In our riding, many constituents know about our Conservative government’s efforts since 2006 to expand international markets for our agricultural products. In addition to agriculture, which continues to be a major industry in Alberta, natural resources and energy exports are full of potential. That’s why we have been successful cultivating new markets and enhancing existing ones. We know that we are an ‘exporting’ nation and it is challenging to increase our exports in an increasingly ‘global’ economy. Our government’s focus is on what matters to Canadians – jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. In our region of Alberta, agriculture continues to be our major industry.
In Alberta, energy is our major export. In Ottawa, our government is aggressively working to enhance Canada’s position as a stable, secure and environmentally responsible energy supplier to North America and the world. Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver is responsible for developing new markets for Canada’s energy products. Recently, the Minister delivered the keynote speech at the Global Energy Summit in New York City. Minister Oliver emphasized the pivotal contribution that Canada’s diverse energy mix can make to North America’s economic prosperity, while also allowing us to make a significant contribution to global energy security and economic stability.
In his speech, he points out that Canada has the resources in place to meet our own needs as well as the growing energy demands of global markets. Canada is well-positioned to help fill the demands for energy resources from countries who need them. In fact, Canada: has the third-largest known oil reserves in the world; has the fifth-largest production of hydroelectricity; is the fifth-largest producer of natural gas; is the second largest producer of uranium; and has the ninth largest installed capacity of wind power.
Canada’s approach to the responsible development of natural resources includes supporting jobs, economic growth, environmental protection and the energy security of North America. Our plans also entail reaching new markets for our energy resources to create opportunities for Canadian companies. Since 2006, our government has invested more than $10 billion in green infrastructure, energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and the production of cleaner energy and fuels.
Most recently, Canadians are considering TransCanada’s Energy East Pipeline Project Proposal. TransCanada has released the Deloitte & Touche LLP report on the job creation and economic benefits of their ‘Energy East’ proposal.
The Deloitte report’s findings demonstrate that the Energy East pipeline project would generate high-quality jobs for Canadians, including Aboriginal peoples, in every province along the pipeline route. The report estimates that more than 10,000 full-time jobs would be created during the development and construction phase, and another 1,000 during the operation of the proposed pipeline. The project would also generate $35 billion in gross domestic products and $10 billion in tax revenues for municipal, provincial and federal governments.
In Alberta, we are hopeful that this project would transport western Canadian oil to the east and new markets abroad. At the same time, pipeline safety an integral part of our government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development. We have increased protections and will only allow such energy projects to proceed if they are proven safe for Canadians after an independent, science-based environmental and regulatory review.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this or previous columns you may write me at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, toll-free 1-800-665-4358, fax 780-608-4603 or e-mail Kevin.Sorenson.c1@parl.gc.ca.
