Saskatoon — The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, today delivered a speech to the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce emphasizing the benefits that Responsible Resource Development brings to Saskatchewan and the Canadian economy.
“Responsible Resource Development achieves the balance we need now to unleash the potential of our country’s natural resources,” said Minister Oliver. “It will create good jobs and economic growth here in Saskatoon and across Canada, while strengthening environmental protection and enhancing consultations with Aboriginal peoples.”
In 2011, the natural resource sectors employed nearly 800,000 people in communities across Canada. Natural resources represent 11 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product and generate billions of dollars each year — every province shares in that bounty, including Saskatchewan.
“The Canadian oil and gas extraction industry alone pays an average of $22 billion a year in taxes, land payments and royalties. Mining adds another $2.8 billion a year to government revenues — billions of dollars a year for health care, education and other vital services that are such a fundamental part of our quality of life,” said Minister Oliver. “There is optimism because the Harper Government has created an economic climate that attracts the investments we need to ensure economic prosperity and a high standard of living for all Canadians, now and for future generations.”
The Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development will allow Canada to capitalize on the global demand for resources. Responsible Resource Development puts in place maximum beginning-to-end timelines for project reviews and helps to eliminate unnecessary and costly duplication in environmental assessments while strengthening environmental protection and enhancing consultations with Aboriginal peoples.
While in Saskatoon, Minister Oliver met with the Honourable Bill Boyd, Minister of the Economy, and the Honourable Tim McMillan, Minister Responsible for Energy and Resources, to discuss the benefits of Responsible Resource Development to Saskatchewan’s economic growth. Minister Oliver, accompanied by Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon–Rosetown–Biggar, also took the opportunity to tour the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.’s Cory potash mine and met with employees and officials, where he emphasized the value of Canada’s mining industry.
Carly Wolff
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
or
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
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Telephone: 613-995-0947
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The following media backgrounder is available at:
- Canada’s Potash Industry
