Minister to attend Atlantic Energy Roundtable

Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews will be in Halifax on Friday, November 22, to attend a roundtable discussion on the oil and gas industry in Atlantic Canada.

The federal Minister of Natural Resources Canada, Herb Dhaliwal, convened the session which includes Industry Minister Allan Rock, Fisheries Minister Robert Thibault, Gerry Byrne, the Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, officials from the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council and a number of offshore oil and gas decision-makers.

The discussions will focus on industry�s concerns on regulatory overlap and duplication in the offshore, and ways in which Atlantic Canada can maximize benefits related to its offshore industries.

"Industry has expressed real concern on the increasing complexity of the regulatory process, and its potential impact on future exploration and development," said Minister Matthews. "We, as a provincial government, have been listening, and we are pleased that the federal government is listening as well."

The oil and gas industry is changing the economy of Atlantic Canada. This year marks the third time in five years that Newfoundland and Labrador will lead the country in gross domestic product (GDP) growth, and much of this corresponds to the growth in the province�s petroleum sector.

"We must maintain this momentum in our petroleum sector," said Mr. Matthews. "If we are to remain competitive in this global industry, all parties must work together to facilitate the processes involved in offshore development. Meetings such as this will help strengthen this relationship and ensure a healthy dialogue regarding regulatory issues."

Media contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709)729-5777.

2002 11 22                                     10:10 a.m.