Atlantic Energy Ministers Pleased with Ottawa Support

Economic development potential of the energy sector and climate change issues highlighted the Atlantic Energy Ministers meeting with federal ministers in Ottawa on Tuesday, March 9. The meeting was a followup to the Sydney Mines conference held in February.

"It was encouraging to have federal Environment Minister David Anderson at the table with his four Atlantic Cabinet colleagues," said Nova Scotia Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "We look forward to building on the progress of these meetings and having the continued participation of the federal representatives at our meeting in June."

The discussions centred on establishing Atlantic Canada's leadership role on climate change; effective and focused regulatory processes; and promising future energy-based technology development and research 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 P.E.I.

The provincial and federal ministers also agreed to have federal senior officials, including deputy ministers from Natural Resources and Environment Canada, work with provincial deputy ministers from all four Atlantic energy departments to identify possible outcomes for the followup meeting.

P.E.I. Environment and Energy Minister Jamie Ballem, who chaired Tuesday's 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.

He said he and his colleagues showed the unique opportunities that exist in Atlantic Canada and its ability to lead the way on energy issues because of its natural resources and location. But at the same time, progress can only be made with federal participation and support.

"The regional co-operation among 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 Mr. Ballem.

The Atlantic Energy Ministers Initiative was formed by the Council of Atlantic Premiers. It advocates regional co-operation 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.