Alberta’s royalty review panel was welcomed with open arms in Edmonton Tuesday.

The four-person panel, led by ATB Financial President and CEO Dave Mowat, stopped in at MacEwan University for the last of four community engagement sessions to gather input for potential changes to Alberta’s energy royalty framework.

Information was presented in various forms on how royalties currently work, while residents gave feedback by writing on easels and through a question-and-answer.

“I am hopeful,” said attendee Barbara Collier. “In all the years that royalties have been looked at, there’s never been (an event) where I, as Mrs. Joe Public, could go in and actually put some comments down and feel that maybe they’re going to be looked at.”

Mowat said Alberta’s royalty framework is complicated because of its diverse geology and wealth of different natural resources, but public input will provide principles to guide the technical aspect of any potential changes.

“Getting people to engage and talk to us about principles is very important,” Mowat said.

“Some of the initial feedback we’re getting, you’d be really proud of the people of Alberta. They’re thoughtful when they’re giving those responses.”

He specifically urged students to get involved, noting young adults will ultimately be impacted the most by the outcome of the royalty review.

The panel will file a preliminary report to the energy minister by the end of the year, but the minister has said no changes will be made to the royalty structure until the end of 2016.

The panel is seeking further public input at letstalkroyalties.ca

kevin.maimann@sunmedia.ca

@SunKevinM

Five things from attendees at the royalty review community engagement session

“Look back at what Peter Lougheed did, and the heritage fund, and I think that he started off having it right. We had a lot of money coming into the coffers from oil and gas.”

“The energy industry is very important to my trade and I want to represent my trade. We need a royalty framework that smooths out the boom/bust cycle for tradespeople.”

“Keep it transparent. Keep it simple. Remember it must serve all Albertans!”

“Fuel use and waste should be included in the royalties calculation.”

“Look seven generations into the future and the effect of decisions made today.”