Presentation to the Critical Transmission Review Committee Richard Truscott Director of Provincial Affairs, Alberta January 11, 2012

About CFIB: Non-partisan, not-for-profit political advocacy organization Founded in 1971 108,000 independently owned and operated business members across Canada, including 10,000 in Alberta Every sector of the economy, every region of the country Lobby federal, provincial, and municipal governments on behalf of members

What makes CFIB unique? Meet with hundreds of small business owners in-person each and every month Research-based organization; dozens of member surveys each year 1 member = 1 vote We don’t take a position on a major new policy unless we first consult our members In addition to lobbying work, we provide business counselling services, and access to member-only “privilege programs”

Small biz is backbone of economy More than 98% of all businesses are small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) SMEs employ more than 60% of all Canadians and produce almost half of economic output (GDP 99% of small business owners say they contribute to local charitable or community causes 4

Heart & soul of our communities

Heart & soul of our communities

CFIB’s Business Barometer ™ Small biz confidence remains relatively strong in Alberta

Cost pressures for small business Energy/fuel is one of the main cost pressures for small business Source: CFIB Monthly Business Barometer, Alberta data

Concern about energy/fuel costs 9 Percentage of small businesses identifying energy/fuel as a main cost pressure Source: CFIB Monthly Business Barometer, Alberta data

Response to Request for Info Request #1: Reasonableness of the AESO load and generation forecast for the north-south reinforcement Ability of the north-south transmission reinforcement plan to serve existing and new generators and load Response: Not in a position to properly assess 10

Response to Request for Info Request #2: Reasonableness of the use of HVDC technology for the north-south transmission reinforcement Response: Not in a position to properly assess 11

Response to Request for Info Request #3: Reasonableness of the timing of both north-south transmission lines Response: Not in a position to properly assess 12

Response to Request for Info Request #4: Recommendations for any proposed changes to the cabinet powers and the north-south critical transmission projects detailed in the Electric Statutes Amendment Act Response: Return to an independent regulatory process for all electricity transmission projects Develop better estimates of the cost/impact of all proposed projects on small and medium-sized businesses 13

Questions?