2019 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference

News Release – 2019 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference

Energy and Mines Ministers Agree to Drive Competitiveness, Innovation and Sustainability in Natural Resource Industries

July 17, 2019 — Cranbrook, British Columbia                                        

Canada’s energy and mines ministers concluded their annual conference with a shared vision aimed at leveraging Canada’s natural resource advantage to attract investment and create jobs for Canadians, develop new natural resource products, and expand global market access. To that end, Ministers acknowledged the need for jurisdictions to work together to get Canada’s resources to market while enhancing environmental sustainability, improving Canadian competitiveness through timely, predictable and transparent regulatory processes, and securing public trust.

Held in the territory of the Ktunaxa Nation just outside of Cranbrook, British Columbia, Ministers at the annual Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC) committed to continuing the work necessary to advance Indigenous partnerships through strong relationships and economic opportunities.

As the fourth largest oil producer in the world and a jurisdiction with over 80 per cent of its electricity generated from zero-emission sources, Canada is uniquely positioned to be a global supplier of choice for the most environmentally sustainably produced energy in the world. Ministers took stock of actions being taken to advance clean power in all jurisdictions and discussed the importance of working together to develop cleaner power sources across Canada, while taking regional priorities into account. Ministers also discussed the importance of modernizing infrastructure, strengthening collaboration on cyber-security to ensure safety, security and reliability of Canada’s energy systems, as well as improving coordination of energy data collection and sharing to enhance effective communication and decision making, and investment attraction.

In addition, Ministers also acknowledged that important work is already underway in Canada and abroad to reduce reliance on more greenhouse gas-intensive sources of power, including through investments in off-diesel projects, support for emerging renewable energy and liquefied natural gas projects (e.g. to displace coal in Asia and Europe), as well as through cross-border transmission of clean energy.

Canada is a mining powerhouse with its rich and diversified mineral resources and its leading capital markets. This, combined with its world-class expertise and technology, positions Canada to provide many of the materials essential to a clean-energy future. The Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP), which was jointly released this year by the federal, provincial and territorial governments1, will position Canada as the leading mining country.

Mines Ministers advanced this vision by discussing six pan-Canadian actions under the CMMP, including: a pan-Canadian geoscience strategy; workshops aimed at increasing Indigenous and local procurement; an improved reclamation and remediation initiative; programming to support an effective innovation ecosystem; a mineral literacy campaign and the establishment of a Canada Brand for mining. The first in a series of Action Plans is set for release in early 2020.

Through expert presentations and panel discussions, Ministers also explored ways to pursue measures that will:

  • improve gender equality and diversity across the natural resources sectors;
  • strengthen energy information to support decision-making and engaging collectively on cyber security to ensure a safe and reliable energy system; and
  • make Canada a global leader in clean growth.

Energy and mines ministers noted that actions undertaken by natural resource sectors in Canada continue to drive our economy and create skilled jobs while helping us to meet the country’s climate-change commitments. Seizing opportunities for further collaboration and making ongoing investments in renewable energy generation and transmission, as well as in clean technology and innovation, where appropriate, will accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy, strengthen Canada’s global reputation and brand, ensure economic prosperity and ensure environmental protection go hand in hand.

Ministers expressed their thanks to the Honourable Minister Michelle Mungall, the Ktunaxa Nation and the people of British Columbia for their warm welcome which contributed to a successful 2019 conference.

Driving competitiveness, innovation, sustainability and Indigenous partnerships in Canada’s natural resource industries will remain a focus of federal, provincial and territorial energy and mines ministers as they work toward the 2020 EMMC in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Quotes:

“Canada’s natural advantage positions us to attract investments, develop new products sustainably and grow our global exports, while protecting our environment, fighting climate change and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The opportunity is now, and we are taking bold action to deliver for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”

Amarjeet Sohi
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources

“The time is now to build a clean energy future through the electrification of Canada’s growing economy. This year’s Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference highlighted leading innovations and best practices from across the country – including our government’s CleanBC plan.

“Mining is a foundational industry and provides family-supporting jobs across Canada. With our strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, we have an opportunity to work together on a responsible mining brand that will strengthen Canada’s competitiveness.”

Michelle Mungall
Government of British Columbia Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

The Governments of Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta did not endorse this communiqué.

Media may contact:

Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
NRCan.media_relations-media_relations.RNCan@canada.ca

Vanessa Adams
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
343-543-7645
Vanessa.Adams@canada.ca

British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Media Relations
250-952-0628
Kent.Karemaker@gov.bc.ca






1The provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan did not endorse the CMMP but are supportive of the approach in principle while calling for more action to be taken to address investor confidence.