(St. John’s, NL – February 13, 2025) Last week, Energy NL sent a letter to each candidate in the Liberal Party of Canada leadership process requesting their views on the energy industry and their approach to energy development. A version of the letter is available on the Energy NL website and candidate responses will be posted as received.
“As the next leader of the federal Liberal Party will become the Prime Minister of Canada, Energy NL felt it was important to seek the views of all candidates when it comes to important issues such as promotion of the energy industry and the federal emissions cap. The new prime minister will set the policy approach of the Government of Canada and as the energy industry is a leading economic driver for Canada, federal government actions have significant impact on the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry. It is important for Energy NL members to know now, the approach a new prime minister will have to our energy industry.”
• Jeremy Whittle, Chair of the Energy NL Board of Directors
The letter to Liberal Party of Canada leadership candidates has six questions pertaining to the energy industry. These questions ask candidates to share their vision for the energy industry and how they plan to communicate that vision to the public and the international investment community. The letter also asks for each candidate’s stance on the federal emissions cap, which Energy NL is opposed to, and if the candidates support the use of Newfoundland and Labrador’s lower carbon offshore oil to meet global demand. Given uncertainty with the new White House administration, Energy NL also asks if candidates will support allowing the oil and gas sector to once again avail of the Atlantic Investment Tax Credit and measures such as investment tax credits to spur renewable energy development.
“The Canadian energy industry provides opportunity to Canadians: opportunity to succeed now and opportunity to build careers and communities for the future. Policies such as the federal emissions cap are a cap on this opportunity and we need a prime minister who supports our energy sector, including oil and gas, renewable energies, hydroelectricity and more. Canada has a wealth of natural resources and we should be playing a leading role in energy resource development globally. Given the uncertainty we have come up against with our closest trading partner, we need to secure our energy future and support Canadian energy, especially Newfoundland and Labrador energy. Let’s make the most of our opportunity.”
• Charlene Johnson, Energy NL CEO
The oil offshore Newfoundland and Labrador is 30% below the global average for emissions at extraction and is the largest contributor to GDP in the province, while employing almost 20,000 people through direct, indirect, and induced jobs. There are also plans for significant wind-to-hydrogen projects in the province that will provide vast amounts of green energy while also employing thousands of workers. Government of Canada policies play a critical role in the success of these sectors and must reflect the significant benefits they provide to all Canadians.
A generic version of the letter to all candidates can be read here. As candidates respond to the letter,
Energy NL will post those responses here.
Energy NL represents over 500 member organizations worldwide which are involved in the energy sector. Members are active in all areas of the supply and service sector and include a diverse representation of businesses that range from offshore supply vessels and helicopters, carbon reduction and sustainable technologies, health and safety equipment and training, engineering solutions and fabricators to law firms and human resource agencies.
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Media contact:
Ken Morrissey, Senior Advisor Communications, Research and Policy
Mobile: 709-725-5172 |[email protected]| @WeAreEnergyNL
