August 16, 2002
Friday - 12:45 am

Recognizing existing strong economic ties and future potential business and cultural opportunities between the State of Alaska and the Canadian Province of Alberta, Gov. Tony

--- "Alaskans and Albertans already enjoy considerable commercial, cultural and educational ties, and this Council is designed to increase future opportunities that will result from expanded relations.".... Governor Knowles

Knowles on Thursday announced the appointment of 17 Alaska leaders to the Alaska-Alberta Bilateral Council.

The Council is the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation that Knowles and Alberta Premier Ralph Klein signed in Anchorage in June. It is designed to advance areas of cooperation between Alaska and Alberta, from energy development and improved transportation links to aboriginal issues and northern health improvements.

"Alaskans and Albertans already enjoy considerable commercial, cultural and educational ties, and this Council is designed to increase future opportunities that will result from expanded relations," Knowles said. "One particular area of focus is energy, where Canadians and Americans have a unique opportunity to supply North America's factories and homes with the affordable, clean-burning fuel of the 21st century - natural gas. An Alaska Highway natural gas pipeline would deliver gas to North American markets through Alberta's vital energy hub. The Alaska pipeline project should be part of an Arctic energy strategy in which energy resources in northern Canada and Alaska are developed in cooperation, rather than competition."

The Council will pursue the following objectives:

a) Promote common goals by encouraging cooperation and understanding between governments, businesses, legislators, and citizens of Alaska and Alberta;

b) Develop informal dispute resolution to address potential cross-border concerns;

c) Work cooperatively to influence our respective federal governments' policies and decisions in areas of interest to both regions, in recognition of the fact that certain issues are beyond the jurisdiction of Alaska and Alberta;

d) Learn from each other's best practices and the world-class expertise in specific sectors that are found in both jurisdictions.

Meetings of the Council are slated to be held annually, alternating between Alaska and Alberta. Members serve at their own expense. Additional members may be named by Knowles and Klein.

"Alberta Premier Klein is a forceful leader committed to cooperation with his neighboring states and territories to advance opportunities for his citizens," Knowles said. "This Council can help Alaskans find new business and cultural opportunities in Alberta, and encourage Canadian investment in Alaska."

Members of the Council from Alaska include:

• Retired Arco Executive Frank Brown, co-chairman of the Governor's Alaska Highway Natural Gas Policy Council;
• Jack Laasch, Natchiq Executive Vice President and Alaska Support Industry Alliance President-elect;
• Val Molyneux, President and General Manager of VECO Alaska;
• Mike O'Connor, President of Peak Oilfield Service Company;
• Former Alaska Natural Resources Commissioner and oil and gas consultant John Shively;
• Alaska Airlines Director of Regional Sales-Alaska Joe Sprague;
• David Haugen, Vice President of Lynden, Inc.;
• Mining expert and Greatland Exploration President Ron Sheardown;
• University of Alaska Political Science Professor Dr. Diddy Hitchins;
• Alaska Inter-tribal Council President Mike Williams of Aniak;
• Tanana Chiefs Conference President Buddy Brown of Fairbanks;
• Agrium Fertilizer Plant Executive Lisa Parker of Kenai;
• John Hoyt, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank Alaska;
• All Alaska Tours President David Howe;
• Chris von Imhof, Vice President and Director of the Alyeska Prince Hotel;
• Wilson Hughes, Executive Vice President and General Manager of GCI;
• James Drew, former dean of the School of Agriculture of University of Alaska Fairbanks and member of the state Board of Agriculture and Conservation.

Ken Freeman, the governor's Special Assistant for Economic Development, will serve as the governor's representative and staff to the Council. Gov. Knowles has offered to host the first meeting of the Council in Alaska later this summer or fall.

Source of News Release:

Office of the Governor
Web Site

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