As a follow-up to their North Sydney meeting in February, Atlantic energy ministers met with a group of federal ministers in Ottawa yesterday to discuss the economic development potential of the energy sector, as well as climate change issues.
Atlantic Energy Ministers, Hon. Jamie Ballem (Prince Edward Island ), Hon. Cecil Clarke (Nova Scotia) and Hon. Bruce Fitch (New Brunswick), speaking also on behalf of their colleague Hon. Edward Byrne (Newfoundland and Labrador), met with Hon. John Efford (Natural Resources Canada), Hon. David Anderson (Environment Canada), Hon. Andy Scott (Infrastructure), Hon. Geoff Regan (Fisheries and Oceans) and Hon. Joseph McGuire (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).
Key discussions centered on: establishing Atlantic Canada’s leadership role on climate change initiatives, effective and focused regulatory processes, and support for energy-based technology and research opportunities in Atlantic Canada.
The group has established a process to move forward, including the participation of federal ministers at the next Atlantic Energy Ministers’ Meeting to be held in June in Prince Edward Island. The provincial and federal ministers also agreed to have federal senior officials, including deputy ministers from NRCAN and Environment Canada, initiate work with deputy ministers from all four Atlantic Provinces’ Energy Departments to identify areas of mutual interest for discussion at the June meeting.
Minister Ballem, who chaired the Ottawa meeting, said the Atlantic delegation was impressed with the level of co-operation by the federal ministers and their desire to move forward on energy issues.
“We are very pleased that federal ministers were able to meet with us to discuss energy challenges and opportunities in our region. Atlantic Ministers are committed to greater regional cooperation on energy issues, however, progress can only be made with federal participation and support,” he said.
Minister Ballem said he and his colleagues showed the unique opportunities that exist in Atlantic Canada and the region’s ability to lead the way on energy issues because of its natural resources and location.
“The regional cooperation between the four Atlantic Provinces allows us to take a common approach to dealing with Ottawa and move forward with our federal counterparts in a positive way,” added Minister Ballem.
The Atlantic Energy Ministers Initiative was formed by the Council of Atlantic Premiers. It advocates regional cooperation on electricity, oil and gas, renewables and other energy initiatives. Energy ministers will report back to the Council of Atlantic Premiers on their progress when the Council meets in Nova Scotia in mid-June.