Ex-deputy minister named new energy regulator CEO
CALGARY — A former deputy minister of both provincial energy and environment departments has been named chief executive of the new Alberta Energy Regulator.
The move to select Jim Ellis as CEO seems designed to head off what some critics fear will be a conflict as the new regulator replaces the Energy Resources Conservation Board and some former regulatory functions of Alberta Environment this summer.
The government appointed Gerry Protti, a former assistant deputy minister of energy and Encana executive who was the founding president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, as chairman about a month ago.
“When we began seeking leaders for this new organization, we knew we needed people with governance, industry and environmental knowledge, the skills to run a large organization, and a commitment to responsible development,” said Energy Minister Ken Hughes in a news release. “We are confident we have found the right team.”
The government said Protti is responsible for setting the general direction of the regulator’s business and Ellis will handle the day-to-day operations of the regulator with nearly 1,000 staff and a $200-million budget.
“I know that the Alberta Energy Regulator will benefit from their vast experience,” said Environment Minister Diana McQueen.
Ellis was most recently the lead Alberta official on Canadian energy strategy. His military career included service in Germany and command responsibilities in Bosnia. His final overseas mission was as senior commander in Afghanistan in 2004-05.