May 9, 2016

Premier Rachel Notley 9820 107 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 1E7 [email protected]

RE: Northern Alberta Development Council

Dear Premier Notley,

I am writing to advise you of the Peace Region Economic Development Alliance’s (PREDA) support for the Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) and to request the reversal of the decision to move the Executive Director position for NADC from Peace River to Edmonton.

Our Alliance understands that the Alberta Government is reviewing all government boards, agencies and councils. We see value in the government ensuring there is no duplication of services, and that there is value and transparency to each board/agency/council. The NADC has been a vital Council for northern Albertans for more than 50 years. The work they have accomplished through the Northern Bursary, Northwest Transportation Council, the Northern Clearinghouse, and the Northern Alberta Elected Leaders has helped to improve life and opportunities in our region.

The present work on a health symposium, their partnerships with the regional alliances, and the Northern Transportation Advocacy Alliance is helping ensure the province of Alberta will continue to prosper, not just economically, but also through improvements in our social infrastructure.

The downturn in the oil and gas industry is having a dramatic effect on northern Alberta. Massive job loss, reduced business incomes, and the closure of businesses throughout the region have a far greater impact on our region than just economics.

The north has many unique challenges. Our incidents of addictions, suicide, lack of educational achievements and workforce training, and crime rates all exceed other parts of the province, making the NADC as relevant today as when it was first created. We anticipate all these social indicators will be on the rise. Studies show that we can expect an increase in addictions, crime, and suicide as people lose their jobs, lose their homes, and lose their dignity. Organizations such as NADC and the regional alliances can help to address the challenges we will be facing, and they are all more valuable today because of the change in the economy.

The role of executive director for NADC is crucial as the liaison between northern stakeholders and government departments. The position has been in place in Peace River for more than 50 years. Through out that time the executive director was required to be in Edmonton on a weekly basis. More importantly, the executive director needed to be in our northern communities to provide a face for government in our municipalities. It should also be noted there are daily commercial flights from Peace River to Edmonton.

Additionally, modern communication technology simplifies the process for government employees outside of Edmonton can communicate and join Edmonton based meetings through telecommunication channels, reducing the need for them to be present in person at all Edmonton based meetings.

Additionally, the executive director cannot fully appreciate current and growing trends, opportunities and threats in the region if they do not live here. PREDA believes moving this position to Edmonton will weaken the effectiveness and value of the NADC

PREDA is a regional economic not-for-profit representing 25 municipalities in the Peace region. Our members also comprise of industry, two community futures offcies, and two post-secondary institutions.

We strongly urge the Alberta government to support the continuation of this vital organization and return the executive director position to Peace River.

Sincerely, Elaine Garrow

Elaine Garrow, Chair Peace Region Economic Development Alliance 10128 95 Avenue Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 0L4 [email protected]

CC: Honourable Joe Ceci, Minister of Finance

Honourable Marg McCuiag-Boyd, Minister of Energy

Honourable Danielle Larivee, Minister of Municipal Affairs

Honourable Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development

Honourable John Feehan, Minister Indigenous Relations

Honourable Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agricultural and Forestry

Debbie Jabbour, MLA Peace River Wayne Drysdale, MLA Grande Prairie-Wapiti

Todd Loewen, MLA Grande Prairie-Smoky

David Hanson, MLA Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills

Brian Jean, MLA Fort McMurray -Conklin

Colin Piquette, MLA Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater

Tany Yao, MLA Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo

NADC Council

Deputy Minister, Jason Krips