The UCP’s Canadian Energy Centre has had its operating budget cut by 90 per cent in light of the COVID-19 public health crisis.
According to a news release from the province, the majority of the budget was allotted for paid advertising campaigns, which aren’t going ahead anymore.
The “energy war room” budget has gone from $30 million to $2.84 million and the spending will now be limited to research, administrative support and office infrastructure, the UCP said.
The reduced budget will be in place for three months, “or until regular operations can recommence.” The CEC will be ending all of its paid advertising campaigns, stalling all work with outside contractors and making sure it’s ready to resume normal operations when that time comes. “