About Chris Cann
Chris Cann is the Founder of Q-TILITIES, Alberta's first independent queer-owned and operated competitive energy services provider. Operating as a social enterprise, Q-TILITIES offers Albertans a values-driven alternative in the deregulated energy market and reinvests surplus revenue directly into 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, charities, and non-profits across the province. With 20 years of professional experience in financial services, utilities, and social work, Chris brings industry expertise and a deep commitment to community impact.
As a proud member of the queer community, Chris created Q-TILITIES from the belief that every customer choice can be an act of empowerment, belonging, and pride. His career in social work, from frontline roles to program director, gave him firsthand insight into the challenges non-profits face in securing stable funding, sustaining vital programs, and turning promising pilot projects into long-term solutions. Motivated by systemic barriers and inspired to create a sustainable solution, he envisioned a social enterprise that could power homes while powering change.
What is Q-TILITIES?
Q-TILITIES is an independent, queer-owned and operated competitive energy services provider. It operates as a social enterprise that reinvests surplus revenue into Alberta-based 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations, charities, and non-profits.
Despite years of progress on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, the community is facing renewed hostility, with trans people experiencing heightened threats to their rights and well-being. Anti-queer and anti-trans rhetoric is increasing, support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is declining, and corporations are withdrawing sponsorships while relying on gestures that lack meaningful impact. At the same time, governments often cut funding for social service programs first, leaving smaller organizations without the resources to sustain vital initiatives. Q-TILITIES provides a sustainable solution by turning everyday energy bills into direct support for programs that promote DEI, uplift queer and trans communities, and strengthen connections that foster belonging.
What Makes Us Different?
Social Enterprise: Q-TILITIES is a different kind of energy service provider. We reinvest surplus profits into the community, prioritizing social impact over profit. Our model sets us apart from other energy providers in terms of the community support they typically offer. Surplus funds are not directed to executive bonuses. Every dollar we earn beyond expenses is reinvested into the community.
Customer Value: When you choose Q-TILITIES, you get competitive rates, reliable service, and the satisfaction of knowing that your everyday bills directly fuel positive change for Alberta's 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Switching is simple, and our service is supported by proven infrastructure.
Community Driven: We are a queer-owned and operated business, led by a community member with firsthand experience of its needs, challenges, and strengths.
Community Focused with a Social Mission: Surplus revenue is reinvested into 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations and non-profits, creating meaningful support for programs that help people live authentically, access services, and feel supported.
Anti-Rainbow Washing: For Q-TILITIES, Pride is not a marketing campaign. It is a year-round commitment to supporting the community 365 days a year, not only in June.