Premier Jason Kenney announces the Economic Recovery Council. (Government of Canada)

By David Opinko

FORMER PM STEPHEN HARPER IS COUNCIL MEMBER

Economic Recovery Council to guide Alberta through downturn

Mar 20, 2020 | 4:28 PM

EDMONTON, AB – A new task force has been created to help weather the storm Alberta’s economy has gone through in recent months.

Premier Jason Kenney says both the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy price crash have hammered the economy.

“This is the most significant and disruptive economic downturn in generations. It will get worse before it gets better. The Government of Alberta will do everything in its power to protect jobs and job creators.”

Economic diversification will be one of the Council’s strategic priorities.

“This is a challenging time for Alberta. I am pleased to chair this council of policy and industry experts who will provide advice to the Government of Alberta on the best ways to protect Albertans during this severe economic downturn,” says Council Chair Dr. Jack Mintz. “I appreciate the seriousness with which the government is approaching the challenges that are presented by this crisis.”

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The Economic Recovery Council will consist of the following members:

• Jack Mintz, chair
• Clive Beddoe – former chair, president and CEO, WestJet
• Hon. Stephen Harper – Canada’s 22nd prime minister
• Robert Blakely – Canadian operating officer, Canada’s Building Trades Union
• Brent Belzberg – founder and senior managing partner, TorQuest Partners
• Bob Dhillon – founder, president and CEO, Mainstreet Equity Corporation
• Chris Fowler – president and CEO, Canadian Western Bank
• Peter Kiss – owner and president, Morgan Construction and Environmental
• Zainul Mawji – president, Telus Home Solutions
• Nancy Southern – chair and CEO, ATCO Ltd.
• Kevin Uebelein – CEO, AIMCo
• Mac Van Wielingen – founder, ARC Financial