Ethics Commissioner Asked to Probe Premier Smith’s Adviser Over Wells Strategy

Overview

• Ecojustice and a landowner formally asked Alberta’s ethics commissioner on July 22 to investigate David Yager for potential conflicts of interest.
• They allege Yager’s past consulting for oil and gas firms influenced the April strategy to favour industry recommendations over accelerated cleanup.
• The April plan included nearly two dozen measures, such as creating companies to manage 80,000 inactive wells and establishing an insurance program for reclamation liabilities.
• Energy Minister Brian Jean’s office said Yager was contracted for his extensive oil-sector experience and maintained that all sole-source contracts were properly awarded.
• Yager has not responded to requests for comment and the ethics commissioner’s office has yet to announce any decision on the probe request.