Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says an inquiry into who is funding environmental opposition to the province’s oil and gas sector will be completed some time next year.
His United Conservative government contends foreign interests have been working to undermine the industry for years.
The inquiry, headed by forensic accountant Steve Allan, was initially expected to report its findings this summer and its deadline was most recently extended to Oct. 30.
A lawsuit filed by environmental law firm Ecojustice argues the inquiry is politically motivated, biased and outside provincial jurisdiction
Kenney also says his government would be introducing legislation next year to make it illegal for foreign interests to fund political action committees.
He says the Canadian Energy Centre, a war room meant to counter what the UCP government considers misinformation about the oil and gas industry, will ramp up again after the COVID-19 pandemic put it on hiatus.
Kenney made his remarks Saturday during a livestreamed question-and-answer session capping off the party’s convention, which was held virtually over two weekends due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in the day, federal Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole told party members that Alberta has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic better than the federal government.