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“But all of that is about to change.”

Kenney vowed his newly formed government would “get Alberta back to work,” saying corporate tax cuts for businesses and the establishment of a Ministry of Red Tape Reduction would reduce fiscal and regulatory burdens.

Photo by Gavin Young / Postmedia

He also said legislation is coming this fall that would see a levy on major industrial emitters, after repealing the previous government’s carbon tax.

“Just in the last 48 hours, I met with people attending this conference who have either committed to, or are seriously considering multi-billion dollar investments,” said the premier, crediting his policies for an increase in competitiveness in Alberta.

Decrying pollution and the premier’s environmental promises, a lone protester briefly had his voice heard before being tackled and removed at the kick-off of the show on Tuesday morning.

The man rushed to the podium after Kenney was introduced, just as the premier had entered onto the stage, telling the crowd that Kenney doesn’t represent him.

“It is imperative for all of you to do something,” he shouted while being handled by multiple police officers.

“I’m sorry to do this my friends. Your time is important.”

Some chanted “let him speak” while others responded, “get rid of him.”

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Kenney, who returned to the podium after the man was removed, told the crowd that opposing voices are welcome.

“There are very few energy producers around the world where you’d see something like that happen,” he said. “This is a free, liberal democracy with freedom of speech and we embrace that.