OTTAWA, June 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Recent developments in Ukraine and Russia have forced the European Union (EU) to look at diversifying its external energy supplies and upgrading its energy infrastructure. In these times of uncertainty and rapid change, Canada can be a stable ground for Europe. The conversation is changing in Europe and it is important for Canadian businesses to seize the momentum.
Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, will lead a delegation of Canadian businesses and government representatives to Brussels June 18-19 to discuss what Canada has to offer and how we can deepen the relationship.
"As recent events have demonstrated, much of Europe's oil and gas is imported from places with a proven willingness to use their petroleum as a tool for geopolitical manipulation," stated Perrin Beatty. "The EU has too few energy partners, dependable traders who share EU values such as environmental protection and respect for democracy. Canada can be an energy partner to the EU."
New Brunswick Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard, who will be participating in the discussions alongside the Canadian Chamber of Commerce delegation, added "Canada is clearly positioned to be an important supplier to global energy markets and can assist the European Union in diversifying their external energy supply. These discussions on international partnerships highlight the energy sector's boundless potential for economic growth in our country, and New Brunswick will play a key role in providing the gateway for the flow of Canadian energy to the east."
In addition to meeting with senior policy makers, business leaders and key influencers, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with our partner association in Europe, BUSINESSEUROPE, is organizing roundtable discussion on June 19 on how Canada can be a secure energy partner for the EU.
"A closer energy partnership between Canada and the EU cannot happen overnight, as it will take several years to build the requisite infrastructure. But if we start today, we can build a future where Canada provides a secure and environmentally responsible source of energy for the people of Europe," concluded Perrin Beatty.
The European Council will hold a special meeting of the Heads of State on Energy Security on June 26-27.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing some 200, 000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at Chamber.ca or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.
SOURCE: Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Émilie S. Potvin
Vice President, Public Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
Office: 613.238.4000 (231)
Cell: 613.797.1860
[email protected]
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