OTTAWA, ONTARIO, (September 15, 2010) –The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today that Canada will host the second Canada – United States Northern Oil and Gas Research Forum. The event will take place in Calgary, Alberta, from November 30 to December 2, 2010, and will host scientists, industry personnel, Aboriginal representatives and regulators from both countries.
"When two countries work hand in hand on similar issues, much more progress and innovation occurs," said Minister Duncan. "Canada remains committed to working with its international partners to support sound science, and sustainable and responsible development in the North."
"I am pleased to see that this forum will be held in Calgary. Cooperation between the US and Canada is vital to achieving a strong unified approach on oil and gas research while still protecting the North's environmental heritage," said Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Regional Minister for Southern Alberta.
The second Canada – United States Oil and Gas Research Forum will examine the current status and future directions for the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, North Slope and Mackenzie Delta. The forum will focus on technical, engineering and scientific research relevant to management of oil and gas resources in the North.
The Forum will provide an opportunity for American and Canadian regulators, Aboriginal representatives, industry members and scientists to discuss current scientific research and its relevance to northern oil and gas management.
The first Northern Oil and Gas Research Forum was held in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2008.
Today's announcement reinforces the Government's commitment to the Northern Strategy, and particularly its priorities of promoting social and economic development, and protecting our environmental heritage.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
