Alan L. Ross and David Manning shown in photos released on Friday Feb. 1, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO
February 01, 2013 - 10:12 AM
CALGARY - The Alberta government is choosing energy experience over political acumen to represent the province's interests in Washington and Ottawa.
Premier Alison Redford has named a former president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers to be the province's envoy in Washington, D.C.
David Manning has extensive experience in the oil and gas sector and is a one-time deputy energy minister in Alberta.
Calgary lawyer Alan Ross, who has specialized in energy infrastructure in his legal practice, will be Alberta's first Ottawa envoy.
Redford defended the need to send a representative to Ottawa even though Prime Minister Stephen Harper has a seat in Calgary.
She said Harper made it clear when he became prime minister that he was responsible for all of Canada — not just western interests.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013