An upstart Alberta political party will craft an energy policy over the coming months with the help of two well-known industry members.
David Yager, the current chair of Petroleum Services Association of Canada, and David Gray, former executive director of Alberta's Utilities Consumer Advocate, will head the energy task force, which will listen to industry concerns, said newly elected Wildrose Alliance Leader Danielle Smith.
"We are not going to limit them to five or 10 minutes," she said in Calgary on Tuesday. "We are actually going to consult with them broadly to find out where some of the problems are.
"We are hoping to be able to work those complaints and criticisms into our energy policy task force process where we can develop some policy that will address them."
Smith has already said that, if elected, she wants to change the province's royalty regime.
Smith spoke to members of the Canadian Heavy Oil Association as part of her tour of the province trying to drum up support and candidates for her party.
Tracy Grills, the association's president, said it is refreshing to hear a new political voice.
"Anytime you get new blood into the political scene, it tends to make everyone wake up and rethink," he said. "What is really good for Alberta? What is right? What should we be doing?"
On Monday, Smith spoke at a sold-out breakfast fundraiser in Calgary sponsored by FirstEnergy Capital.
