes that respect both industry goals and community values.
Land Matters – Advisory Committee Members
- Date modified: