Minister Wilkinson Outlines Process to Create Sustainable Jobs in Atlantic Canada Ahead of Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference

July 5, 2022,  St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador,  Natural Resources Canada

Canada holds the resources, clean technology and experience to thrive in the global net-zero economy, creating prosperity and high-quality jobs for generations to come.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, addressed members of the St. John’s Board of Trade to highlight the energy and resource opportunities Atlantic Canada can seize to create sustainable jobs and thrive in a global low-carbon future.

Minister Wilkinson spoke in advance of the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference that begins July 6 – a conference that will bring together the energy and mining ministers from the federal and provincial governments, and which will be co-hosted by the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Minister Wilkinson emphasized the particular importance of the federal government working in partnership with the provinces and territories, as well as engaging Indigenous Peoples, industry and labour, to develop regional approaches that will foster prosperity and strengthen competitiveness while reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Minister said the recently launched Regional Energy and Resource Tables seek to achieve all of those goals by having the Government of Canada partner with individual provinces and territories, Indigenous groups and stakeholders to identify and pursue high-impact, place-specific opportunities for sustainable growth.

He noted that Newfoundland and Labrador is one of three provinces (along with British Columbia and Manitoba) participating in the first phase of the Regional Energy and Resource Tables and that early discussions have included the significant potential for building and expanding upon the province’s competitive advantages in areas such as offshore renewables, hydrogen and critical minerals. He also commended Newfoundland and Labrador on its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Minister concluded that a sustainable natural resources-based economy will grow Canada’s economy in every region, while creating sustainable jobs and achieving Canada’s ambitious climate and nature goals.