March 13, 2012
KUWAIT CITY — The Honourable Joe Oliver,Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, wrapped up his first day at the International Energy Forum inKuwait, where he promoted bilateral trade and investment and advancedCanada’s position on key energy issues. The forum is the world’s largest gathering of energy ministers. This is the first meeting of the International Energy Forum to be attended by a Canadian Energy Minister.
“Canadais an emerging energy superpower,” said Minister Oliver. “Our participation at today’s forum demonstratesCanada’s role as a major global energy producer.”
During an address to the assembly at today’s sessions, Minister Oliver highlightedCanada’s important contribution to global energy security, as well as its position as a global energy superpower among the world’s other leading oil and gas producers. The Minister reinforcedCanada’s position on the European Fuel Quality Directive and the need to ensure that it is non-discriminatory and based on sound science.
“Any policies that discriminate against oil sands will impede the free flow of global oil supplies and are detrimental to overall energy security,” said Minister Oliver. “Our government believes that the free market is the most efficient and cost-effective means to ensure the proper allocation of resources for the development and supply of energy.”
The Minister held a bilateral meeting with the European Union Energy Commissioner Güenther Oettinger where he again strongly emphasizedCanada’s position on the European Fuel Quality Directive. He notedCanada’s important role as a stable, competitive and reliable energy supplier to the world and its tremendous potential to responsibly increase energy production.
The Minister today also held bilateral meetings with key Middle Eastern energy producers includingSaudi Arabia, theUnited Arab EmiratesandAlgeria, further signalingCanada’s emergence as a global energy superpower.
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