Judge expected to rule on challenge to ‘anti-Alberta’ activities inquiry
Posted May 14, 2021 2:00 am.
Last Updated May 14, 2021 7:31 am.
CALGARY – A judge is expected to rule this morning on a challenge of the United Conservative government’s inquiry into whether foreign groups have conspired against Alberta’s oil industry.
The environmental law firm Ecojustice alleges the Public Inquiry Into Funding of Anti-Alberta Energy Campaigns is biased against charities that have raised concerns about the industry.
It has asked a judge to strike down the inquiry that it calls politically motivated.
The provincial government and some industry leaders have said Canadian environmental charities that accept U.S. funding are part of a plot against Alberta’s energy industry.
The province has said the plot aims to block pipelines and landlock Alberta’s oil to benefit its American competitors.
Legal scholars and non-profit groups say the inquiry is an attempt to bully and silence industry critics.
The inquiry’s final report, already delayed, is due May 31.
Calgary, The Canadian Press
