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

2. 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

3. 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”

4. 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

5. Heart & soul of our communities

6. Heart & soul of our communities

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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Questions?richard.truscott@cfib.ca1-866-444-9290