The agency responsible for approving and assessing energy development in Alberta is laying off staff as it deals with budget cuts.
The Alberta Energy Regulator says it laid off ``a couple of dozen'' staff yesterday with more to come by the end of February.
Gordon Lambert, interim CEO, says the changes are part of a restructuring that aims to make the regulator more effective, efficient, and resilient.
Last October the government announced that the AER would lose about 22 percent of its operating budget.
Lambert says while it is a difficult time for staff, the AER will continue to protect public safety and the environment while ensuring responsible energy development.