New Era of Co-Operation

Department of Energy

Published Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Energy Ministers from Atlantic Canada met in Halifax to discuss energy opportunities and how to maximize benefits for the region.

The ministers agreed it is time to speed up regional co-operation efforts and committed to working closer together to identify opportunities for collaboration.

Quotes

“There was a strong mood of co-operation. We received updates on progress made to date and directed our officials to accelerate efforts on energy co-operation and understanding the opportunities that are critical to the energy futures all of us are planning.” Nova Scotia Energy Minister Charlie Parker

“It is important for us to discuss the regional benefits of energy opportunities such as the development of the Muskrat Falls phase of the Lower Churchill Project. Nova Scotia recognizes the potential for us in this development and we are pleased to be partners with Newfoundland and Labrador.” Nova Scotia Energy Minister Charlie Parker

“The meetings provided the opportunity for constructive discussion on a variety of regional opportunities and energy priorities, which in turn will strengthen the Atlantic Canadian energy market.” Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources Minister Shawn Skinner

“I am pleased with the approach to work together, discuss issues, and exchange ideas to benefit a strong, united region. I was particularly pleased to discuss the development of Muskrat Falls, which will provide tremendous benefit for the region and indeed the country, and look forward to a continued partnership in support of the development.” Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources Minister Shawn Skinner

“The people of Atlantic Canada will benefit from regional co-operation on energy issues. I am pleased with this spirit of regional co-operation among the provinces. Working together we can strengthen the energy sector, generate more economic activity, create more jobs and lower energy costs across the region.” Prince Edward Island Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Richard Brown

“As this was the first Atlantic Energy Ministers' meeting in sometime, it was a great opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities we see in our respective provinces and how by working together, we can derive mutual benefits. We were able to discuss a wide range of issues, such as efficiency and generation from a regional perspective, and come to understandings on where we can work together. I see this meeting as a starting point for a more collaborative approach to dealing with the issues we all face.” New Brunswick Minister of Energy and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Craig Leonard

Quick Facts

  • This was the first meeting of Atlantic energy ministers since the Council of Atlantic Premiers made a commitment in November to work on finding common ground.
  • The ministers agreed to identify priority energy opportunities and find ways to maximize benefits for the region. They also discussed the regional benefit and opportunities associated with the development of the Lower Churchill hydroelectric project.
  • Ministers agreed they are better off working together on initiatives identified through the Atlantic Energy Gateway (AEG) Initiative, on a National Energy Strategy framework and energy efficiency initiatives.
  • To maximize the opportunities for collaboration on research and development and strengthened electricity transmission, the ministers want to complete work, in partnership with the federal government, on AEG Initiatives as quickly as possible.
  • The ministers say work will also continue on what the Atlantic region wants in a National Energy Strategy framework. Those concerns will be raised during the next federal-provincial-territorial energy ministers' meeting in Alberta in July.
  • The ministers agreed to share information on energy efficiency programming and to help people reduce their energy consumption. The provinces are also exploring harmonizing standards, policy and planning initiatives, programs and building codes.

Learn More

Media Contact

Tracy Barron
Department of Energy
902-424-1757
E-mail:
Heather MacLean
Department of Natural Resources, N.L.
709-729-5282
E-mail:
Jim Hennessy
New Brunswick Department of Energy
506-658-2410
E-mail:
Kim Devine
P.E.I. Department of Energy
902-368-5286
E-mail:

Images

Energy Minister Charlie Parker is joined by his Atlantic counterparts from left Richard Brown of P.E.I., Shawn Skinner of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Craig Leonard of New Brunswick.
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Energy Minister Charlie Parker takes a question while his Newfoundland and Labrador counterpart Shawn Skinner(left) and P.E.I. Energy Minister Richard Brown (right) look on.
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Energy Minister Charlie Parker along with Shawn Skinner, his Newfoundland and Labrador counterpart, listen intently as P.E.I. Energy Minister Richard Brown responds to reporters following the Atlantic conference.
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Audio

Nova Scotia Energy Minister Charlie Parker says this is the beginning of a new era of co-operation.
Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources Minister Shawn Skinner says co-operation can lead to stable electricity prices in the region.
Prince Edward Island Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Richard Brown says co-operation means stable power rates which will help create jobs for Atlantic Canadians.
Nova Scotia Energy Minister Charlie Parker says he and his colleagues discussed how the Lower Churchill hydroelectric project is something that will benefit the entire region.