Energy Industry Competitiveness

Federal Regulatory Enhancement

The complexity of policy and regulatory coordination across provincial and federal jurisdictions, in combination with incremental changes to Canada’s regulatory system over time, has resulted in concerns around efficiency, effectiveness, policy coordination and timeliness of the system. Calgary Chamber members believe there are significant opportunities for the federal government to enhance Canada’s policy and regulatory system.

As part of a House of Commons Committee review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Chamber provided recommendations. You can view our letter to the Committee Chair and submission.

This work has already paid dividends. You may have caught the Globe and Mail article recently in which Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver said more will be done to eliminate inefficiencies, exempt small projects from review and work with the provinces to provide a ‘one project, one review’ approach. The House Committee has retained Parliamentary Analysts to prepare a report with recommendations.

Alberta Regulatory Enhancement Project

In 2009, the Government of Alberta initiated the 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. The Competitiveness Study 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. The Chamber participated in the consultation process with an initial submission and partnered with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and other industry partners in another in-depth piece.

Task Force recommendations were presented in December 2010 with implementation expected in 2012.

The Chair of the Regulatory Enhancement Task Force, MLA Diana McQueen, acknowledged the important contribution made by the Chamber. Click here to view her comments.

Recent Highlights

Learn more about the REP at the Government of Alberta website

To read more articles, op-eds and publications on Energy Industry Competitiveness, click here.

Alberta Natural Gas and Coventional 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
• Submission to the Competitiveness Review consultation
• Article - Competitiveness Review gets fiscal terms right

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.

• Premier's Letter