September 10, 2012
CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, today delivered the keynote address at the pre-conference leading up to the annual Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference (EMMC) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. In his speech, Minister Oliver highlighted the economic importance of Canada's natural resource sectors and the Government of Canada's commitment to continue to leverage Canada's advantages in the global marketplace.
"Tremendous economic opportunities await Canadians," said Minister Oliver. "At this moment there are over 600 major resource projects underway or planned across Canada representing close to $650 billion in potential investment over the next 10 years."
The Government of Canada is implementing its plan for Responsible Resource Development to seize these opportunities and create jobs, growth and benefits for all Canadians. As part of the plan, the federal government is working with the provinces and territories to streamline reviews and reduce duplication through legislation in order to achieve a goal of "one project, one review in a clearly defined time period."
Collectively, these actions will strengthen Canada's investment climate and will enable Canada's resource industries to pursue new markets, especially those in the emerging Asia-Pacific region, provide for enhanced Aboriginal consultation and enhance Canada's world-class safety and environmental standards.
As an example of enhancing safety and environmental standards, the Minister outlined specific actions the Government of Canada is undertaking to ensure Canada has a strong marine and pipeline safety regime in which Canadians can have the utmost confidence.
EMMC provides a venue where federal, provincial and territorial ministers can discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the energy and mining industry. From here, concrete action plans can be implemented to ensure Canada's position as a world leader in mining and energy.
"Leveraging our resource endowment is a collective responsibility calling for a partnership that is respectful of jurisdiction, mindful of the benefits to our nation," said Minister Oliver. "I look forward to working with the provincial and territorial ministers at the Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference. Together we will ensure the successful implementation of our shared priorities."
Examples of shared priorities the Minister hopes to discuss at EMMC are: investment environment, market diversification and access, innovation, labour markets, environmental protection and energy efficiency.
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Carly Wolff
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Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
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