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Energy Industry Competitiveness

Royalty Review Panel

In February 2007, the Government of Alberta created an independent panel to solicit input, and examine whether Albertans were receiving a fair share from energy development through royalties, taxes, and fees. After receiving the Panel's report and recommendations, the government decided to alter the royalty system to secure a larger share of royalties and to share in more of the upside of oil & gas prices. The Chamber was an important voice of reason and balance in this discussion, representing a wide range of industries.

As part of the Chamber's presentation to Royalty Review Panel, the Chamber urged no changes and outlined the potential impact to small and medium-sized businesses.

News Release
Presentation to the Royalty Review Panel
Submission to the Panel

As the government contemplated the report from the Royalty Review Panel, the Chamber offered strategic approaches to implementation in order to protect the economy from a dramatic loss of confidence and investment capital.

Media Release
Letter to Premier Stelmach

The Premier acknowledged the candour, comments and detailed analysis of the Chamber's efforts in a November 23, 2007 letter. <View letter>


Alberta Natural Gas and Conventional Oil Investment Competitiveness Study

In 2009, the Government of Alberta commenced an Alberta Natural Gas and Conventional Oil Investment Competitiveness Study to ensure the province has the appropriate regulatory and fiscal environment to remain attractive for investment.

Energizing Investment – A Framework to Improve Alberta’s Natural Gas and Conventional Oil Competitiveness was released in March 2010. Based on the findings of the study, it will modify conventional oil and natural gas royalty rates; promote innovation; and improve regulatory efficiency. The framework recognizes that new drilling techniques have unlocked large new reserves in other areas of North America, with Alberta under competitive pressure to attract investment.

News Release: March 11, 2010
Chamber reaction to the Competitiveness Review announcement

Publication: November 10, 2009
Chamber submission to the Competitiveness Review consultation

Article: June 30, 2010
Competitiveness Review gets fiscal terms right



Regulatory Enhancement Project

The Competitiveness Review found that the regulatory system has become increasingly complex and lacks integrated policies and delivery methods. A Task Force, Chaired by MLA Diana McQueen, was struck to oversee regulatory improvement efforts. It will present recommendations by the end of 2010. More information: http://www.energy.alberta.ca/Initiatives/RegulatoryEnhancement.asp

The Chamber offered recommendations as part of the public consultation process.

Article: June 30, 2010
Creating a more efficient regulatory system

Publication: June 25, 2010
Response to the Regulatory Enhancement Project Stakeholder Workshop Questionnaire - Policy Integration| Framework and Policy Assurance System

The Chair of the Regulatory Enhancement Task Force, MLA Diana McQueen, acknowledged the important contribution made by the Chamber to the review. < View letter >

Letter: October 19, 2010
Letter to the Chair of the Regulatory Enhancement Task Force

Publication: October 8, 2010
Industry Submission on the Alberta Regulatory Enhancement Project


What's New

Letter: October 19, 2010
Letter to the Chair of the Regulatory Enhancement Task Force

Publication: October 8, 2010
Industry Submission on the Alberta Regulatory Enhancement Project

Letter: July 7, 2010
Response from the Chair of the Regulatory Enhancement Task Force

Article: June 30, 2010
Competitiveness Review gets fiscal terms right

Article: June 30, 2010
Creating a more efficient regulatory system

Publication: June 25, 2010
Response to the Regulatory Enhancement Project Stakeholder Workshop Questionnaire - Policy Integration | Framework and Policy Assurance System

Article: April 29, 2010
Proud partner in the 'Alberta is Energy' initiative

Article: March 25, 2010
Provincial government takes steps to improve oil and gas investment competitiveness

Op-ed: March 25, 2010
A tale of two royalty reviews

News Release: March 11, 2010
Competitiveness Review changes will help restore investor confidence and attract new investment

Op-ed: December 17, 2009
Our oilpatch needs Christmas miracle

Article: December 3, 2009
Chamber makes recommendations to improve oil and gas industry competitiveness

Article: November 12, 2009
Oil & gas industry competitiveness critical to Alberta's long-term prosperity

Op-ed: September 10, 2009
Playing chicken with royalties

Article: February 10, 2009
Premier promises help for junior and mid-cap companies

Article: January 27, 2009
Meeting with Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations focused on competitiveness

Article: July 15, 2008
Chamber royalty review warnings proven correct



Results

June 30, 2010
Competitiveness Review gets fiscal terms right

March 25, 2010
Provincial government takes steps to improve oil and gas investment competitiveness

February 10, 2009
Premier promises help for junior and mid-cap companies

Chamber News

2011 municipal budget should recognize the fragile economic recovery

Great Calgary ideas presented to City Council

New President + CEO blog

Business community looks forward to working with newly elected City Council