April 3, 2012
HALIFAX - The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, today highlighted in a speech to the Maritimes Energy Association the Harper Government’s commitment to supporting jobs and economic growth by streamlining the review process for major economic projects.
“The Harper Government is focused on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Oliver. “Major economic projects in Canada are currently subject to long, unpredictable and potentially endless delays because of a needlessly complex and duplicative approval process. Streamlining this process for major economic projects will result in the creation of good, skilled, well-paying jobs.”
Economic Action Plan 2012 will provide fixed timelines for project reviews and assessments:
- Panel Reviews – 24 months
- NEB Hearings – 18 months
- Standard environmental assessments – 12 months
“Our Government recognizes that the existing system needs comprehensive reform,” said Minister Oliver. “We will bring forward legislation to implement system-wide improvements to achieve the goal of “one project, one review” in a clearly defined time period.”
Emerging markets around the world have provided Canada with a tremendous opportunity to responsibly develop our abundant natural resources for the benefit of all Canadians. In 2010, natural resource sectors employed over 760,000 workers in communities throughout the country. In the next 10 years, more than 500 major economic projects representing over $500 billion in new investments are planned across Canada.
Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes to streamline the review process for major economic projects, support consultation with Aboriginal peoples, and strengthen pipeline and marine safety. It also proposes investments totaling $165 million over two years for responsible resource development that creates jobs while protecting the environment.
The Minister also met with the Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia, to discuss issues related to natural resources development.
While in Halifax, the Minister will host a roundtable with energy leaders in Nova Scotia to discuss issues and opportunities for the industry. He will also take the opportunity to tour the MARENER facility, which provides a wide range of fabrication, contracting and engineering services to the marine and energy related sectors.
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For more information, contact:
Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
The general public may contact:
Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
