Alberta government to open office in Ottawa

Alberta is opening an office in Ottawa to help promote the province.

Theofficewillhelp the provincial governmentcommunicate "key positions" on "priorityissues" to the federal government and strengthenrelationships between "key contacts."

It will also "communicate the positive work being done in the province."

"We are entering a new era where co-operation with the federal government will be of unparalleled importance," said Premier Alison Redford.

The office should allow Alberta to get its message out more broadly and especially the "Ontario press corp," said Joe Oliver, federal minister of national resources.

The office will cost$850,000 per year, with start-up costsof$50,000 and will report to the Deputy Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations.