Countering Kenney’s claim

We are writing to provide some facts around your story about HSBC in Alberta (“A pipeline of political talent,” Alberta, June 2019). To be perfectly clear, HSBC has not boycotted and is not now boycotting anyone. HSBC is a longtime supporter of the province of Alberta and the energy sector. That has not changed. HSBC has 330 employees—the majority of whom were born and raised in Alberta— in 17 locations across the province, living, working and contributing to the economy and the community. We’ve authorized $14.4 billion of debt financing to 1,462 businesses of all types and sizes, a significant proportion of which are in the energy sector. Through every downturn, we have shown our commitment to helping our customers weather the storm— and we are still here, continuing to do that. We are a leading bank for oil-field service companies in the province, proudly partnering with entrepreneurs and familyowned and operated businesses in Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and many other Alberta communities. We have also invested consistently in many community programs through the decades, both financially and through volunteering. And last year we paid $8.9 million in corporate income taxes—straight into the province’s coffers. Getting exactly the right balance of what people and economies need today and what must be done for tomorrow is not easy, as we make clear in our energy policy. We have been here for 30 years, and we continue to see Alberta as a vital part of our business. Jason Henderson, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Head Global Banking and Markets, and Linda Seymour, Executive Vice President, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC Bank Canada