Partnerships Key to Offshore Growth

Premier John Hamm gave an overview of the province's new energy strategy at an oil and gas industry breakfast this morning.

Although the strategy will encompass a wide variety of energy issues, the premier used his address to Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS) to focus on offshore resources. The premier reiterated the following commitments:

• Nova Scotia natural gas will be landed in the province before it is sent to market;
• Nova Scotians must be assured they have access to their natural gas, on fair commercial terms;
• natural gas liquids are the foundation for a potential new petrochemical industry; and
• oil and gas activities and fishing activities will be carried out in a manner that allows each industry to prosper.

"It's that sort of approach that will be our hallmark," added the premier. "Yes, we want to grow, but not at any cost."

For the last six months, the Nova Scotia government has consulted widely to develop a new comprehensive energy strategy.

"We intend to use the energy sector as a springboard to larger economic growth," said Premier Hamm. "We want to build a diversified economy that is able to deal with the downturns that follow the project booms."

The premier commended the co-operation shown by many in the industry.

"We are asking each explorer, each developer, to tell us how their project helps us deliver real value, real long-term growth to the people of this province," said the premier. "We believe this relationship starts from day one. We are encouraged that many of the energy companies already agree."

The development of a new energy strategy is a major commitment of the Nova Scotia government.

"We are no longer planning and hoping. We are producing. We are delivering," concluded Premier Hamm. "Our new energy strategy will show leadership. It will offer a sound, flexible and realistic path to long-lasting growth for your industry, for our province."