Roundtable Gets Results, Advances Industry-Government Co-operation

Government and industry continue to make progress on encouraging responsible development of Atlantic Canada's offshore.

The governments of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada reported to the Atlantic Energy Roundtable that they are committed to renewing Canada's offshore regulations over the next few years.

They have also committed to act more quickly on the issue of reducing drilling costs. The Canadian Offshore Regulation Renewal Initiative will bring government's approach to regulation in line with modern standards and internationally accepted best practice.

Nova Scotia Energy Minister Cecil Clarke says the roundtable is showing that government, industry and labour can work together to reach solutions.

"The roundtable gives us an opportunity to turn the challenges that face offshore development into a shared vision," Mr. Clarke said. "In the case of the roundtable, we share a vision where Atlantic Canadians benefit from new opportunities for prosperity, based on an offshore energy sector that's sustainable, profitable and managed to the highest standards."

The roundtable also heard that a new proposal for regulating seismic testing in Canada's offshore is being released for public comment.

Mr. Clarke said the proposal is a direct result of the roundtable's efforts to improve regulatory efficiency. "Nova Scotians will find that this proposal uses good science to ensure environmental responsibility during the search for new offshore energy resources," Mr. Clarke said. "I believe that this proposal will give all stakeholders the clarity they've been seeking in seismic regulation."

The Atlantic Energy Roundtable consists of representatives of energy departments from the four Atlantic provinces, several federal government departments, and from industry and labour involved in offshore energy development. It concluded its third session in Halifax today, Feb. 19.

February 19, 2005 11:46 A.M.