Province hires Washington lobbyists
Updated: Sat Apr. 04 2009
ctvcalgary.ca
The province has hired Washington lobbyists to pitch the oil patch to Alberta's biggest customer.
"There is so much at stake for Alberta and we will be applying the full-court press. Not only on elected officials but also on the U.S. administration," says Premier Ed Stelmach.
The move comes as the American government is under increasing pressure to invest in and purchase green energy.
Stelmach says many don't realize how clean Alberta's oil sands are and that's why he's enlisting the help of lobbyists.
James Blanchard, the former American ambassador to Canada, and Paul Fraser, who used to work at the Canadian embassy in Washington, will be paid a total of $40,000 per month to represent the interests of Alberta.
The two are said to have strong contacts with the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama.
They will join Gary Mar, a former Alberta MLA, who is currently earning more than $300,000 a year to be Alberta's voice in Washington.
"I want some kind of accountability for that money. If his job is redundant in this economy we ought to cut that out," says Bridget Pastoor a Liberal MLA.
Mar says the new lobbyists will play an important role, helping Alberta get its foot into the door of the Washington establishment.
"I've had some success...but no doubt it helps to have someone who can get you the key introductions," says Mar.
Mar says because of his Washington office's efforts, at least one state has abandoned plans to ban the use and purchase of Alberta oil.
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