About Us
About LEMAC
Land management and administration professionals in the energy industry can find a valuable professional community in the Land and Energy Management Association of Canada (LEMAC). As one of the largest energy membership associations in the country, LEMAC offers a wealth of benefits. These include a Code of Conduct, ethics training, education seminars, workshops and courses, an annual conference, leadership development, collaboration and mentoring opportunities, a job bank, and networking events. By joining LEMAC, professionals can tap into these resources, enhance their skills, and expand their professional network.
The Land Discipline
Organizations must secure mineral and surface rights to responsibly develop and manage land-based resources for energy, infrastructure, and other key industries. Professionals in land asset management play a critical role in this process, overseeing the entire land asset life cycle—from acquisition and project development to regulatory compliance and final reclamation.
Over the past 30 years, the role of land professionals has evolved significantly. Originally focused on administration, land asset management has transformed into an analytical discipline that requires extensive knowledge about legal and regulatory requirements throughout the land asset life cycle. Today, modern land professionals may specialize in various areas, from acquiring mineral or surface rights to contract drafting and implementation, managing access rights and third-party agreements, acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, enterprise information systems and reporting, or abandonment and reclamation.
As the industry continues to evolve, LEMAC remains at the forefront, equipping land professionals with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to lead in a changing landscape.
Vision
Empower, Evolve, Excel – LEMAC is the leader in transforming the land and energy management industry. We envision a dynamic, united community where every member thrives and, together, creates a sustainable energy future for all Canadians.
Mission
Leading Excellence, Driving Change – LEMAC sets the standard of excellence in Land Asset Management by equipping industry professionals with the expertise, connections, and leadership opportunities needed to succeed. Through high-quality education, dynamic networking, and strong industry advocacy, we empower members to navigate change, influence policy, and drive innovation. By fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking community, we ensure responsible resource management, career advancement, and long-term industry success.
Our commitments:
• Targeted Education Programs
• Opportunities for Industry Collaborations
• Pioneering Innovation & Sustainability
• A Strong, Connected Network
At LEMAC, we’re not just part of the industry—we’re leading it. We are the force driving transformation in Canada’s land and energy management.
Our History
It was January 18, 1994. A group of land administrators had worked hard for over two years to build the foundation for a new organization. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration (CAPLA) was incorporated in November 1993, and its bylaws, vision, and mission were in place.
But the night was bitter, and our founders were waiting anxiously to see if anyone would brave a snowstorm to attend CAPLA’s first meeting at the Calgary Convention Centre. Organizers were hoping for at least 25 people, but amazingly, 340 showed up!
More than 30 years later, CAPLA has much to celebrate. We have grown since 1994 to a representative group across the industry through various industry cycles, working in all aspects of land asset management, including mineral, surface, contracts, negotiations and related areas.
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Our professional association, which started in a snowstorm, gained momentum over the years. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, CAPLA expanded in numbers, programs, events and educational opportunities.
The first issue of the CAPLA newsletter was published within six weeks, and four more were published within the year. Eleven education seminars and workshops were held during the first year, and a job bank for members was established. In November 1995, CAPLA became one of the first industry associations to have its website.
Another highlight in CAPLA’s early beginnings was the Executive Night on May 7, 1996. With over 700 people in attendance, our guest speaker, the Honourable Pat Black, Alberta Minister of Energy, announced major changes to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Tenure policies and legislation, which CAPLA played a major role in developing.
CAPLA held its first conference at the Calgary Convention Centre in June 1996; over 500 delegates attended. In October 2002, the first certification exam was offered. In 2005, due to its Five Year Education Plan, CAPLA collaborated with SAIT and created the Centre for Energy Asset Management Studies (CEAMS) which later became the Energy Asset Management program. This program remains highly successful in providing specialized knowledge and practical skills for entering the energy industry.
In the fall of 2008, CAPLA hired its first Chief Executive Officer to handle the growing operational activities of the association.
More than 30 years later, CAPLA has much to celebrate. Today, we have professionals working in all aspects of land asset management, including mineral, surface, contracts, negotiations and related areas. CAPLA has expanded its programs, events, benefits and educational offerings, and develop viable relationships with other industry organizations,
CAPLA expanded in numbers, programs, events, and educational opportunities.
In May 2024, CAPLA membership voted to change the association’s name to the Land and Energy Management Association of Canada (LEMAC). The drivers for this change were to:
- Better reflect who we are and where we want to be
- Support offerings and unite professionals in LNG, Hydrogen, Geothermal, sequestration, renewables, etc., along with those in upstream oil and gas
- Appeal to a broader array of members and sponsors
- Offer enhanced membership benefits through economies of scale
Today, with the support of our members and their companies, the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, and amazing sponsors, LEMAC continues to play a significant role in the success of our industry.
®LEMAC is a registered trademark of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration.
Dream A Little Dream
A Message from C. Gale Breen, Founding Director and First LEMAC President