By Canadian Press

no new money, though

Inquiry into Alberta oil and gas critics extended to Jan. 31

Oct 28, 2020 | 4:52 PM

EDMONTON – A public inquiry into who is funding environmental opposition to Alberta’s oil and gas industry has been granted an extension until the end of January.

Alberta’s United Conservative government contends foreign interests have long been bankrolling campaigns against fossil fuel development and in 2019 tapped forensic accountant Steve Allan to lead a $2.5-million inquiry.

“Cabinet granted this extension – which is being provided without any additional funding – to ensure that potential participants have a fair opportunity to provide input, and because restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to procedural delays,” Energy Minister Sonia Savage said Wednesday.

Allan’s report was initially due in July, but he was granted an extension until Oct. 30 and a $1-million budget increase.

A lawsuit filed by environmental law firm Ecojustice argues the inquiry is politically motivated, biased and outside provincial jurisdiction.

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