This inquiry is constituted under Alberta’s Public Inquiries Act. The Commissioner conducts the Inquiry in accordance with the terms of the Public Inquiries Act and relevant principles of natural justice. The Inquiry is distinct and independent of conventional government operations, giving the Commissioner the freedom and authority to hire advisors to execute the Mandate as established in the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference. This Inquiry is constructed to enable in-depth research of complex financial and public policy matters, and inform the public on the issues identified in the Mandate. The Inquiry’s budget is $3.5 million.