Minister to attend Energy and Mines Ministers� Conference

Mines and Energy Minister Paul Dicks will be in Toronto from September 10-13 for the 57th annual Energy and Mines Ministers� Conference.

Federal Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale will participate in the discussions with his provincial counterparts.

"This conference provides an excellent opportunity to meet with federal and provincial government officials to discuss important natural resource exploration and development issues affecting Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Dicks. "We have tremendous natural resources in this province. This conference will allow us to discuss effective policy, management and development of these resources with our provincial and federal counterparts."

Presentations and informal discussions will also take place with stakeholders from both the mining and energy sectors.

"Key industry officials representing all resource sectors will be present at this conference," said Mr. Dicks. "We will have an opportunity to listen to informative presentations, meet industry stakeholders and to promote the tremendous potential of both the mining and petroleum sectors of our province. This will help to foster a stronger relationship with our current and potential business partners."

Senior department officials accompanying the minister include Brian Maynard, deputy minister, Paul Dean, assistant deputy minister of mines, and Bruce Saunders, assistant deputy minister energy.

Media contact: Gary Callahan, (709) 729-4890.

2000 09 11 10:30 a.m.