Murray Edwards is a Canadian oil sands investor and businessman ranked by Forbes as one of the top 15 wealthiest people in Canada. He is known for launching some of the most significant companies in Canada, including Ensign Energy Services Inc. and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Edwards is also the co-owner of the Calgary Flames hockey club. 

Location

Murray Edwards was born in Saskatchewan, Canada where he was also raised and educated. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with an honors degree in Commerce, Edwards enrolled at the University of Toronto where he obtained a degree in Law. In later years, the businessman relocated to London, UK, where he made his home. Although Edwards lives abroad, he continues to preside over the Calgary Flames, Canadian Natural Resources, and Ensign Energy – all Canada-based entities. Edwards is also active in Canadian politics and has close ties to six companies that have backed the B.C. Liberal Party with over US$436,000 in campaign contributions. This includes a generous contribution of US$131,390 from Imperial Metals, and US$153,480 from Canadian Natural Resources. The investor owns controlling shares in Imperial Metals and is the Chairman of Canadian Natural Resources. In 2013, he arranged fundraising of US$1 million for the re-election bid of B.C. Premier Christy Clark. 

Remarkable Investments

With major stakes in the second biggest oil services company in Canada, Ensign Energy, and one of the top energy trusts in Canada, Penn West, Murray Edwards arguably has a bigger interest in the Athabasca oil sands than any other person. Located in Alberta, Canada, the oil sand is the largest crude bitumen deposit known to the world. Edwards’ company, Canadian Natural Resources, has allocated US$25 billion to convert the bitumen-rich sand in the area into barrels of crude oil. As the co-owner of the Calgary Flames, Edwards is also significantly invested in sports, and particularly in ice hockey. 

Latest News

As reported by Sportsnet in December 2017, Murray Roberts claimed that the Calgary Flames ice hockey team is not for sale. The statement followed a series of rumors sparked by a contentious disagreement between the NHL and Roberts over funding for a new arena. As co-owner of the team, Murray stated that he is not optimistic about a new arena for the Flames. In May 2018, the Cambridge Times again reported on the matter and stated that a new committee would be formed with the goal of attempting to re-engage negotiations with the team. Flames owners, including Roberts, offered US$200 million of their own money to resolve the issue with an arena. In May 2018, Registrar Journal reported that Murray Edwards sold 30,000 shares in Canadian Natural. The shares were sold at US$1,043,830. Also in May 2018, the Globe and Mail released an article about Edwards’ relocation to London. According to the publication, Edwards wanted to make a fresh start after several turbulent years in his personal and business life.