Fiscal and Economic Policy Priorities for the Province of Alberta
Calgary Roundtable luncheon with Robin Campbell, Eric Cline and Patricia Nelson
Event Time: 12:00-1:30pm MT
Robin Campbell, President, Coal Association of Canada; Former Minister of Finance, Government of Alberta
As a 4th generation coal miner who has spent over 30 years in the industry, Robin Campbell understands the issues facing coal from the inside out. Starting his mining career in 1973, and transitioning specifically into coal in 1979, he has held positions ranging from loader operator to various executive postings. As former treasurer and President of the United Mine Workers of America Local 1656, Robin has local perspective and understanding of the challenges miners and their families are facing during this economic downturn. He also served as a representative of the International Union of the UMWA and gained global perspective of the industry.
Like most Albertans, Robin has a strong passion for the outdoors and takes pride in the environmental record of Alberta’s coal mining industry. He has been a registered fishing guide in the Jasper and Hinton area for over 30 years and places tremendous value in the protection of our natural landscapes, rivers and lakes.
Robin also served as MLA for West-Yellowhead in the Alberta Legislature from 2008 to 2015. He was appointed to Cabinet as the Government Whip in 2010 and then served as Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Minister of the Environment and most recently as Minister of Finance and Treasury Board until May 2015. His experience as a public servant and insight into the workings of government translate well into his role at the Coal Association of Canada.
Robin accepted the role as President of the Coal Association of Canada in November, 2015 and is leveraging his decades of experience to help preserve jobs and ensure the coal industry remains an important part of our economy.
Eric Cline, Former Minister of Finance, Government of Saskatchewan
Eric Cline has been a lawyer, legislator, corporate executive and artist. Born and raised in Saskatoon, he practised law there for 12 years before being elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in 1991 with the Romanow NDP government. After one term as a backbencher, he served for 12 continuous years in the Saskatchewan cabinet under Premiers Romanow and Calvert. He served as Minister of Health 1995-97, Finance 1997-2003 and Industry and Resources 2003-2007. During his ten years in Finance and Industry and Resources, he lead fundamental changes including a complete re-write of Saskatchewan’s personal income tax system reducing income taxes by 35% over four years, and sweeping changes to Saskatchewan‘s oil royalty and potash taxation systems, contributing to a period of increasing economic activity and population growth by early 2006. In 2007, Eric left politics and spent 11 years as a Vice President of publicly traded companies engaged in resource exploration and development including construction of the Saskatchewan’s first greenfield potash mine in over 40 years. A member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan for 40 years, he continues to practice law part time and produces and sells fused glass works of art and custom made stained glass windows. Eric and his wife Pauline reside in Saskatoon.
Patricia Nelson, Vice Chair and a member of the Board of Directors, In Situ Oil Sands Alliance; Former Minister of Finance, Government of Alberta
Patricia Nelson was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary.
Mrs. Nelson worked for 15 years in the energy industry as the Financial Control Manager for Suncor Inc.; the Controller for both Petroterra Natural Resources and Capital Engineering; and the Controller for Sabre Petroleums.
In 1989 she was elected to the Alberta Legislature representing the Calgary Foothills Constituency. In her 15 years of Government she served as the first female to be appointed as the Minister of Energy, the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, the Minister of Government Services, and the Minister of Finance. Mrs. Nelson served as a member of the Agenda and Priorities Committee and the Treasury Board for twelve years.
She is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Alta link Ltd. and Chair of the Audit Committee; a member of the Board of Directors of WHY Resources Inc. and Chair of the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee; a member of the Board of Directors of Optium Inc. and Chair of the Audit Committee; and she is a member of the Board of Directors of the In Situ Oil Sands Alliance and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board.
Mrs. Nelson is an active volunteer for the "Run for the Cure", Juvenile Diabetes, and Animal rescues.