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By Canadian Press

Inquiry into Alberta oil and gas critics extended to Jan. 31, with no new money

Oct 28, 2020 | 4:58 PM

EDMONTON – A public inquiry into who is funding environmental opposition to Alberta’s oil and gas industry has been granted an extension until the end of January.

Alberta’s United Conservative government contends foreign interests have long been bankrolling campaigns against fossil fuel development and in 2019 tapped forensic accountant Steve Allan to lead a $2.5-million inquiry.

Allan’s report was initially due in July, but he was granted an extension until Oct. 30 and a $1-million budget increase.

Energy Minister Sonya Savage says Alberta’s cabinet has agreed to another 90-day extension to Jan. 31, but it comes with no additional funding.

She says it’s meant to ensure potential participants have a fair opportunity to provide input and that COVID-19 restrictions have led to procedural delays.

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A lawsuit filed by environmental law firm Ecojustice argues the inquiry is politically motivated, biased and outside provincial jurisdiction.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2020.

The Canadian Press