LAKELAND - Alberta’s political representative for the Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche constituency says official office space representing the province in the nation’s capital is a good thing.
On Feb. 5, during a press conference in Ottawa, the government of Alberta announced the opening of a provincial representative office designed to give Alberta a stronger voice in the nation’s capital.
Brian Jean, the MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, and Alberta’s Energy and Minerals minister says having staff in Ottawa means the province can effectively communicate Alberta’s strengths and concerns with federal decision makers.
“The office opening could not have come at a more important time,” Jean told Lakeland This Week. “Promoting Alberta’s interests and priorities in Ottawa is critical to securing a fair deal for Albertans.”
The office is located in Constitution Square in downtown Ottawa, blocks away from the Parliament buildings.
According to information released by the provincial government, the office will play a “pivotal role” in promoting Alberta while creating stronger relationships not only with the federal government, but those across Canada as well.
Jean said that a strong Alberta means a strong Canada. However, he continued, the federal government is enacting policies that hurt both. These policies include the No More Pipelines Act, a ban on plastics, as well as a proposed de facto production cap that he says would devastate Albertans.
The office will be supported by three staff who will report to the deputy minister of Intergovernmental Relations.
Jean said having Alberta’s interests represented in Ottawa will also benefit residents who live in his constituency.
“This work is particularly important to my constituents, many of whom depend on oil and gas and supporting businesses for their livelihoods,” he stated.
Echoing Jean’s words, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the opening of this office could not have come at a more important time for the province.
“I am very pleased that we will have a centre for advocacy and information right here within the capital city so that Alberta’s strengths and concerns are able to be more clearly and quickly communicated,” Smith stated.
James Carpenter, who was appointed as the province’s senior representative to Ottawa in September 2023, said “this office will strengthen Alberta’s relationships with federal decision makers and promote Alberta as the best place to trade, invest and travel.”
