CALGARY – Energy – “Minister McQueen and I met and agreed that Canada’s economic future depends on developing our natural resources responsibly. We share key priorities: continuing to build on world-class environmental protection and safety, strengthening energy security, as well as creating jobs and economic prosperity. A strong Alberta makes for a strong Canada, and vice versa. I look forward to collaborating with Minister McQueen in future as we work towards transforming Canada into a 21st century resource superpower.”Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, held a meeting yesterday with Alberta’s Energy Minister, the Honourable Diana McQueen. Over the course of the meeting they emphasized their shared commitment to responsible resource development that creates jobs and growth across Canada while ensuring world-class environmental protection for Canadians. Both ministers committed to collaborating in future on mutual goals.
The new Minister of Natural Resources is on what can only be called a learning curve.
Minister Rickford visited Alberta this week to meet with stakeholders, including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Dr. Fatih Birol, Chief Economist at the International Energy Agency, academic experts, and provincial officials. In Calgary, Minister Rickford spoke at the International Energy Agency’s Unconventional Gas Forum, where he outlined the Government of Canada’s efforts to diversify markets for Canadian resources.
“It was great to meet Minister Rickford in Edmonton to speak about Alberta and Canada’s shared goals of telling Alberta’s responsible energy development story and increasing market access for our energy resources. I look forward to continuing to work with Minister Rickford to advance these goals to the benefit of Albertans and Canadians,” added Diana McQueen, Alberta’s Minister of Energy.
“With great interest I listened to Minister Rickford’s vision for the future of the Canadian energy sector, which reaffirmed for me that Canada under his leadership is set to play an increasingly important role towards increasing the diversification and security of global energy markets,” stated Dr. Fatih Birol the Chief Economist and Director of the Global Energy Economics Directorate, International Energy Agency.
“We appreciate the smooth transition and Minister Rickford’s willingness to meet with industry during his first week on the job. His continuing support for resource development and his knowledge on Aboriginal issues and science and technology will be particularly relevant in his new portfolio.”
Greg Stringham, the Vice President, Oil Sands & Markets, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers stated, “We had a very productive initial meeting and we are pleased to see the focus on pipeline safety, which is our top priority. We look forward to continuing to work with all governments on productive outcomes for Canadians.”
