EDMONTON – With the massive drop in the price of oil and a threat of a recession in Alberta, Premier Jim Prentice is heading south in an effort to get more Alberta oil to market.
The premier is leaving Saturday for a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City, where he’ll meet with U.S. legislators, administration officials and representatives of the banking, energy and environmental policy sectors.
READ MORE: Deficits needed to solve Alberta’s oil crisis: Prentice
The government says Prentice’s points of emphasis during the meetings will be Alberta’s record of responsible resource development, the province’s efforts to advance cleaner technologies for oil and gas production, along with North America’s energy economy.
“I am looking forward to sharing Alberta’s continued good work on clean energy innovation and our plan for prudent fiscal management during challenging economic times,” says Prentice.
Alberta’s premier has said this is the most serious financial circumstance Alberta has faced in 25 to 50 years. He’s conceded that a provincial sales tax is up for discussion as low oil prices continue to bleed billions of dollars from the treasury.
READ MORE: Alberta premier Prentice considers sales tax to fix ailing, oil-based economy
Government members are heading out to Alberta communities to hear firsthand from residents on what needs to be done, given forecasts that low oil prices may last for several years.
Decisions flowing from those conversations will be reflected in the upcoming budget, but Prentice has said he’s also working on a multi-year plan to balance the books and get Alberta off the roller-coaster of fluctuating oil prices.
On Tuesday, the New Democrats announced they’ll be holding their own discussions with Albertans, to also find out what residents want Prentice to do during a time of great economic uncertainty.
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