The Council, which advises the Minister of Energy, helps ensure that the Government of Alberta obtains maximum value for the dollars it spends on research. In this capacity, the Council co-ordinates its work with the Alberta Science and Research Authority which focuses on Alberta's overall science and research objectives. The Council has taken on an important challenge. Mr. Dingle's wide expertise and vision in these areas will help the Council make recommendations which contribute to the province's economic and energy strategies. Mrs. Black expressed her appreciation for the volunteer work of the Council members.
Members serve without pay for terms of one, two and three years.
The Council worked diligently from the start to decide how it should function and carry out its mandate most effectively. The Council has come together as a team with a clear mission. The Council works with the Research and External Relations Division of the Department of Energy, which co-ordinates the research activities of the Department in the areas of oil sands, heavy oil, hydrogen, coal and other mineral resources. The Council's specific duties include providing advice on the Department of Energy's research and development activities and advising on priorities for funding allocations.