Leadership in gender equity in the oil and gas sector shown in the 
White Rose development application and approval process

"I am pleased with the approach to gender equity that has been taken in the White Rose development application and approval process," said Sandra Kelly, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "Husky Oil has addressed gender equity issues by making a commitment to include a diversity plan as part of its benefits plan. The commissioner also made recommendations on gender equity in his report. In addition, the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Development Board (CNOPB) has made it a condition of approval of the White Rose development application that Husky Oil submit a report for approval by the board, describing specific initiatives designed to increase the participation of women and other under-represented groups in the industry."

In the past, there have been formidable barriers to women's employment in the oil and gas sector. The Hibernia project is a clear demonstration of the hurdles that need to be overcome to achieve employment equity for women. Women were only four per cent of those employed on the construction phase of the Hibernia project and are only five per cent of those currently employed on the offshore production platform.

In its White Rose Decision Report, the CNOPB has indicated that they intend to revise their benefits guidelines to make it clearer what proponents of oil and gas development projects should include in their development applications concerning the employment of women and other disadvantaged groups.

"It is this breakthrough in planning for gender equity in the oil and gas sector which will serve as a model for other oil and gas companies to build on. The Department of Mines and Energy has played an important role in this matter and government has clearly shown its strong commitment to addressing issues affecting women's equality in the workforce," said Minister Kelly.

Media contact:

Mary MacNab
Communications
Women's Policy Office
(709) 729-1792

Janice Lockyer
Communications 
Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education
(709) 729-6573

2001 12 20                          3:00 p.m.