Inquiry into funding of Alberta oil and gas critics granted fourth extension

May 19, 2021 | 4:35 PM

EDMONTON – Premier Jason Kenney says an inquiry into the funding of oil and gas industry critics has been given a fourth deadline extension because it needs the time.

Kenney says he can’t recall a public inquiry that has ever come in on time.

Last night on Facebook, Kenney confirmed the extension for Steve Allan, a forensic accountant tapped in 2019 to lead the inquiry.

Allan was to have finished his report by Monday.

Energy Minister Sonya Savage says cabinet approved the extension until July 30th.

Officials are blaming the delays on the legal efforts of environmental law firm Ecojustice to have the inquiry thrown out.

Last week, a judge dismissed an attempt by Ecojustice to quash the United Conservative government’s inquiry.

The court ruled that Ecojustice failed to prove the inquiry was called to intimidate charities that have raised concerns about the industry’s environmental impact.

Kenney says Allan had to spend a lot of time and resources defending his inquiry from the lawsuit.

(The Canadian Press)

by Canadian Press