Government Accepts Review Recommendations

Gordon Balser, the Minister responsible for the Petroleum Directorate, said the province supports the creation of a working group to examine proposals for exploration activity in three licence blocks offshore Cape Breton.

"We see the working group as a positive move forward in our goal to see both the fishery and the oil and gas industry prosper," said Mr. Balser. The minister also announced that a meeting with fishing industry groups to discuss exploration rights issues will be held later in the fall.

"The meeting will be held in conjunction with my colleague the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries at the fall fisheries ministers' conference," said Mr. Balser. "It will be part of our commitment to hold discussions with the fishing industry in advance of exploration rights being offered."

"By working with the fishing industry, we hope to build the trust and understanding which helps create the conditions for successful growth in all sectors of our economy," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The Cape Breton Working Group will be established by the Canada- Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board. More information on the working group may be found on the board's Web site at www.cnsopb.ns.ca.