WINNIPEG — The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Manitoba Industry, Trade and Mines, today signed the renewal of the Intergovernmental Geoscience Accord.
The agreement defines the complementary roles and responsibilities of governments with respect to geoscience. Renewal of the Intergovernmental Geoscience Accord will ensure that governments in Canada continue to work together to give Canadians accurate geoscience information.
“Reliable, up-to-date information about our landmass is essential to make decisions that are environmentally, economically and socially sound,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “This Accord formalizes the good working relationships among geological survey organizations and allows each to focus on its strengths, while encouraging a free flow of knowledge and expertise.”
Geoscientific information is critical to maintaining the standard of living of Canadians. It enables Canada to continue to manage its energy and mineral resources in a responsible manner and to properly understand key components of many environmental, water, climate change and land-use issues.
The Government of Canada, through NRCan’s Geological Survey of Canada, carries out national geoscience programs to define the geology and resources of Canada. Provincial and territorial geological agencies carry out programs specific to the economic development and management of their own jurisdictions.
“Our provincial and territorial programs are largely directed toward sustainable economic development and are closely linked to local needs. They are also related to provincial and territorial land use and social issues,” said Minister Mihychuk. “This agreement is an invaluable tool that promotes seamless access to geoscience information by industry and government decision makers, regardless of the source of the information.”
The purpose of the Accord is to foster good working relationships among government geological survey organizations in Canada, focusing on their strengths and increasing their effectiveness by
The original Accord, signed in 1996, has facilitated numerous cooperative field projects. It also helped make possible the Canadian Geoscience Knowledge Network, which is making geoscience knowledge from all government geological survey agencies across Canada available through the Internet.
The renewal of this Accord builds upon the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting research and development that creates a world-leading economy driven by innovation, ideas and talent.
Minister Dhaliwal is in Winnipeg to attend the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference, which he is co-chairing with his counterparts from Manitoba: Minister Mihychuk; the Honourable Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Conservation; and the Honourable Greg Selinger, Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro.
“The Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference is a forum for advancing our shared vision of energy, minerals and metals sectors that are strong, competitive and sustainable,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “It gives us an opportunity to address key issues in the wise use and development of our resource sectors. Together, we can ensure that these resources continue to contribute to the high quality of life of all Canadians, now and in the future.”
For more information, media may contact:
Heather Bala Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 996-7252 |
Ronuk Modha Cabinet Communications Executive Council Province of Manitoba Winnipeg (204) 945-1494 |