[First Lady]

Alberta Alliance Media release on Rally.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

A call to action for Alberta’s future

First, I appreciate greatly the massive economic boost that the oil, gas
and related industries provide to all people in this province. The
recommendations of the Royalty Review Panel have concerned me
greatly and I believe that the majority of Albertans will be hurt should the
recommendations be implemented. I am writing to share a few of my
thoughts on the issue and to invite you to take part in an organized
campaign to inform Albertans and fight for the economic future of the
province.

A word about fairness. “Fair” is an easy word to use and, as seen by the
media’s reaction to the Royalty Review Report, a very effective one. It
instantly conjures the positive. For instance, in minor hockey, who doesn’t
think it right that every kid get a fair and equal chance to play.

However, if the Flames or the Oilers are in the Stanley Cup Finals, how
concerned are we as fans that every player on the team gets equal ice
time? Not at all. The fans, the coach and all the players want the best
players on the ice, as much as possible. They want the team to win.

We want Alberta to win. The oil and gas industry is our best player,
benching it through higher royalties might be seen as fair but in the end
the whole team will suffer. And as much as we love hockey, this is a
bigger game. This is the prosperity of our province and livelihood of our
families.

Let’s talk to people, not in terms of dollars, but in terms of jobs lost. The
misconception is that we can always tax industry more. Even in this
economy, people will listen if we can explain how many families will be
without pay checks should the government implement the recommendations.
The larger companies will downsize and many of the small businesses may
be forced to close their doors.

It is critical that people see and feel their connection to the oil and gas industry.
Every Albertan is connected, through family, through friends, through customers,
through tax revenue. We have to help them realize
that. Industry experts have forecast consequences but the people are
not listening or believing. We must get the word out: this is not about big
industry, it is about Alberta’s economy, yours and mine.

I hope you have read the Alberta Alliance’s Response to the Report of the
Royalty Review Panel. If you haven’t, please visit www.albertaalliance.ca.
We need to inform the people of Alberta about the consequences of
raising the royalty rates. They need to understand the impact that
changing the rules will have on raising capital for exploration and infrastructure.

Bill Hunter’s Report was a very well written political document and we
need to combat that with an energizing campaign. I am looking forward
to participating during your rally at the Legislature on October 17. We are
also happy to assist with a website, an ad campaign or any other
initiative. Derek Jacobson needs your support, presence and donations in
order to capture media interest and change misconceptions.

Please call or email me anytime to discuss ideas or plan strategy. 403-393-
2003, 780-644-7195 or paul.hinman@assembly.ab.ca

Paul Hinman,
MLA and Leader of the Alberta Alliance

Alberta’s Alliance Opposition
401 Legislature Annex, 9718 – 107 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4

Alberta Alliance Party
#3, 1303 - 44 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6L5

Toll free: 1-888-262-1888
Phone: (403) 769-0992
Fax: 1-866-620-4791