Alberta Liberals support 'non-negotiable' royalty increase
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 | 2:04 PM MT
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The Alberta Liberals would adopt all of a provincial panel's recommendations, including raising royalties charged to energy companies by 20 per cent, if they were in power.
"This is non-negotiable, and it can be achieved while maintaining a vibrant energy sector," Liberal Leader Kevin Taft said at a news conference Tuesday in Calgary.
Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft speaks to reporters in Calgary.
(CBC)
A government-appointed panel concluded Albertans were not getting their fair share of the lucrative oil and gas activity in the province, and called for a royalty hike of 20 per cent.
The energy sector is opposed to any changes, warning they will bring an economic downturn and scare away investors.
The Opposition party released its response more than a month after the report was first issued, because Monday was the first chance for the Liberals to meet members of the royalty review panel.
Taft said the Liberal position also comes after speaking with a cross-section of Albertans, and members of the oil and gas industry.
Taft also challenged the premier to release earlier internal reports recommending higher royalties.
"There is too much at stake for this debate to take place without this vital information," he said.
The Liberal leader waved off criticism that the party missed a key political opportunity by waiting this long to give an official stance.
Premier Ed Stelmach is scheduled to release an overview of his government's response to the royalty review during a televised address to the province on Wednesday evening.
With files from the Canadian PressShare Tools
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Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft speaks to reporters in Calgary.
