The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today underscored the importance of energy cooperation between the United States and Canada. Looking to the future, Canada continues to be well-positioned to be a responsible and reliable energy supplier to the United States, seeking to achieve the goals of mutual benefit for both countries, including developing the infrastructure required to further integrate our respective economies.
Speaking to a conference on energy regulation sponsored by the Bush Institute, the Minister said, “The Government of Canada's Responsible Resource Development plan is an integral part of Canada's Economic Action Plan for creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. The plan has modernized Canada's regulatory regime to make it among the most efficient and competitive in the world. It balances the potential of Canada's natural resource sectors to create high-value jobs across Canada while strengthening safety and environmental protection.”
During the “Governors and Policymakers Roundtable” panel discussion, Minister Flaherty also emphasized the economic benefits of strengthening Canada's and the United States' energy relationship and highlighted Canada's strong record of environmental stewardship, including a commitment to reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020.
He emphasized that diversifying markets for Canadian energy resources is essential to Canada's long-term prosperity, and that further consolidating the U.S.-Canada energy infrastructure with a view to achieving energy security is a goal of mutual benefit.
The Minister concluded, “Canada has tremendous energy resources that represent significant economic opportunities for Canadians and our trading partners. Our Government is determined to realize these opportunities, and will do so by continuing to support an attractive investment climate by creating the most competitive, efficient and effective regulatory system in the world while strengthening world-class safety and environmental protection.”
Kathleen Perchaluk
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
