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NLIS 2
August 30, 2006
(Natural Resources)
 

Ministers commit to collaboration on common issues

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale today said she is encouraged with a commitment by the federal/provincial/territorial energy and mining ministers to greater collaboration on common issues.

Minister Dunderdale attended the federal/provincial/territorial ministers meetings on energy and mining in Whitehorse, Yukon on Monday and Tuesday. The minister was pleased to meet her colleagues and looks forward to the collaborative process, which will allow the province to continue to advance issues of priority for Newfoundland and Labrador, including energy transmission, fallow field legislation and encouraging increased exploration.

"We committed to collaborating on regulatory efficiency, conservation and awareness, energy infrastructure, and research and technology � all important issues for Newfoundland and Labrador," Minister Dunderdale said. "This is an important process for advancing these issues as well as facilitating a better approach to working with the federal government on progressive national policy that reflects our best interest. We believe the federal government has a role to play in enhancing the nation�s energy transportation infrastructure for the benefit of all Canadians and I look forward to further opportunities to promote this concept."

Canada has one of the richest endowments of energy resources on earth and is the fifth leading energy producer in the world. At the same time, provinces are struggling with the volatility of fuel prices, environmental considerations in the development of future energy supplies and providing secure, reliable and affordable forms of energy. The provinces agreed that the prosperity, security and environmental sustainability of the energy industry in Canada can be best achieved through collaboration.

Minister Dunderdale was also encouraged with comments by federal Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn that the federal government shares the same priorities as industry and the provinces as they relate to advancing mining issues in Canada.

"Funding for geoscience and providing incentives for investment in junior exploration companies through flow-through shares are important steps for growing the mining industry," Minister Dunderdale said. "It appears the federal minister, provinces and industry are aligned on these main priorities and we look forward to action being taken on these initiatives."

Mines ministers also agreed to a new mining framework to address regulatory issues, labour skills development and partnerships for innovation.

The communiqu�s issued out of the conference can be found on the provincial government web site � www.gov.nl.ca/releases/. The energy ministers will meet again in early 2007 to review the progress made on identified priorities for collaboration.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 690-1703 or tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

2006 08 30                                                      10:00 a.m.


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