THE ISSUE ’s Premier Review of 99 NEWS Politics and Government Vitality JANUARY/2020 from

UNPRECEDENTED DECADE IN ALBERTA POLITICS , although victorious, renounced his seat right after the provincial election, sending Lougheed voters to the polls for the 3rd time in roughly one year. In the September 3, 2015 by-election they elected Prassad Panda of the COMES TO AN END . Tragedy struck in the fall of 2015 with the unfortunate death of former Cabinet Minister . Robert Reynolds, Q.C. He was killed in a traffic accident on Highway 2 around Red Deer when he attempted to help a motorist during a snowstorm and was struck himself. His successor in Calgary-Greenway was who ran as a PC, but would ultimately become an Independent amidst accusations of participating in voter irregularity. How amazing were the 2010s in Alberta politics? The decade saw the demise of the Progressive Conservative Party, which had governed Alberta from 1971 – 2015. It saw the first NDP government in the province’s history, which also turned out to Undoubtedly the biggest political move during the period was the creation of the United Conservative Party (UCP) from the merger of the PC and Wildrose parties. won the leadership by defeating Wildrose Leader and now Senior Editor: Pascal Ryffel be the only one-term government since Alberta entered Confederation and became a province in 1905. There were 6 Minister of Justice Doug Schweitzer. The resignation of long-time PC and then UCP MLA led to Kenney Publisher: Alberta Counsel premiers in the decade (Stelmach, Redford, Hancock, Prentice, Notley and Kenney). In comparison, between 1905 and the end of ’s term of office in December 2006, there had been 12 premiers. In fact, between the election of the running in a by-election in Calgary-Lougheed on December 15, 2017. Social Credit in 1935 and 2006 there had been 6 premiers (Aberhart, Manning, Strom, Lougheed, Getty and Klein). The ALBERTA COUNSEL With only the UCP and the NDP represented in the Legislature, Alberta is now a two-party province. Following the 1993 number of premiers in this past decade equaled the number in 71 years! Legal and Lobby Professionals provincial election, Alberta was also a two-party province with ’s Liberals in Opposition and Ralph Klein’s Management Consultants The 2010s also saw the death of 4 former Premiers: Lougheed, Getty, Klein and Prentice. Progressive Conservatives elected as Government. In that case, the defections and floor-crossings meant that the Liberals were to start their long slide to now where they have no seats. Trade-mark Agents The decade marked an important step in gender equality with 2 female premiers (Redford and Notley). Alberta had a woman as premier for most of the decade. After the 2012 general election there was woman as premier and a woman as In the last Legislature before the 2019 provincial election, the NDP and the UCP (having merged the Wildrose and most of LEDGEVIEW BUILDING Leader of the Official Opposition (). She was not, however, the first as Nancy MacBeth was the Leader of the the PC Members) sat with 3 Members (one elected, one crossed from the NDP and one originally from the PC 800, 9707-110 Street NW Official Opposition in the early part of this century (Bettie Hewes had served as Acting Leader before). caucus). was still a Progressive Conservative Member although the party was gone, was the AB T5K 2L9 sole Liberal, and ended the Legislature as a Freedom Conservative having been an Independent after The merger of the Progressive Conservatives and the Wildrose into the United Conservative Party (UCP) marked a slightly P: 780-652-1311 being elected as a Wildrose Member and then departing from the UCP Caucus. In addition, there were 3 Independents. chilling moment in the sense of history repeating itself. How strong is history? The United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) served F: 780-652-1312 From this multi-party Legislature, the electorate chose two parties. E: [email protected] as government after the Liberals from 1921 to 1935. The Social Credit governed from 1935-1971. Both parties eventually www.AlbertaCounsel.com disappeared from the political landscape. One would be hard pressed to find someone who would have predicted the end of Given what has occurred in the past decade, one wouldn’t want to say, “well, that has never happened in Alberta.” the Progressive Conservatives at the start of the decade. Yet the PCs joined the historical ranks of the two parties that held Notwithstanding the warning, some things to consider are that Alberta has never had a minority government. Of course, to office before them.The Liberals were the first party to govern Alberta and still exist but without any seats in the Legislature have a minority government requires 3 or more parties having seats in the Assembly. The emergence of a 3rd party with The News from Alberta Counsel is at present and as a Victorian novelist might have said “without any prospects”. vote-gathering momentum is not on the horizon right now, although it is worth observing that challenges to a governing Alberta’s premier review of Conservative regime may not only come from the centre-left, but from the right so as to divide the vote as occurred in the Although there were 6 premiers in the decade, there were only 3 elections (2012, 2015 and 2019). The decade started with provincial politics and government 2015 election. in the Premier’s chair having won the 2008 election with a resounding victory. succeeded vitality. As an original source of Stelmach in 2011 and surprisingly won the 2012 provincial election which was widely seen as belonging to the Wildrose For years, Alberta politics was seen as being dull with the Social Credit under Manning or the Progressive Conservatives political news and commentary, The and their leader Danielle Smith. However, the Wildrose only won 17 seats in comparison to 61 for the PCs. Divisions under Lougheed. However, there was seldom a large opposition during those periods. The changing nature of Alberta News will provide a fresh look at appeared in the governing party not long into Redford’s term and she resigned in March of 2014 amidst a scandal over the society might tend to suggest that Alberta politics will continue to be feisty and dynamic as in the past decade. However, legislation, policy, committee use of a government aircraft for questionable purposes. She did not enjoy much support from her caucus. David Hancock, the current Government’s hold on the Legislature may point to a less exciting decade in 2020s. One thing the last decade debates, the civil service, along with the long-time Government House Leader and Minister of many different portfolios succeeded Redford and served until taught us is that the unlikely is likely. Another is that longer term predictions are not worth much. Enjoy the decade. party updates and events. mid-September of 2014 – Alberta’s shortest serving premier. Former Federal Minister Jim Prentice assumed the reins of power, winning the leadership of the party on September 6th and being sworn in as Premier on September 15th. He appointed two non-elected people to Cabinet, former Edmonton mayor (Minster of Health), and Gordon Alberta Counsel Dirks, (Minister of Education). Prentice, Mandel and Dirks along with now whip Mike Ellis, won by-elections on October 27, We work with organizations to 2014. navigate their way through the Although a short-lived government, it was notable with 2 confusing network that is Wildrose caucus Members defecting to the governing PCs The number of Premiers associated with government. We in November of 2014 and 8 more on December 17, 2014 “in this past decade equaled help our clients connect with those including Danielle Smith. None of them were given cabinet who are important in shaping public positions, although that might not have been their the number in 71 years! policy and ensure your messaging is understanding. Eventually, and Doug Griffiths ” would resign from the PC Caucus. Interestingly, and a statement about the values of Albertans, none of the defecting effectively communicated to Wildrose members were in the Legislature after the next provincial election. decision makers. That election came sooner than most expected. Prentice called the election roughly a year early. Prior to the election he brought in a rather tough budget warning Albertans that the drop in oil prices would not be a temporary thing. He also suggested that high expenditures were partly due to the expectations of Albertans suggesting that people “look in the To subscribe to The News from mirror”. This proved remarkably unpopular and the election of May 5, 2015 marked the end of the Progressive Conservative Alberta Counsel, please visit Government, which had governed Alberta since 1971. Tragically, Prentice would die in an airplane crash in October of 2016. www.albertacounsel.com/news The results of the May 5, 2015 election were: NDP 54; Wildrose 21; Progressive Conservative 9; Liberal 1; Alberta Party 1. The split between the centre-right parties is evident in the popular vote; the NDP won 40.6% of the popular vote, the Wildrose won 27.8% and the Progressive Conservatives had 24.2% (2015 Provincial Election Results, ). In contrast the UCP won 54.9% of the popular vote in the April 16, 2019 provincial election while the NDP won 32.7%.

Article continues on page 2 THE Alberta’s Premier Review of NEWS Politics and Government Vitality from

UNPRECEDENTED DECADE IN ALBERTA POLITICS Jim Prentice, although victorious, renounced his seat right after the provincial election, sending Calgary Lougheed voters to the polls for the 3rd time in roughly one year. In the September 3, 2015 by-election they elected Prassad Panda of the COMES TO AN END Wildrose Party. Tragedy struck in the fall of 2015 with the unfortunate death of former Cabinet Minister Manmeet Bhullar. Robert Reynolds, Q.C. He was killed in a traffic accident on Highway 2 around Red Deer when he attempted to help a motorist during a snowstorm and was struck himself. His successor in Calgary-Greenway was Prab Gill who ran as a PC, but would ultimately become an Independent amidst accusations of participating in voter irregularity. How amazing were the 2010s in Alberta politics? The decade saw the demise of the Progressive Conservative Party, which had governed Alberta from 1971 – 2015. It saw the first NDP government in the province’s history, which also turned out to Undoubtedly the biggest political move during the period was the creation of the United Conservative Party (UCP) from the be the only one-term government since Alberta entered Confederation and became a province in 1905. There were 6 merger of the PC and Wildrose parties. Jason Kenney won the leadership by defeating Wildrose Leader Brian Jean and now premiers in the decade (Stelmach, Redford, Hancock, Prentice, Notley and Kenney). In comparison, between 1905 and the Minister of Justice Doug Schweitzer. The resignation of long-time PC and then UCP MLA Dave Rodney led to Kenney end of Ralph Klein’s term of office in December 2006, there had been 12 premiers. In fact, between the election of the running in a by-election in Calgary-Lougheed on December 15, 2017. Social Credit in 1935 and 2006 there had been 6 premiers (Aberhart, Manning, Strom, Lougheed, Getty and Klein). The With only the UCP and the NDP represented in the Legislature, Alberta is now a two-party province. Following the 1993 number of premiers in this past decade equaled the number in 71 years! ROB REYNOLDS provincial election, Alberta was also a two-party province with Laurence Decore’s Liberals in Opposition and Ralph Klein’s The 2010s also saw the death of 4 former Premiers: Lougheed, Getty, Klein and Prentice. Q.C. Progressive Conservatives elected as Government. In that case, the defections and floor-crossings meant that the Liberals were to start their long slide to now where they have no seats. The decade marked an important step in gender equality with 2 female premiers (Redford and Notley). Alberta had a Rob Reynolds, Q.C. joined Alberta woman as premier for most of the decade. After the 2012 general election there was woman as premier and a woman as In the last Legislature before the 2019 provincial election, the NDP and the UCP (having merged the Wildrose and most of Leader of the Official Opposition (Danielle Smith). She was not, however, the first as Nancy MacBeth was the Leader of the Counsel in March 2019 following the PC Members) sat with 3 Alberta Party Members (one elected, one crossed from the NDP and one originally from the PC Official Opposition in the early part of this century (Bettie Hewes had served as Acting Leader before). a 25-year long career at the caucus). Richard Starke was still a Progressive Conservative Member although the party was gone, David Swann was the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. sole Liberal, and Derek Fildebrandt ended the Legislature as a Freedom Conservative having been an Independent after The merger of the Progressive Conservatives and the Wildrose into the United Conservative Party (UCP) marked a slightly He became Law Clerk and being elected as a Wildrose Member and then departing from the UCP Caucus. In addition, there were 3 Independents. chilling moment in the sense of history repeating itself. How strong is history? The United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) served eventually Clerk of the Assembly From this multi-party Legislature, the electorate chose two parties. as government after the Liberals from 1921 to 1935. The Social Credit governed from 1935-1971. Both parties eventually disappeared from the political landscape. One would be hard pressed to find someone who would have predicted the end of before retiring September 2018. Given what has occurred in the past decade, one wouldn’t want to say, “well, that has never happened in Alberta.” the Progressive Conservatives at the start of the decade. Yet the PCs joined the historical ranks of the two parties that held Rob’s practice includes Notwithstanding the warning, some things to consider are that Alberta has never had a minority government. Of course, to office before them.The Liberals were the first party to govern Alberta and still exist but without any seats in the Legislature constitutional, municipal and have a minority government requires 3 or more parties having seats in the Assembly. The emergence of a 3rd party with at present and as a Victorian novelist might have said “without any prospects”. administrative law and working vote-gathering momentum is not on the horizon right now, although it is worth observing that challenges to a governing with clients to understand Conservative regime may not only come from the centre-left, but from the right so as to divide the vote as occurred in the Although there were 6 premiers in the decade, there were only 3 elections (2012, 2015 and 2019). The decade started with 2015 election. Ed Stelmach in the Premier’s chair having won the 2008 election with a resounding victory. Alison Redford succeeded government, the legislative Stelmach in 2011 and surprisingly won the 2012 provincial election which was widely seen as belonging to the Wildrose process and procedure for elected For years, Alberta politics was seen as being dull with the Social Credit under Manning or the Progressive Conservatives and their leader Danielle Smith. However, the Wildrose only won 17 seats in comparison to 61 for the PCs. Divisions bodies. under Lougheed. However, there was seldom a large opposition during those periods. The changing nature of Alberta appeared in the governing party not long into Redford’s term and she resigned in March of 2014 amidst a scandal over the society might tend to suggest that Alberta politics will continue to be feisty and dynamic as in the past decade. However, use of a government aircraft for questionable purposes. She did not enjoy much support from her caucus. David Hancock, the current Government’s hold on the Legislature may point to a less exciting decade in 2020s. One thing the last decade the long-time Government House Leader and Minister of many different portfolios succeeded Redford and served until taught us is that the unlikely is likely. Another is that longer term predictions are not worth much. Enjoy the decade. mid-September of 2014 – Alberta’s shortest serving premier. Former Federal Minister Jim Prentice assumed the reins of power, winning the leadership of the party on September 6th and being sworn in as Premier on September 15th. He appointed two non-elected people to Cabinet, former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel (Minster of Health), and , (Minister of Education). Prentice, Mandel and Dirks along with now whip Mike Ellis, won by-elections on October 27, 2014. Ed Stelmach Jim Prentice, P.C.,Q.C. Although a short-lived government, it was notable with 2 Wildrose caucus Members defecting to the governing PCs in November of 2014 and 8 more on December 17, 2014 including Danielle Smith. None of them were given cabinet positions, although that might not have been their understanding. Eventually, Doug Horner and Doug Griffiths would resign from the PC Caucus. Interestingly, and a statement about the values of Albertans, none of the defecting Wildrose members were in the Legislature after the next provincial election. Alison Redford, Q.C. That election came sooner than most expected. Prentice called the election roughly a year early. Prior to the election he brought in a rather tough budget warning Albertans that the drop in oil prices would not be a temporary thing. He also suggested that high expenditures were partly due to the expectations of Albertans suggesting that people “look in the mirror”. This proved remarkably unpopular and the election of May 5, 2015 marked the end of the Progressive Conservative Government, which had governed Alberta since 1971. Tragically, Prentice would die in an airplane crash in October of 2016. The results of the May 5, 2015 election were: NDP 54; Wildrose 21; Progressive Conservative 9; Liberal 1; Alberta Party 1. The split between the centre-right parties is evident in the popular vote; the NDP won 40.6% of the popular vote, the David Hancock, Q.C. Jason Kenney Wildrose won 27.8% and the Progressive Conservatives had 24.2% (2015 Provincial Election Results, Elections Alberta). In contrast the UCP won 54.9% of the popular vote in the April 16, 2019 provincial election while the NDP won 32.7%. THENEWS from

Photo Credit: Brendan Brown JENELLE SASKIW POLITICAL EVENTS Senior Advisor Jenelle Saskiw has over 17 years’ NDP – Icebreaker Pub Night UCP – Pints & Politics: 2020 experience in administration and Thursday, January 30th @ 4:30pm Tuesday, Feb 11th @ 7:00pm as an elected official. She served Location: Original Joe’s, Red Deer Location: The Tommyfield Gastropub, Calgary four terms as a municipal • Join the Alberta NDP for a casual pub night a guest • Join UCP Constituency Associations in Calgary for a casual councillor, eight years as a mayor, speaker and light snacks. evening of political talk and beverages. six years with the Alberta Urban • Tix: Free RSVP (albertandp.ca/events) • Tix: Free (unitedconservative.ca/events) Municipalities Association and three years with the Federation of UCP – Black History Month Fundraiser UCP – Chinese New Year Celebration Canadian Municipalities. Jenelle Saturday, Feb. 8th @ 6:30pm Friday, Feb. 28th @ 5:30pm has a strong understanding and Location: Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton Location: Regency Palace Restaurant, Calgary • Join Premier Jason Kenny and Minister of Municipal • Join Premier Jason Kenny and MLA for a New Year passion for municipal and Affairs for a fundraising southern-inspired celebration. provincial issues. dinner and entertainment. • Tix: $98 (unitedconservative.ca/events) • Tix: $150+ (unitedconservative.ca/events)

UCP – Meet the Premier and MLAs Monday, Feb 10th @ 6:00pm Location: Revolution Place, Grande Prairie • Meet Jason Kenney and other UCP MLAs to provide budget feedback and discuss Alberta’s place nationally. • Tix: $150 (unitedconservative.ca/events)

KEY INFLUENCER PROFILE TIM SCHULTZ Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Jenelle Saskiw

When the newly formed UCP government won the election last spring, Premier Kenny had to consider balancing new MLAs and ministers with experienced staff who can bring the depth and knowledge to each ministry to help flawlessly carry out a heavy mandated UCP Source: LinkedIn platform. This held true when the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was structured. New MLA Devin Dreeshen was made Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and placed alongside him is a well-respected and experienced Chief of Staff, Tim Schultz. Tim is no stranger to the and has worked in various departments since 2008. Tim Schultz previously served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education and to the Minister of Finance with the Progressive Conservative governments from 2008 to 2012. Tim is also an accomplished supply chain professional who has extensive experience in material and operational management in both the private and public sectors. Tim is a caring professional who prides himself on building long-standing relationships with businesses and partners. Tim is a big picture thinker who can analyze situations and work collectively to create solutions and go above and beyond expected targets. Tim has a tremendous depth of knowledge and will continue to play an important role within the Alberta Legislature. THENEWS from

ZACK ZIOLKOWSKI ARE CHANGES TO LONG-TERM CARE COMING TO Associate ALBERTA? Zack Ziolkowski After graduating from MacEwan University, Zack started working for the former PC government as With the vast changes the UCP Government is undertaking to all aspects of life in our province, Alberta Counsel is wondering a political staffer and moving into what changes are coming to long-term care. a role as the Director of Research In the UCP election platform, Jason Kenney sets out the UCP vision for health care including these four ideas for long-term and Communications for care: Government Members prior to the • Prioritize capital funding for the immediate creation of new long-term care beds to community, non-profit, and 2015 election. He also has an independent providers extensive policy background • Return to using the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) partnerships to ensure more units are built more including work surrounding the quickly and cost effectively Municipal Government Act on • Allow for the creation of innovative community options (more care at home, and new personal care homes (PCHs) behalf of the Alberta Urban with a maximum of 15 people) for seniors who need more care than can be provided at home alone but who Municipalities Association. require less care than provided at supportive living facilities • Maintain all seniors’ benefits While we have not seen any legislative or policy changes as of yet, many are expecting the UCP to begin making good on these promises in the upcoming spring sitting of the Legislature. The UCP government has made much of the fact that they have achieved 43% of their commitments in only 12% of their mandate. Among the 56% remaining is the commitment to “respect and support Alberta’s seniors”. The UCP has historically attacked the past NDP government on their record when it comes to continuing care for seniors in this province. In fact, contained in their election platform they state that: “The NDP has failed Alberta’s seniors. Of those seniors assessed as needing continuing care, the percentage admitted to such care within 30 days has dropped from 60% in 2016 to 52% in 2018. For those admitted to acute care beds in hospitals and who needed placement in a continuing care facility, the average wait time rose from 40 days in 2016 to 51 days in 2017.” The implication, of course, is that the NDP has a failing record when it comes to taking care of Alberta’s seniors. In the platform, the UCP committed to prioritizing funding for the immediate creation of new long-term care beds. This funding was not available in Budget 2019. They also want to return to the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) partnerships, which they claim are much more cost effective: “The beds the NDP have built since are costly, with government projects at $600,000 to $1 million per unit—10 to 15 times the previous $70,000 per-unit cost contracted under the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI).” Further, the UCP want to utilize a variety of providers including community-based beds, not-for-profits, and independent offerings. The NDP claimed to have built 2,000 long-term care beds during their time in power, a figure the UCP disputes: “The NDP government’s response to this community care crisis is to claim to have built 2,000 new long-term care beds when, in fact, the NDP only met their 2015 target of 2,000 beds by counting at least 1,758 beds from the previous Progressive Conservative government’s program relying on private firms” It is clear that the UCP believes that there is not only a shortage of space for our seniors, but also that there needs to be efficiencies found in the creation of new spaces. One of the ways is to implement ASLI, which is open to not only not for-profit- groups, but also to faith-based and private sector organizations. This program was discontinued under the NDP in favor of spaces created by not-for-profits or other public agencies. It is anticipated the UCP will revive the program and utilize private organizations to build new spaces. They have been shown to be successful in their operation both from a cost perspective and the speed in which they can open beds compared to public agencies. Alberta is facing an oncoming grey wave with an aging population that will need to be cared for regardless of which party is sitting in the Premier’s Office. While there are divergent views on how best to create the health care system those seniors will need, there needs to be action taken immediately to begin providing those spaces. It will be interesting to see if the UCP keeps their election promise this spring sitting of the Legislature and if there is any mention of it in the Throne Speech. THE Alberta’s Premier Review of NEWS Politics and Government Vitality from

AT A GLANCE

In the Media

Alberta’s Legislature will return to session February O&G companies owe $173 million in unpaid property 25th tax – RMA The Second Session of the 30th Legislature will begin on In a press release by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, Feb 25th and end on June 4th. The Third Session will the organization has announced that companies in commence on October 26th and conclude December 3rd. Alberta’s energy sector are significantly behind in paying The first constituency week will be from March 9th to 12th. outstanding property taxes. AMA President Al Kemmere reported on the results of a survey sent out to its members where some municipalities revealed they are missing multi-million dollar dues from those operating on AARON Supreme Court of denies TMX appeal SINGLETON their land. The reported $173 million is more than double Policy Analyst The country’s highest court has upheld a decision by the the dues announced by RMA in the previous year. Court of Appeal. The B.C. government was attempting to have the In response, the Premier indicated that municipalities will During the second year of his overturn the previous decision that stipulated the province have to show a level of flexibility with the struggling Political Science degree at the cannot unilaterally control what is transferred through energy sector. “You can’t wring money from a stone” is , Aaron interprovincial pipelines within its borders. The court how the UCP leader described the situation. While he worked as the campaign manager unanimously confirmed that interprovincial pipelines fall acknowledged municipalities’ right to collect the money, for a candidate in the 2011 under the federal government’s jurisdiction. he also noted how many of the companies operating in Alberta are in dire financial straits and won’t have much federal election. He was able to This came as very welcome news for Jason Kenney and to give if they want to continue operations. translate that experience into a the Alberta government. NDP leader Rachel Notley also public service career that showed her public support for the decision as well. includes various positions with Construction on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion Alberta Government establishes formal credible Service Alberta and Justice & began shortly before the new year. There is a Federal assertion Solicitor General. He also served Court of Appeal matter directed at Indigenous consultation Rather quietly, the provincial government has published as the Foreign Policy Advisor for on the project which has been reserved. its process for establishing Metis Credible Assertion. The Security Council at the University process comes in response to the Supreme Court of of Alberta’s HSMUN conference Canada decision of R v. Powley (2003 SCC 43), a case Conservative Leadership Update where he developed his that centered around Metis hunting rights but is understanding of pragmatic policy Despite the hype that surrounded the idea of her running considered to be the case law that applies to all Metis analysis. to lead the federal Conservative Party, has consultations with the government regarding natural announced that she will not be entering her name for resource projects and land management. The process for consideration on the ballot in June. also confirming credible assertion can be found on the Alberta removed himself officially from the race on Thursday government’s website. afternoon. Many had considered him to be the major candidate not named Peter MacKay going into the race. In addition to those who have already signaled their AHS requests a 4-year salary freeze intention to run, more names have added themselves to After the arbitration decision was released earlier this the ever-expanding list of candidates this week. Rick week, AHS has presented a proposal seeking a salary Peterson, who ran in the 2017 leadership contest, will be freeze for four years as negotiations continue towards entering the ring again this time around. Richard Decarie, March 31. In addition to the freeze, AHS is requesting former Chief of Staff under the Harper regime, has his changes to overtime structure and many other changes. team in place and is collecting money and signatures. By comparison, the UNA has requested a two-year New MP Derek Sloan is also planning to enter the race. agreement with a 2% increase each year. These negotiations are ongoing despite the Ernst & Young report on AHS having not been published at this point. The firm’s review was mandated to look at ways to make AHS more efficient for Albertans. That report was due to government on December 31, 2019. THE Alberta’s Premier Review of NEWS Politics and Government Vitality from

IS GRANDE PRAIRIE THE NEW FORT MCMURRAY? Phil Johnson

This past December some readers may have noticed a story in the Financial Post suggesting Grande Prairie is the new Fort McMurray. While your scribbler’s unsure to what extent residents agree with that comparison, there is no doubt the region is a critically important driver of the Alberta economy, and is likely to become even more so in the future.

Located approximately 4 hours northwest of Edmonton, Grande Prairie is an economic hub for almost 300,000 people who visit from as far away as the and northeastern BC. The city is situated within the County of Grande Prairie #1, PHIL JOHNSON established in 1951. Associate While the Grande Prairie region has long relied on oil and gas, it also benefits from robust agriculture and forestry sectors. This mix of industries has helped the area as it weathers the most recent economic downturn. Tourism is also a draw to the region, With over 11 years of political with a major attraction being the world-class Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, operated by the County. experience in Alberta, Phil most recently held the positions of After hitting a peak of 10% unemployment in 2016, the area’s unemployment rate now sits at 5.8%, well below the provincial Ministerial Assistant to the average of 7.2%. Despite these relatively strong numbers, many people are still suffering the effects of the downturn. Minister of Energy and Chief of Staff to the Minister of Indigenous One of reasons Grande Prairie continues to be a bright star on Alberta’s horizon is the quality and dynamism of its oil and gas Relations in the NDP government. resources. Made accessible by improved fracking technology in the early 2000s, the Montney and the Duvernay shale He has also enjoyed various formations hold an estimated 500 trillion cubic feet of gas, 20 billion barrels of natural gas condensate (liquid added to positions with the NDP bitumen to make it flow in pipelines), and 4.5 billion barrels of oil. This past September, the Grand Prairie region accounted for 25% of all drilling activity in Alberta. The potential for growth in the gas fields around Grande Prairie has been described as Opposition. He holds an Honours “absolutely huge” and have often been compared to other prolific plays in the US. Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. A skilled While market access and low natural gas prices continue to be the major obstacles to further growth in Alberta’s oil and gas public relations advisor, policy industry, governments in and around Grande Prairie also point to a need for improved provincial infrastructure as a limiting analyst and project manager, he factor. understands what it takes to build strong networks and effectively Highway 40 provides the only paved access to some of the prolific oil and gas fields and forestry operations south of Grande advocate on both economic and Prairie. On any given day, the road is packed with heavy equipment and workers traveling to and from industrial operations. In social issues. 2017, 30% of the traffic on the highway was single truck or tractor-trailer, more than Highway 63 south of Fort McMurray.

Residents say the twinning of Highway 40 is long overdue. On average, traffic comes to a grinding halt for 30mins to 24hrs at least once per week, representing a serious drain on economic productivity (i.e. cost to businesses) and discouraging further investment. Traffic accidents are also a major concern, with injury and death rates at over one-and-a-half times the average for provincial undivided highways in recent years. One economic impact study looking at the proposed twining of Highway 40 between Grande Prairie and the Norbord OSB plant estimated the 19-kilometer-long project would generate a net social benefit of $483.7 million, not to mention possibly save lives.

Other projects on the region’s wish list include the twinning of Highway 43 from Grande Prairie to the BC border. This project could help Alberta companies service the development of LNG export projects.

On February 19th and 20th, regional business leaders and elected representatives from the province and counties around northwestern Alberta will gather to discuss economic development at the 11th Annual Growing the North Conference. The region’s infrastructure needs, including completion of the Grande Prairie ring-road and a new hospital in Beaverlodge, will no doubt be discussed, along with how to attract more investments like the $2 billion methanol plant Nauticol Energy Ltd is hoping to build.

A prosperous Grande Prairie region means more jobs, taxes and royalties for the province. As Albertans, we should do all we can to help the region meet its full potential.

For information on Growing the North visit www.growingthenorth.com