Premier Dunderdale Leads Discussion on Development of National Energy Strategy at Premiers Meeting

As co-lead of the development of the Canadian Energy Strategy, the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, provided an update to her colleagues at the 2013 Council of the Federation Summer Meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Premier Dunderdale co-leads the Working Group on the Canadian Energy Strategy with Premier Alison Redford of Alberta and Premier Greg Selinger of Manitoba.

“There has been some important and critical work taking place throughout the country to ensure we all have access to secure and reliable energy resources,” said Premier Dunderdale. “I, along with Premiers Redford and Selinger, presented the Progress Report on the Canadian Energy Strategy to our colleagues that builds on the 10 action areas identified earlier this year. The report reflects our assertion that Canada needs open, non-discriminatory, cross-territorial transportation and transmission of our energy resources, buoyed by strong regional, national and international infrastructure. Without a national energy strategy we will not be able to develop resource projects that will benefit all Canadians.”

The Progress Report, available at www.councilofthefederation.ca/en/publications , identifies the vision and goals of the strategy.

"This report shows we have an opportunity to guide Canada's transition to reliable, renewable energy by making smart decisions now regarding the development of our energy resources," said Premier Dunderdale. "Our Muskrat Falls project is a good example of this concept. We are building a modern, efficient, regional grid system that has at its foundation clean, renewable energy. Muskrat Falls and the Maritime Link are clear signals that interprovincial cooperation with respect to regional energy development can have national benefits. These projects will provide tremendous economic and environmental benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador in particular, but will also benefit the Atlantic region as a whole and have economic spin offs for the entire country and help Canada meet its greenhouse gas reduction objectives. For all Canadians to benefit from secure, reliable energy, like we have demonstrated in Newfoundland and Labrador, open cross-territorial access will be vital."

Premier Dunderdale will continue to lead the development of the National Energy Strategy along with Premiers Redford and Selinger.

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2013 07 26             10:15 a.m.