The drive of the Premier of Alberta, Alison Redford, to reach out to Asia has not escaped the attention of observers in Canada. Jiang Wenran, University of Alberta political science professor and recognised analyst on Canadian-Asian relations told The Globe and Mail: "This premier has been always taking Asia very seriously." The premier prioritised a visit to Beijing last week to attend a trade conference. A significant contingent from Asia attended the Global Petroleum Show last month in Calgary, Alberta, the nation's oil company headquarters. Canada's second-largest nationwide newspaper chain, Quebecor Media, has taken note of the premier's international experience and interest. This despite the outfit's official support for Redford's leading right-wing opponents during the campaign. Following the election, Quebecor columnist Frank Dabbs wrote: "She is an international expert on constitutional, legal and electoral reform and human rights. She has worked for the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the European Union and the governments of Canada and Australia. She has been on the ground for her clients in Afghanistan, Vietnam, Bosnia, Serbia, Herzegovina, Namibia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the Philippines ... No wonder her view of Canada extends well beyond the magnificent panorama of the North Saskatchewan River valley seen from the legislature in Edmonton. Redford wants to build strong relationships outside the province and has an international perspective."