EDMONTON, AB: On the eve of Alberta Energy Minister Margaret McCuaig-Boyd’s trade mission to China, the Wildrose Official Opposition commended the government for undertaking this trip, and encouraging the minister to make it a meaningful one.
“I am encouraged to see this government taking relations with Alberta’s second largest trading partner seriously,” Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said. “China is the world’s largest energy consumer. It could be a huge purchaser of Alberta energy if the NDP government commits to supporting pipelines in all directions.”
China is expected to import 75 per cent of its crude oil by 2035, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“This trade mission is an opportunity for the minister to have important conversations with the energy experts accompanying her on the trip,” Jean said. “The NDP government should be educating themselves about how Alberta is the world leader in environmentally responsible energy development.”
The trade mission will see the minister meeting with members of the manufacturing, energy, and post-secondary sectors.
Wildrose is also calling on the government to make the promotion of the new direct air cargo service between Edmonton and Shanghai a key priority. The direct Alberta to China flight is expected to generate a $31 million GDP gain per year for the Edmonton region.