Nova Scotia Joins World's Largest Oil and Gas Show

Energy Minister Cecil Clarke welcomed Natural Resources Canada Minister John Efford and Nova Scotia's Energy Team to one of the world's largest oil and gas shows today, May 3, in Houston Texas.

Both ministers officially opened Café Nova Scotia, a networking and operating centre located at the Nova Scotia booth, before touring the 35th Offshore Technology Conference that runs from today until Thursday.

"With more than 2,500 exhibitors, we wanted to create a presence that stood out and made our Nova Scotia companies proud," said Mr. Clarke. "Early on we've had industry representatives from all over the world stop by our exhibit to ask questions and learn more about the opportunities in Nova Scotia's offshore. This is what we've come for -- to promote Nova Scotia's offshore potential and the success of our companies."

Staff from the Nova Scotia Department of Energy will conduct a technical presentation on Nova Scotia's offshore potential, while Mr. Clarke, and MLAs Frank Corbett and Michel Samson will tour a 3-D seismic visualization centre owned by Schlumberger.

More than 37 Nova Scotia companies and organizations -- representing Nova Scotia's expertise in engineering, fabrication, supply and services, training and business development -- are exhibiting with the Department of Energy and the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS) at the four-day conference.

"This conference gives our members an outstanding opportunity to make connections with companies from around the world, as well as within our own delegation," said Tim Brownlow, chair of OTANS. "Having government and industry together as one delegation shows these key industry representatives how committed Nova Scotia is to developing the offshore."

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Nova Scotia Business Inc., and the Greater Halifax Partnership will also join the Nova Scotian delegation being led by the Department of Energy and OTANS. Irving Shipbuilding Inc., will also have a booth at the conference. Other Nova Scotia companies are also attending the conference on an individual basis.

Founded in 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference is the world's foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection.