According to the International Energy Agency, in 2035, fossil fuels will still be required to meet three-quarters of global energy demand. Canada is the world’s fifth-largest producer of natural gas, with marketable gas resources estimated to be up to 37 trillion cubic metres, or 1,300 trillion cubic feet — some 200 years of production at current rates. Canada has the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world, at 173 billion barrels. Canada’s Natural Resources Minister, the Honourable Joe Oliver maintains, “With our abundance of natural resources, Canada is well positioned to play a leading role in supplying the energy required to meet growing demand.”
Canada’s enormous natural wealth and the strength of our natural resource sectors are essential to our current and future economic success. Our Conservative government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development is unleashing the full potential of our resource sectors to create quality jobs, expand into new markets abroad and help grow our economy, while strengthening safety and environmental protection. Already, natural resources account for nearly 20% of our economy and support 1.8 million jobs across our country. Responsible Resource Development is helping ensure that these jobs exist for today and generations to come.
For example, on December 19, 2013, nearly four years after the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project was submitted for review, the independent Joint Review Panel released its final report on the project. The independent Panel recommends approval of the project subject to 209 conditions. During the independent review process, the Panel heard from over 1,450 participants in 21 different communities, reviewed over 175,000 pages of evidence, and received 9,000 letters of comment.
Our government is thoroughly reviewing the report and consulting with affected First Nations before making a decision. We are continuing to take action to improve the transportation safety of energy products across Canada. No project will be approved unless it is safe for Canadians and safe for the environment. This is why we believe pipelines are an important alternative to moving our energy by rail.
Canadians support our government making significant infrastructure investments across the country. Programs like the Community Infrastructure Fund, the Building Canada Fund and the Green Infrastructure Fund, are helping to create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Natural resources currently generate over $30 billion in tax revenue and royalties annually to help fund critical national programs, including social-spending programs such as health care and education.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this or previous columns you may write to 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 HYPERLINK “mailto:Kevin.Sorenson.C1@parl.gc.ca” Kevin.Sorenson.C1@parl.gc.ca.
