FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Provincial cabinet to take the stage at Leading the North Fort McMurray, Alberta – May 21, 2014 – With less than a week to go before the Leading the North Conference, the committee is pleased to announce some exciting additions to its lineup. A political discussion will be taking place on May 27 with a variety Government of Alberta Cabinet Ministers’ including: • Frank Oberle, Minister of • Teresa Woo-Paw, Associate Aboriginal Relations Minister of International and • Diana McQueen, Minister of Intergovernmental Relations Energy • Dave Quest, Associate • Wayne Drysdale, Minister of Minister of Seniors Transportation and • Dave Rodney, Associate Infrastructure Minister of Wellness • Thomas A. Lukaszuk, • Don Scott, Associate Minister Minister of Jobs, Skills, of Accountability, Training and Labour Transparency & Transformation During the session, the ministers and associate ministers will be taking questions from delegates, and discussing regional development topics impacting the north. Rex Murphy, from CBC’s Cross Country Checkup will be moderating. “This is an exciting lineup,” said Carol Christian¸ a planning committee member. “To have this many cabinet ministers together talking about the issues impacting the north all at once, is a great opportunity for a variety of sector delegates.” Lynley Kotyk, also on the Leading the North planning committee, added that having a seasoned news man like Murphy at the helm of the discussion will certainly add value to the already vast lineup. The theme of this year’s Leading the North Conference is, ‘Potential Meets Prosperity’ and has been developed to provoke ideas and dialogue about the development of Alberta’s energy resources, and its global influence. In addition to the cabinet speakers, presenters will be on hand throughout the three day event. Premier Dave Hancock will be providing a keynote message; Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake will also be presenting, and speakers from throughout Canada including Arlene Dickinson and Kevin O’Leary from Dragon’s Den and Chief Clarence Louie, one of Canada’s most highly profiled Aboriginal leaders, and proponents of economic self-reliance. In addition, some of the topics during this year’s conference will include: equity outcomes for all students by education leader Dr. Avis Glaze, enterprise facilitation by economic development specialist Dr. Ernesto Sirolli, and urbanization by urban planner Dr. Anthony Townsend – not to mention much, much more. For a full list of speakers, to register or for more information, please go to our website at www.leadingthenorth.ca Lynley Kotyk Carol Christian Leading the North Planning Leading the North Planning Committee Committee Phone: 780-370-1362 Tel: 780-790-1933 [email protected] [email protected] .