FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswick’s energy and mining sectors were promoted at a national conference in Winnipeg by a delegation from the Department of Energy and Resource Development.

“Our province is uniquely positioned to take advantage of our geographic location, world-class transportation infrastructure and robust regulatory framework,” said Energy and Resource Development Minister Rick Doucet. “Our participation at this federal-provincial-territorial conference highlights the exciting projects that are on the horizon for New Brunswick.”

The 2016 Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference, held Aug. 21-23, was themed Enhancing Public Confidence in Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors. Federal, provincial and territorial energy and mining ministers participated.

“The natural resource sectors are an important source of jobs and benefits to the middle class,” said federal Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr. “We will continue to work with various levels of government, indigenous groups, industry and other stakeholders to ensure that Canada's resource sectors remain sustainable, globally competitive and sources of jobs and economic growth, now and into the future.”

The ministers agreed to develop a joint action plan in order to develop public backing to move resource projects forward, create jobs and regional economic development opportunities and transition towards a low-carbon economy. They agreed to:

  • foster relationships and partnerships through early and sustained engagement and collaboration;
  • improve the communication and transparency of data and regulatory processes;
  • balance community interests and mitigate environmental and health impacts through regulation and legislation; and,
  • support science and innovation to inform decisions and enhance environmental performance.

Other discussions included the federal government’s comprehensive review of environmental and regulatory processes; the commitment of the ministers to work together to ensure that provincial and territorial perspectives are reflected in the ongoing review of federal regulatory processes; and collaborative approaches to innovation and the development of clean technologies which can encourage clean growth in the natural resources sector.

The ministers will meet again in August 2017 in Saint Andrews.

“I look forward to welcoming my colleagues from across Canada to Saint Andrews next year,” said Doucet.

 

 

26-08-16