ENERGY AND MINES MINISTERS TO MEET IN HALIFAX

Sustainable development, competitiveness and growing Canada's energy and mineral industries will be discussed in addition to a roundtable discussion specifically on mining industry issues at the annual conference of energy and mines ministers.

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said he will raise the role of the federal government in developing a national strategy for the diamond industry, longer-term funding for co-operative mapping strategies, and the importance of developing a process to address issues under the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

"This is a great forum for exchanging ideas and information with colleagues in government and industry on important issues that affect the country as a whole," Cline said.

Saskatchewan is the third-largest non-fuel mineral producing province and second-largest natural gas-producing province in Canada. The mining sector accounts for approximately six per cent of the province's gross domestic product while oil and gas accounts for eight per cent.

The conference is chaired by federal Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal and hosted by Nova Scotia's energy and natural resources ministers from September 28th-30th.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Public Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8277 Email: rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca