Responsible Resource Development Supports Jobs in Atlantic Canada
Canadian oil flowing east would create economic growth and prosperity across Canada
SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - Dec 11, 2012) - The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada''s Minister of Natural Resources, today visited the Irving Oil refinery and delivered remarks at the Saint John Board of Trade to highlight the government''s plan for Responsible Resource Development. He was joined for his remarks by the Honourable David Alward, Premier of New Brunswick.
The Government''s plan is bringing Canadian resources to local consumers and expanding markets, while creating new opportunities for Canadian business and jobs in Atlantic Canada and across the country.
"The Harper government is fully committed to supporting jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity in New Brunswick and across Canada," said Minister Oliver. "We support the idea of a pipeline to the east that would bring lower-cost Canadian crude to places like Saint John, the home of Canada''s largest oil refinery and one of Canada''s most iconic ports."
Responsible Resource Development supports 45,000 direct jobs across Atlantic Canada, eight percent of jobs in New Brunswick, and funds critical social programs including health and education. Currently, over 99 percent of Canada''s oil and 100 percent of its natural gas exports are to the United States. However, the 2012 World Energy Report found that the United States will be "almost self-sufficient in energy, in net terms, by 2035."
"Our plan recognizes the critical need for investments in independently, objectively reviewed proposals from business to develop and bring our resources east to support Canada''s shared prosperity," said Minister Oliver. "We are keeping taxes low and aggressively pursuing agreements that allow Canadian business to compete in some of the fastest-growing regions in the world."
Currently, 79 percent of crude oil deliveries to Atlantic Canadian refineries are imported, primarily from Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Angola. The plan also focuses on protecting the environment by increasing the number of inspections by the National Energy Board for oil and gas pipelines by 50 percent annually.
Media backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
