Oil and Gas Week Celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador

Oil and Gas Week 2012 celebrates the economic and employment opportunities associated with Newfoundland and Labrador’s petroleum industry. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Natural Resources, joined representatives from industry and academia at the kick-off reception this morning at College of the North Atlantic’s campus in St. John’s.

“The oil and gas industry is one of the main fiscal drivers of our provincial economy representing close to 30 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product, and is a valuable source of employment for many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said Minister Kennedy. “Oil and Gas Week 2012 is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what the industry has helped us achieve as a province as we look forward to future opportunities for continued growth and development.”

Oil and Gas Week will run until March 2 with events scheduled throughout the week to increase industry awareness. Events include a career tradeshow, a luncheon hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association (NOIA), the presentation of NOIA’s annual Outstanding Contribution Award, a public lecture on onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration, and the Geological Survey of Canada’s annual briefing on geoscience activity.

A particular focus of Oil and Gas Week is to inform secondary and post-secondary students about potential career opportunities. Energy Day – Exploring Careers in Oil and Gas will take place tomorrow at the Johnson GEO CENTRE. The purpose of the session is to introduce students and the public to the industry and the wide range of careers it offers.

“The long-term success of the oil and gas industry is contingent on the support of a strong capable workforce and the youth of this province will have an important role in meeting this need,” said Minister Kennedy. “Opportunities exist for a successful career here at home and I encourage students and members of the public to participate in the events scheduled this week to learn more about the oil and gas industry.”

For more information on Oil and Gas Week, visit www.noia.ca/Industry-Info/NL-Oil-Gas-Week/ .

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Media contact:
Heather Maclean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca 

2012 02 27             11:30 a.m.