Newfoundland and Labrador�s energy supplies and the province�s ability to help meet the region�s energy demand in an environmentally-responsible manner were highlighted in Quebec City during a conference of policymakers from Eastern Canada and the New England states on Sunday and Monday.

"Areas of the region that require energy resources to meet their growing demand and targets for renewable energy are eager for information on how much power the energy-producing provinces can generate and will have available for export in the future," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "This is a tremendous opportunity to raise our profile as an energy supplier. Along with Ontario, the New England states and Eastern Canadian provinces are important markets for Newfoundland and Labrador energy."

The forum was held at the direction of the New England Governors (NEG) and Eastern Canadian Premiers (ECP). The NEG/ECP directed energy and environment ministers and U.S. commissioners and secretaries to meet to develop recommendations for addressing issues of mutual concern. The recommendations will be submitted at the Governors and Premiers next annual conference in June 2007.

"As policymakers within the region, we now have a better understanding of the energy issues and challenges in each part of the region and how we can work together," said Minister Dunderdale. "My goal was to create a greater profile of our energy supplies and ensure my counterparts around the table and in one-on-one conversations are aware of the ability of this province to help supply their energy needs. This is especially important in the context of the Lower Churchill Project, our significant wind potential and future natural gas development."

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, said sharing ideas and discussing methods for improving energy conservation and efficiency and moving towards cleaner, more renewable forms of energy is a common sense approach for the region to take.

"A critical component of the discussion and of energy planning is establishing as a priority energy efficiency and conservation," Minister Jackman said. "In addressing the need for additional energy, we need to ensure we are making the best use of our supplies. We want people to be aware of the individual actions and purchasing decisions that can make a real difference in the energy they use within their homes."

Issues of regional interest discussed at the forum included trade, transmission, infrastructure expansion, conservation, energy efficiency and renewable forms of energy.

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2007 02 14                                               2:05 p.m.