BRUSSELS (GNB) – Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard is part of a Canadian Chamber of Commerce delegation in discussions with European business leaders in Brussels June 18 and 19.

He is raising awareness of New Brunswick as a long-term option to help diversify Europe's energy portfolio as the European Union addresses supply challenges.

"New Brunswick is increasingly being recognized by top energy officials as a jurisdiction that is gaining momentum in the global energy market," said Leonard. "The European Union is looking to Canada to diversify its external energy suppliers and taking notice of New Brunswick's energy potential, with a particular interest in oil and gas."
 
The roundtable discussion and meetings, organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with their European counterpart BusinessEurope, will give European policy makers and business leaders a better understanding of what New Brunswick's energy sector has to offer.

The province offers a port that has the closest proximity to Europe than any other port on the eastern seaboard, existing infrastructure including Canada's only liquefied natural gas terminal, stringent environmental regulations, and the development of upcoming projects such as the Energy East pipeline.

"The magnitude of the opportunity speaks volumes of New Brunswick's energy potential on a global scale," said Leonard. "Creating international partnerships for responsible development of the energy sector will benefit all parties. Working together to create solutions to energy supply issues in Europe will provide long-term benefits for New Brunswickers by moving the province one step closer to economic security."


17-06-14