11.49°C Vancouver

Feb 17, 2023 7:38 PM - The Canadian Press

Alberta appoints oilpatch veterans to advise government on province's energy future

Share On
alberta-appoints-oilpatch-veterans-to-advise-government-on-provinces-energy-future
The panel will be chaired by David Yager, a longtime writer on the oilpatch. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Premier Danielle Smith will turn to a panel of five oilpatch veterans to advise her government on the future of Alberta's energy industry.

The panel will be chaired by David Yager, a longtime writer on the oilpatch.

Yager was also a former political candidate for the Wildrose Party, one of the groups that came together to form the United Conservative Party that Smith now leads.

The other members of the panel include Hal Kvisle, who sits on the board of Cenovus Energy and has run several other energy companies.

Bob Curran is a former director of the Alberta Energy Regulator.

Carey Arnett is president of Arnett and Burgess Pipeliners and Phil Hodge is the president of Pine Cliff Energy.

The panel is to meet with government ministries and industry stakeholders, although Smith makes no mention of public consultation or outside experts.

Smith says the panel is to advise the government on how Alberta can meet the world's future energy needs and a final report is to be completed by June 30.

Latest news

storm-threatens-b-c-s-coastal-regions-with-heavy-rainfall-and-strong-wind-warnings
BCNov 05, 2026

Storm Threatens B.C.’s Coastal Regions, With Heavy Rainfall and Strong Wind Warnings

A powerful storm is expected to hit British Columbia’s coastal regions, bringing heavy rainfall of up to 120 millimetres in some areas. Environment Canada has issued heavy rainfall warnings for western and inland parts of Vancouver Island, where rainfall could reach 10 millimetres per hour for several consecutive hours. According to the weather agency, the heaviest rainfall is expected in northern areas near Tofino, including Port Alice and Zeballos. Heavy rain is also forecast for the Central Coast, including Bella Coola. Meanwhile, strong winds reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h are expecte
AlbertaNov 05, 2026

Alberta Government Concerned Over U.S. Midterm Election Results

Following the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the U.S. midterm elections, experts and political leaders in Alberta are assessing the potential impact on Canada, particularly the province. American voters also voiced strong opposition to political parties manipulating electoral maps. Alberta’s NDP has compared the issue to the ongoing controversy over the province’s proposed new electoral boundaries. Premier Danielle Smith said the U.S. midterm results reinforced her government’s approach to dealing with tariffs. Her government has emphasized diplomacy and negotiations to strengthen rela
AlbertaNov 05, 2026

Okotoks Shaken by Powerful Explosion, Home Completely Destroyed

A powerful explosion at a building in Okotoks, southeast of Calgary, caused significant damage Thursday morning, completely destroying a large single-family home. According to Calgary Fire crews, a loud blast was heard across the area between approximately 7:10 and 7:45 a.m. The explosion occurred in a detached building on a rural property near Heritage Heights School. An elderly couple was inside the home at the time of the explosion, but both were reported safe. As a precaution, Heritage Heights School was immediately evacuated and will remain closed for the day. Students who normally travel
CanadaNov 05, 2026

Porter Airlines Announces New Non-Stop Flights Between Vancouver and London, Ontario

Porter Airlines has announced the launch of new non-stop flights between Vancouver and London, Ontario, starting April 12, 2027. The airline will operate at least one daily flight between the two cities, with service potentially increasing to 11 flights per week during the peak travel season. Russell Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development at Vancouver International Airport, welcomed the announcement, saying the new route will strengthen connections between British Columbia and southwestern Ontario. It will provide greater convenience for business travellers, tourists and people visiting
CanadaNov 05, 2026

Quebec Premier Steps Up Efforts to Improve Ties with U.S. After Midterm Elections

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has announced plans to launch a diplomatic outreach campaign in the United States following the midterm elections, aiming to improve relations and ease trade tensions. Plamondon said the rejection of U.S. President Donald Trump's policies by voters presents an opportunity for Canada and Quebec to find new allies in the United States and strengthen cross-border cooperation. However, he clarified that Quebec has no immediate plans to launch direct trade negotiations with Washington. Instead, the province will focus on opening new channels of communication

Related News