Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide a brief report to the Legislative Assembly on the meeting I attended with fellow western and northern Ministers of Energy on Friday, February 18, 2005, in Calgary, Alberta. The Western Energy Alliance was formed by Premiers at the Western Premiers' Conference in Inuvik in July 2004. The Premiers directed Energy Ministers to meet and pursue the objectives of an energy alliance to ensure that the collective energy interests of western provinces and northern territories are advanced to the maximum benefit of our citizens.
At the meeting, chaired by Alberta, Ministers discussed energy supply and demand issues of common interest. Several priority areas were identified and will form the basis of our ongoing collective work.
The Ministers agreed in principle to raise awareness of northern and western Canada as a secure supplier of oil, natural gas and electricity to Canada, North America and international markets, both currently and for many years to come. This speaks to my colleagues' understanding of the critical role to be played by the Mackenzie gas project and NWT oil and gas resources. Mr. Speaker, all agreed that Canada's North will play a key role in the continental energy solution.
Mr. Speaker, Energy Ministers also agreed to pursue increased harmonization of energy-related regulations, to improve regulatory efficiency and to reduce barriers to development. Regulatory harmonization remains a priority and northern gas development will serve as a benchmark to be monitored and measured as we assess our progress. Mr. Speaker, this is an issue of interest to the Northwest Territories as we work to increase certainty in the North through the devolution of responsibilities over lands and resources.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, Ministers also agreed to communicate with their federal counterpart, the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, regarding a commitment to meaningful provincial and territorial participation in international energy discussions and negotiations. As Members know, energy issues constitute current provincial and future NWT jurisdiction and, as such, should not be left solely to the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, I am very encouraged by the spirit of cooperation amongst Ministers of Energy. There was much discussion of the unique context of the three territories and a firm commitment was made to assist the NWT in developing our energy resources to the maximum benefit of our residents.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce today that the Ministers of Energy of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and Nunavut have agreed to hold the next Western Energy Alliance meeting in Inuvik this June.
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This meeting is timely for the NWT, and will occur in association with the Inuvik Petroleum Show. We have strong allies in advancing the energy interests of the residents of the NWT. I look forward to further cooperation with my colleagues to ensure the effective development of our collective energy resources. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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