A problem solver and consensus builder, Al O'Brien has made important contributions to improving public finance in Canada. For over 35 years, he occupied key posts within the government of Alberta, and played an instrumental role in reducing the province's debt and improving its financial systems. Since retiring, he has continued to work for the benefit of all Canadians as chair of the Federal Expert Panel on Equalization and Territorial Financing, and has held leadership roles with several professional organizations, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta and the Institute of Intergovernmental Relations at Queen's University.