Public consultations to develop Energy Plan scheduled

NLIS 4
January 10, 2006
(Natural Resources)

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced the schedule for province-wide public consultations to support the development of a comprehensive Energy Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. Government released a discussion paper to guide these discussions on November 10, 2005.

"Newfoundland and Labrador has significant renewable and non-renewable sources of energy which are attracting global attention," said Minister Byrne. "Our government believes it is critical, therefore, that we have a framework of polices and directions to guide how these resources are developed to ensure that appropriate benefits are provided to our people and our province."

To assist in defining the best policy direction for the development and use of these resources, Minister Byrne is now leading the most comprehensive energy policy review ever undertaken in this province and these public consultations are very important to this initiative.

"I look forward to listening to and engaging citizens and community groups right across the province as we move forward on this important policy initiative," said Minister Byrne. "An open and candid dialogue on the energy issues we face today and into the future will help government set an overall strategic energy policy direction for our province in line with the commitment we made in Our Blueprint for the Future. I encourage the people of this province to participate in this consultation."

Public meetings have been scheduled for 11 communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. The location and dates for the sessions are:

Labrador City	January 16	7:00 p.m.	Arts and Culture Centre
Happy Valley-Goose Bay	January 17	7:00 p.m.	Aurora Hotel
Cartwright	January 18	7:00 p.m.	Cartwright Hotel
St. John�s	January 30	7:00 p.m.	Holiday Inn
Clarenville	January 31	7:00 p.m.	Clarenville Inn
Marystown	February 1	7:00 p.m.	Hotel Marystown
Gander	February 2	7:00 p.m.	Hotel Gander
Hawkes Bay	February 6	7:00 p.m.	Maynard�s Torrent River Inn
Stephenville	February 7	7:00 p.m.	Holiday Inn
Corner Brook	February 8	7:00 p.m.	Greenwood Inn and Suites
Grand Falls-Windsor	February 9	7:00 p.m.	Mount Peyton Hotel

The public meetings are open for public participation, comment and presentation. Individuals or groups who wish to make a short presentation at the meeting are asked to pre-register by contacting the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 1-866-440-4044 or sending an e-mail to energyplan@gov.nl.ca. Copies of the discussion paper are available by calling the toll-free number, sending an e-mail or accessing a copy online: www.gov.nl.ca/energyplan

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Natural Resources, (709) 729-5282, 685-4624, carmelturpin@gov.nl.ca

2006 01 10 12:45 p.m.

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