2011 in Review:

The Natural Resources Committee, which deals with energy and resource issues, has been focusing on issues of particular importance to this region of the country by dealing with the oil and gas industry and the mining industry. The Committee specifically studied shale gas, which is important to Alberta, B.C., Quebec and Atlantic Canada, as well as the Oil Sands in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Meetings were also held on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s decisions regarding the transportation of decommissioned steam generators to Sweden. During these sessions, Committee members heard from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and Canada’s first private nuclear generating company, Bruce Power. The Committee discussed the decision made by the CNSC to issue a transport license and certificate to Bruce Power.

With the start of the new Parliament, I, as Chair of the Committee, led Members in discussing what studies would be focused on during the new session. After reviewing a number of topics, Members agreed that resource development in Northern Canada, with its high economic potential, would be one of the most beneficial studies for Canada.

A variety of witnesses appeared before the Committee including experts in both mining and geo-mapping. Mining is a big part of resource development in the Territories and is nearly impossible without geo-mapping. Geo-mapping is the use of modern geological methods and standards to identify potential for energy and mineral resources. Many of the witnesses stressed the importance of development in the North and the difficulties they face such as the cumbersome regulatory regimes, environmental processes, red tape obstacles created by all levels of government, as well as a lack of infrastructure.  Another problem companies face is the shortage of skilled workers in the region to operate mines and develop resources. Many are working to hire more aboriginals by providing them with the necessary training. The Government has also become involved by funding programs such as the Mine Training Society, which supports aboriginals in preparing for and obtaining jobs in the mining industry. These programs benefit the industry by helping mining partners meet Aboriginal employment targets and identifying training to employment opportunities.

The Natural Resources Committee also made it a priority to review a major study that was done on the Forest Industry in 2008 to see what progress has been made in the industry based on the previous work of the Committee. The final report included recommendations made by the Committee in collaboration with industry. Our current Members reviewed the progress of implementing these recommendations, and found that the industry has been revitalized, and is ready once again to compete in foreign markets.


A Look Ahead at 2012:

There was a unanimous agreement to continue to focus on the prominent issue of resource development in Northern Canada. However, we will take a short break in order to discuss the current and future state of oil and gas pipelines and refining capacity in Canada. I am very pleased that the Committee will be reviewing these topics as I have had a number of constituents speak to me about how frustrating it is to see the cost of oil per barrel going down but the cost of gas at the pump continuing to rise.   It was imperative to study both refining capacity in Canada and oil and gas pipelines as the two are closely related. I look forward to being able to report back to you on the Committee’s findings.

After the meetings on gas pipelines and refining capacity we plan to return to the issue of resource development in Northern Canada and hold more sessions on mining prior to drafting a final report.
We will then review what direction Members wish future studies to take.

As usual, it will be a busy session for the Natural Resources Committee as we continue to study the issues that are important to Canadians.