Minister to attend Mines and Energy Ministers� Conference

Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews will be in Quebec City from September 9-12 for the 58^th annual Mines and Energy Ministers� Conference.

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

"This conference will provide a great opportunity for this province to discuss our energy and mineral resource issues with our colleagues from across the country," said Mr. Matthews. "We will examine our policies to ensure that we are offering effective management and development strategies that encourage further exploration and expansion of our resource industries."

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

"Industry groups will be present at this conference to make recommendations and provide insight that will help facilitate new developments in our resource sectors," said Mr. Matthews. "This will provide the province with an opportunity to promote our resources and foster stronger business relationships with industry."

Energy discussions will include industry presentations on oil, natural gas, electricity and renewable fuels. Mining discussions will include industry presentations on the state of the mining industry, current mining policies in Canada and an update on the exploration sector.

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-4890.

2001 09 07                                            1:00 p.m.