St John’s, NL; 19 June 2008 - Hon. Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), surprised delegates at NOIA’s 2008 International Petroleum Conference today, announcing the creation of the Atlantic Canada Energy Office. The office will engage in attracting investment in the offshore energy sector, improving trade and market development for supply companies in the region and enhancing coordination and support for energy science and technology. The announcement was welcome news for NOIA, which has long-advocated for a regional presence by Natural Resources Canada.
“Establishing a strong energy focused federal presence on the ground in the region is a “motherhood” issue for NOIA,” said NOIA Chair Caron Hawco. “We’ve advocated for this kind of office for over a decade. Creating it fulfills a key commitment in the Atlantic Accord and will provide ready access for the regional businesses that support the oil and gas industry and really grow the economy here at home.”
Minister Lunn also praised NOIA members for the energy success of Newfoundland & Labrador.
“Your time has indeed arrived,” said Minister Lunn. “The Newfoundland & Labrador offshore is poised for strong growth in the future and our government is pleased to be a part of this success.”
The office will be located in St John’s and would co-locate existing federal resources and draw on the collaborative efforts of officials from both ACOA and NRCan. Minister Lunn said the office should open this September.
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NOIA (Newfoundland & Labrador Oil & Gas Industries Association) is Canada's largest offshore petroleum association and has been headquartered in Newfoundland and Labrador since its founding in 1977. With over 450 members in this region and around the world, NOIA is the information hub of East Coast Canada’s oil and gas industry. NOIA members provide products and services for the petroleum sector; associate members include petroleum companies, trade associations, educational institutions and government bodies and agencies.
For additional information:
Deirdre Greene,
NOIA Vice-President, Policy & Communications
709-758-6617
drgreene@noianet.com
