ENERGY AND MINES MINISTERS TO MEET IN IQALUIT

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline is meeting with his energy and mines counterparts from the federal, provincial and territorial governments at the Conference of Canadian Energy and Mines Ministers meeting July 18th - 20th, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

At their meeting, the ministers will address joint provincial and federal regulatory challenges that affect the mining and energy sectors including navigable waters legislation, environmental review processes and the need to streamline regulatory processes for approval of energy projects.

"In addition to being the world's top producer of uranium and potash, Saskatchewan is also one of Canada's largest energy producing provinces," Cline said. "This meeting is an excellent opportunity to create synergies with other jurisdictions, exchange information and plan for the continued success of both mining and energy."

The ministers will focus on the need for enhanced federal support for geoscience programs and technology development for conventional fuels, taxation issues, and the importance of federal involvement in a national diamond strategy. They are also expected to endorse the findings of the Final Report of the Canada-U.S. Power System Outage Task Force on the Blackout of August 14th, 2003.

Ministers will also meet with various industry associations to exchange views on issues of common interest. Cline said continuing dialogue with industry is critical to ensuring that important energy investments for new supplies and conservation initiatives advance the province's vision for a green and prosperous economy.

The energy and mining sectors are the leading contributors to the province's gross domestic product, accounting for 18 per cent of the provincial economy.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691