Atlantic Energy Ministers Meet in Pictou

Identifying ways to secure Atlantic Canada’s energy future is one the key topics to be discussed at the Atlantic Energy Ministers’ meeting today, July 15, in Pictou, Nova Scotia.

The meeting is being hosted by the Honourable Charlie Parker, Minister of Energy, Government of Nova Scotia, who invited Atlantic energy ministers and representatives from their electricity utilities to Nova Scotia to discuss a variety of important regional energy matters.

“We are working toward securing a cleaner, more affordable energy future for Atlantic Canadians,” said Minister Parker. “We are making progress on energy priorities and initiatives that will benefit people across the Atlantic Provinces.”

Topics include securing supplies of natural gas, technologies to better manage electricity supply and demand, and energy efficiency.

“The meeting provides an opportunity for dialogue on a wide variety of regional energy priorities that will help to strengthen the Atlantic region’s overall energy future,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. “I was looking forward to discussing the development of Muskrat Falls. This is a true region builder that will benefit all of Atlantic Canada and will open a new power corridor for clean renewable energy.”

“Regional collaboration is key for Islanders to access secure, sustainable energy supplies at reasonable prices,” said the Honourable Wesley Sheridan, Minister of Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs, Government of Prince Edward Island. “Our meeting provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the energy challenges and opportunities facing our regional utilities and Atlantic Canadians.”

Also on the agenda are next steps under electricity cooperation through the Atlantic Energy Gateway (AEG) initiative. The initiative was established in 2009 to increase regional cooperation towards the development of Atlantic Canada’s clean energy resources. One of the major modelling inputs into the AEG process was the planned 500 MW of new electricity supplies coming from Newfoundland and Labrador through the Maritime Link. How to best manage that challenge and opportunity will be the focus of electricity regional cooperation in the coming months.

The AEG involves work by the four Atlantic Canada energy departments, their provincial utilities, ACOA and Natural Resources Canada.

“We always look forward to meeting with our counterparts from the other Atlantic provinces, as we share many common challenges and opportunities,” said the Honourable Craig Leonard, Minister of Energy and Mines, Government of New Brunswick. “There are a number of important energy projects in New Brunswick, including the potential for a pipeline carrying crude oil from Alberta to Saint John; new frontiers on the natural gas development front, and a new path forward for NB Power. It is a pleasure for me to share information on all of these developments with our neighbours.”

The ministers will also take the opportunity to discuss the advice they will provide to their respective premiers regarding the development of a Canada Energy Strategy under the Council of Federation.

The Energy ministers, utility representatives and ACOA last met on shared energy issues in the fall of 2012.

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2013 07 15             12:50 p.m.