EDMONTON - The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of
Natural Resources for Canada, heralded Canada as an emerging energy superpower
at the annual Pacific
Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) summit.
Speaking to business leaders and legislators from the region,
Minister Lunn spoke about the importance of natural resources, particularly
energy, to the Canadian economy and for resource security in North America.
"Canada is an emerging energy superpower. Our energy sector is prosperous and
innovative, and we are committed to exploring new methods and technologies to
produce cleaner energy," said Minister Lunn. "Our energy sector, and all our
natural resources industries, are strong, and I'm optimistic about our future."
Minister Lunn explained that energy is an engine for prosperity and
innovation, and that Canada's energy sector was a world leader in using
advanced, clean technologies.
He also outlined his reasons for optimism for Canada's mining and forest
industries as well as the key challenges facing the natural resources
industries. These challenges include infrastructure, labour shortages, the
environment and streamlining the regulatory process.
"Canada's energy strategy is key to North America's economy and to our
leadership in addressing the world's energy and environmental challenges, and
the security of our nations," said Minister Lunn.
Minister Lunn was speaking at the 16th annual PNWER summit. PNWER is a public-private
partnership consisting of the American states and Canadian provinces of Alaska,
Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and the Yukon. Its
mission is to foster sustainable economic development throughout the entire
region.
For more information, media may contact:
Emma WelfordDirector of Communications
Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Ottawa
(613) 996-1471
Ghyslain Charron Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada Ottawa 613-992-4447
NRCan's news
releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
