EDMONTON, Alta. – Alberta has set up an External Advisory Committee on Strategic Transportation Policy to review and provide advice on a wide range of transportation issues, the province has announced.

The committee will be comprised of non-governmental transportation experts and will meet twice a year to discuss key transportation issues. Concerns and suggestions emerging from the meetings will be presented to government.

“This committee will provide an essential outside perspective to government’s planning and consideration of transportation issues ranging from road infrastructure to high speed trains and access to export markets,” Transport Minister, Dr. Lyle Oberg said. “The group will play a key role in ensuring Alberta is working strategically to respond to current issues and future opportunities.”

Oberg will co-chair the committee along with former chair of the Alberta Economic Development Authority, Art Smith. Among the top issues to be addressed are Alberta’s long-range infrastructure plans as well as legislative, policy and regulatory transportation issues.

“I’ve felt for some time now that the views of representatives outside of government on these issues should be available to the government in order for it to have the complete picture,” Smith said. “This group of external experts will provide these views.”

The committee’s first meeting is slated to take place early in the new year.