As Canada’s economic engine, Alberta continues to be a launch pad for political and public policy change. Leadership in Alberta has remained in the hands of the Progressive Conservative party for over 36 years. The party’s fourth Premier, Ed Stelmach has yet to face his first general election as leader. In the months leading up to this test, Stelmach introduced a comprehensive list of public consultations, many of which have moved into the policy development stage. The opportunity exists for interested stakeholders to move key policy and legislative issues forward, as Stelmach will be looking to show action on a number of fronts in advance of an election. These factors combine to make Alberta an important focus for public policy development, bringing together business and public interest considerations.

Global Public Affairs has a dedicated Calgary office that fulfils multiple roles. This office serves both Alberta-based clients with federal government relations needs, as well as servicing clients whose interests include Alberta. As more federal issues are driven through provincial initiatives, Alberta is increasingly a powerful lever, potential ally and advocate for issues facing industry.

With the provincial government’s overwhelming desire to consult, being part of the policy development is crucial. Some of the issues driving government relations include:

• The energy and natural resource sector faces regulatory reform issues as the Energy and Utilities Board is divided and the departments of energy and environment review their process and the cumulative impacts of development.
• Contract opportunities, permit challenges, land use guidelines and environmental issues – often involving multiple government departments and agencies and across the two orders of government are important considerations for Alberta’s resource sector.
• Immense budgetary power directed into long-term investment, leading to unprecedented procurement and service opportunities, especially in education, technology, and infrastructure.
• Continued review of the rising cost of health care and opportunities to engage in “new service delivery” options.
• International attention and investment in Alberta corporations and projects.

Global’s Alberta practice has served clients in several and varied fields, including: business opportunities, petrochemicals, oil sands, not-for-profit, procurement, technology, mining, research, health care and waste management.

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