The Canadian Energy Centre, also known as the “war room”, will be integrated into the Intergovernmental Relations department, according to the Alberta government.
The decision to fold the energy centre into the intergovernmental relations department was announced on Tuesday by Energy Minister Sonya Savage. This move is part of the government’s efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs.
The Canadian Energy Centre was established in December 2019 with a budget of $30 million to promote the province’s energy industry and combat what the government called “misinformation” about the sector. However, the centre has faced criticism for its high operating costs and controversial tactics.
In a statement, Minister Savage said that the integration of the energy centre into the intergovernmental relations department will allow for better coordination and collaboration between the two departments. She also stated that this move will result in cost savings for taxpayers.
The intergovernmental relations department is responsible for managing Alberta’s relationships with other provinces and the federal government. It also works to promote the province’s interests on a national and international level.
The decision to fold the energy centre into this department has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the move as a step towards more efficient and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Others, however, have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the energy centre’s mandate and effectiveness.
The government has stated that the integration process will be completed by the end of June and that the energy centre’s current staff will be reassigned to other roles within the government.
This development marks a significant change for the Canadian Energy Centre and its role in promoting Alberta’s energy industry. As the integration process unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the centre’s operations and effectiveness in the future.
