OTTAWA – On November 23, 2006, MP Brian Jean hosted his fellow Members of Parliament to a Fort McMurray themed reception in his Ottawa office. More than 30 Government MP’s joined Mayor Melissa Blake and Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce President Mike Allen in the festivities.

“This gathering provided Parliamentarians with the opportunity to learn first hand about the triumphs and challenges of the Fort McMurray – Athabasca region,” said Mr. Jean. “Any federal electoral riding that generates nearly 6% of the nation’s GDP is well worth educating oneself on, and I’m pleased that so many of my colleagues came out to do just that.”

Mayor Blake and Mr. Allen were in Ottawa to make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and were Mr. Jean’s guests of honour at the reception. Many Alberta MPs dropped in to speak to Mayor Blake in follow-up to her presentation to Alberta Caucus last year about the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s unique circumstances.

“Mayor Blake and Mike Allen were both extremely successful in communicating the many challenges facing our region. Their experience and conviction gave my colleagues invaluable insight into the reality of our situation. Their tremendous effort and avid dedication to improving the lives of all Wood Buffalo residents should be applauded,” said Mr. Jean.

Several local companies and organizations generously donated door prizes, which were handed out to the lucky winners as souvenirs of their visit to Fort McMurray... on the Hill. A few Parliamentarians were delighted to take home a real sample of the oil sands, and many expressed interest in visiting the Wood Buffalo region next summer.

“Thank you to all those locally who helped make this evening in Ottawa such a wonderful success. I know that Fort McMurray – Athabasca made a lasting impression on all those who attended.”

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For more information, please contact: Brian Jean (613) 992-1154 or (780) 743-2201