Premier's Communications Room 202 Legislature Building Government of Alberta m 10500-97 Avon Executive Council Telepone 790 415-1882 July 21, 2010 Ms. Danielle Smith Leader Wildrose Alliance Party Suite 408, 919 Centre St. NW Calgary, AB T2E 2P6 Dear Ms. Smith Thank you for your acknowledgement of the Premier's leadership on behalf of all Albertans in his response to the "Corporate Ethics" political campaign. We appreciate the opportunity to highlight a number of the communications and advocacy efforts that have been, and will continue to be pursued in order to advance Alberta's interests. The Premier will continue to lead on, and supports all efforts to advance Alberta's interests and to tell Alberta's story. With Alberta's growing recognition as a secure energy supplier, these sort of campaigns have increased in recent years and are expected to continue as the amount of bitumen produced from the oil sands increases. In 2007 Premier Stelmach initiated a three pronged strategy to address campaigns from groups opposed to the oil sands industry. Developed in partnership with many sectors of the Alberta economy our plan has three components: 1. Enacting the right environmental policies and programs to further Alberta's clean energy future. We believe the marketplace is demanding a cleaner barrel and to that point have been working with industry to develop and showcase made-in-Alberta technologies. We've also taken considered actions to help spur research and technology, like being the first in Canada to legislate targets and put a price on carbon. Similarly, our commitment to breakthrough technologies like CCS as well as our rigorous regulation and enforcement of environmental protections underscore Alberta's dedication to responsible development. 2. Dedicating resources to better understand our audiences and develop targeted communications. Under Premier Stelmach’s direct leadership and because of its importance to Alberta's economy, resources were allocated and voted by the Legislative Assembly to a reputation management and promotion program which may be known to you as the "branding strategy." A research program analysed the issues and perceptions of North Americans in key markets. Based on research and extensive consultations with people across Canada and the United States, the government developed a communication program to provide information to audiences willing to consider all the facts. Our communications effort has many partners - in energy, tourism, forestry, agriculture, business and cultural organizations - all pulling together with a positive message about Alberta, our people and our opportunities for the world to join us. 12=26 3. Advocating Alberta's position directly with elected officials, opinion leaders and interested public audiences. Government ministers and officials are making direct personal contact with European and American investors, and leaders in government. This includes the federal government as well as congressional leaders and key officials in President Obama's administration. For example when Henry Waxman wrote a letter in opposition to a pipeline from Alberta, the Premier knew to respond swiftly with both private and public ‘communication in the most read newspaper by policy makers in DC - the Washington Post. Consumers are demanding that all production of fossil fuels be cleaner and Alberta has an amazing story of investment and innovation for continuous improvement in our resource industries. In partnership with industry, we are actively seeking solutions to reduce and manage GHG's and minimize impacts on land and water. Alberta is rightfully on the world stage and Alberta's reputation is important to all Albertans, Ensuring the right policies, strategy and execution will protect and advance Alberta's interests in Canada and abroad. We have a great story to tell and we're going to continue to tell it. Sincerely, Coe, (SS Cam Hantiuk Director, Communications Office of the Premier cc: Dr. David Swann, Leader, Alberta Liberal Party Mr. Brian Mason, Leader, Alberta New Democrats Mr. Dave Taylor, Independent MLA, Calgary-Currie Mr. Guy Boutilier, Independent MLA, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo