Jason Nixon “appalled” anti-oil activist named to board of AER

The United Conservative party is condemning the appointment of a former Pembina Institute executive director to the board of the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The party’s house leader Jason Nixon says he is appalled that an anti-oil activist has been named to the board of the energy regulator.

Nixon likens the appointment of Ed Whittingham to activist Tzeporah Berman’s placement on the Oilsands Advisory Board.

But an energy ministry spokesman says many Albertans have shared Whittingham’s concerns in the past about the sustainability and pace of oilsands development.