News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswick’s energy assets and advantages will be showcased to businesses, industry organizations and Canadian government officials during meetings in Massachusetts and New York from Sept. 7 to 10.

“We have a proven track record as being a secure and reliable partner to the northeastern United States, particularly in the energy sector,” said Energy and Mines Minister Donald Arseneault. “Building a diversified regional energy sector will help provide more opportunities for our businesses and help create jobs here at home.”

Arseneault will meet with New England’s system operator (ISO New England), Emera, the Northeast Gas Association and the Canadian consuls in Boston and New York, among other groups and organizations.

New Brunswick is Canada’s most export-dependent province and the United States is its largest trade partner, recently accounting for nearly 90 per cent of the province’s global exports.

“As our primary customer for energy exports, it is critical that we continue to focus on regional co-operation with the northeastern states to address common goals and challenges, including key infrastructure and climate change,” said Arseneault. “By continuing to develop strong relationships with our regional partners I am confident that we will achieve our goals of creating jobs, growing the economy and making life more affordable for families.”

The meetings come on the heels of the annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers conference, which took place in St. John’s, N.L. at the end of August. During those meetings Premier Brian Gallant also spoke about the jurisdictions working together to combat climate change and about the importance of a diversified energy sector and its ability to create jobs and grow the economy in a sustainable way.