EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Alison Redford is planning at least two international trips this summer to push Alberta’s profile on the world stage.
Redford says in a news release that she will attend an investors forum with Asian energy, business and political leaders June 27-28 in Beijing.
Forum organizers are touting it as a way for Asian investors to link up with growth and investment opportunities in Canada’s oil industry centred in Alberta.
And government sources have told CKUA Radio that Redford will probably lead a delegation to London’s Summer Olympics, which take place July 27 to Aug. 12.
The premier is expected to use the venue to promote Alberta’s economic and environmental record.
Kim Misik, the premier’s media spokeswoman, says an Olympic visit by Redford “is likely,” but an itinerary hasn’t been set.
NDP Leader Brian Mason says Redford needs to demonstrate her Olympic trip is of benefit to the province and isn’t a junket.
Liberal Leader Raj Sherman says he doesn’t mind if Alberta sends a small delegation to the Games, as long as there are clearly defined goals.
Featured speakers at the energy forum include officials from China’s Ministry of Land and Resources and Suncor (TSX:SU) president Steve Williams.
Redford has stressed she wants to expand Alberta’s resource exports, particularly to Asia.
In her news release, she says Canada and China are a good match because China is the world’s largest consumer of energy and Alberta is the second-largest producer.