Canadian Energy Centre 'integrating into' Intergovernmental Relations, province says
![Canadian Energy Centre Canadian Energy Centre logo.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/9/1/canadian-energy-centre-1-5569224-1630498601400.jpeg)
Change is coming at the Canadian Energy Centre, also known as the United Conservative Party's controversial energy war room.
On Tuesday, the energy minister's office released the following statement:
"The Canadian Energy Centre (CEC) is an important advocate for Canada and Alberta's long-term position as a safe, clean and responsible energy supplier and will continue to increase the public's understanding of the role oil and gas plays globally in a secure energy future.
"After careful consideration, we will be integrating the mandate of the CEC into Intergovernmental Relations (IGR).
"Resources such as CEC assets, intellectual property, and researchers will now be supporting IGR in order to seamlessly continue this important work."
The energy minister's office went on to say, "In a time when the federal government is attempting to make the promotion of Alberta's energy industry illegal, and passing policy that will cripple Canada's largest industry employing hundreds of thousands of Canadians by implementing an emissions cap, it is more important than ever that Alberta has a strong advocate.
"The Government of Alberta will continue our fight to promote the energy sector."
The statement from the energy minister's office followed a release by Alberta NDP leadership candidate Kathleen Ganley.
Ganley said the so-called energy war room was shutting down.
"The War Room was symbolic of the UCP's leadership — it existed only to signal the UCP's disdain for our fellow Canadians and waste money, and it was intentionally designed to avoid even a hint of transparency.
"I am thrilled to see this pointless waste of money finally ended — I hope the UCP will use the funding to do something to actually help the people of this province."
Ganley's release noted she has "consistently advocated to have the Canadian Energy Centre closed."
"The Canadian Energy Centre or War Room has been a consistent embarrassment to the province," she said in the release.
"It is most famous for attacking a children's movie and stealing a logo. It can boast absolutely zero accomplishments.
"Thank you to the Albertans who have stood with me, consistently calling for this debacle of an entity to be shuttered and the money put to good use. It is a good day when we can force this obstinate government to finally back down."
The Canadian Energy Centre was originally set up to fight what the UCP considered misinformation about the oil and gas industry.
At one time, it had a $31-million budget.
More recently, that number is $9 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6877535.1715120774!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Senior charged in shooting of teen on rural property north of Edmonton
A Sturgeon County man has been charged after he allegedly shot a teen over the weekend.
Altercation between 'numerous' golfers on B.C. course broken up by RCMP
Authorities broke up an altercation involving "numerous" golfers at a course in B.C.'s Lower Mainland over the weekend – an incident that was apparently prompted by serious breaches in etiquette.
'He was bigger than life': Former broadcaster Scott Boyd dies at 68
Former Breakfast Television co-host and radio broadcaster Scott Boyd has died at the age of 68.
Judge grants U of T injunction to clear pro-Palestinian encampment from downtown Toronto campus
An Ontario judge has granted the University of Toronto an injunction allowing it to clear out a pro-Palestinian encampment from its downtown Toronto campus
RFK Jr. says he has 'skeletons in my closet' after sexual assault allegation
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Tuesday he has 'so many skeletons in my closet,' when asked about an allegation in a Vanity Fair article that he sexually assaulted a former family babysitter.
Eastern Ontario doctor accused of killing four patients acquitted of murder charges, negligence
An eastern Ontario doctor facing four charges of first-degree murder and negligence causing death in connection with the deaths of four seniors at a Hawkesbury hospital was acquitted on all charges at the Ottawa courthouse on Tuesday.
Ontario police seize over $1M in cocaine, $300K in cash in major drug bust
Police in Cornwall, Ont. have seized approximately $1.3 million worth of cocaine and $300,000 in cash as part of a major drugs investigation.
Are fewer Canadians having children? We want to hear from you
Are you choosing not to have children? CTVNews.ca wants to hear from you.
NHL free agency shows teams in U.S. states with no income tax have an advantage
It's become difficult to deny the impact of favourable tax situations for teams around the NHL.