Canada and France to Work Together in Atlantic Waters

News Release

May 17, 2005 No. 87 Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Natural Resources Minister R. John Efford today announced that Canada has signed an agreement with France that will provide a management regime for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation off the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia and the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon. The Canada-France Agreement on Transboundary Hydrocarbon Fields was signed on May 17 in France by Canadian Ambassador Claude Laverdure and the French Minister for Overseas, Brigitte Girardin. “This agreement is the result of negotiations characterized by a tremendous spirit of cooperation,” said Minister Pettigrew. “Once in force, it will pave the way for enhancing hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities. This is good news for the region’s economy and will further enhance the neighbourly relations in the Atlantic region between our two countries.” “The Government of Canada is proud to support the agreement, which will facilitate the sustainable development of petroleum resources for the Canadian offshore industry,” said Minister Efford. “This Canada-France partnership is an example of our commitment to maximizing the benefits of offshore oil and gas for Atlantic Canada.” The agreement provides for an information exchange between Canada and France on exploration and exploitation activities within a clearly defined maritime area. It also includes mechanisms for identifying a transboundary field and sharing resources and economic benefits between Canada and France. In addition, the agreement provides for the negotiation of exploitation and unitization agreements for specific fields. The agreement is also the product of close cooperation between the Government of Canada and the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. These provinces participated fully in developing the agreement, and their representatives were part of the Canadian delegations at the negotiating sessions. The agreement will take effect once both parties have made any changes to their domestic regulations required for its implementation. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada (613) 996-2007 Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada (613) 992-4447

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Date modified:: 2005-05-17

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Canada and France to Work Together in Atlantic Waters

News Release

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