Alberta economic summit

CALGARY – The Tory government is holding an economic summit in Calgary Saturday to examine the long-term financial challenges facing the province.

First announced during the premier’s televised address last month, the meeting is expected to draw up to 300 community and business leaders, politicians, union heads and academics to the one-day event at Mount Royal University.

Former federal cabinet minister Jim Prentice will be the guest speaker and talk about market access issues for Alberta’s energy.

Other panellists and moderators include Talisman Energy CEO Hal Kvisle, University of Alberta economist Joseph Doucet, Wildrose party campaign manager Tom Flanagan, Herald business columnist Deb Yedlin, and Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan.

Separate panels will discuss the fiscal problems facing the government – the province has posted five consecutive budget deficits – managing public expectations for services and fine-tuning the province’s revenue.