Skip to main content
Investigative Journalism Foundation
Politics

Analysis shows Alberta companies owe millions in unpaid land rent

Taxpayers covered lease payments for hundreds of oil and gas companies in 2025

Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

5 Oct 2026 • 9 min read

A pump jack in a field on a foggy, overcast day.
Alberta’s government paid land rent for some 480 delinquent oil and gas companies in 2025. An analysis of more than 3,100 compensation orders reveals the companies responsible for public debt of $23 million. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Brett McKay is an Edmonton-based reporter specializing in investigative and data-driven stories. His work has appeared in The Tyee, APTN, The Breach, CTV News and Great West Media.

Dig Deeper

Our databases turn public records into public power. Dig in to find the real story on lobbying, donations, contracts, access to information releases and more.

Search

Related Articles

More on Politics