Premier Notley heading to U.S. for summit

Premier Rachel Notley is off to New York on Sunday for an energy trade mission.

She will attend an invitation-only summit for leaders in industry, finance and policy, said a government news release Friday.

On Wednesday, she’ll be in Toronto to deliver a keynote address at the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers energy symposium.

The speech will advocate for building a pipeline to tidewater, said the release.

The trip will cost an estimated $23,000 for Notley, three political staff, one government official and security.

ELECTION COMMISSIONER SEARCH IS OVER

The search for the province’s first election commissioner is over.

The legislative offices committee recommended Lorne Gibson to lead the new $1-million office, said a government news release Thursday.

The former chief electoral officer would be a non-partisan officer of the legislature if appointed by the lieutenant-governor.

The job hunt launched in December, touting a salary up to $212,801.

PHONE ALERT SYSTEM

Albertans in the path of a tornado, wildfire or flood will notice cellphone alerts starting Friday.

The wireless national system will also send out Amber Alerts for missing children, said a government news release.

Smartphones connected to an LTE network will receive messages about life-threatening emergencies.

“If you see an emergency alert come in, I encourage you to stop, listen and take action to protect yourself and your family,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Shaye Anderson in the release.

The new system will complement the existing Alberta Emergency Alert system, which sends messages through radio, television and social media.