CAPP and the New Brunswick Oil and Natural Gas Association work to advance onshore development in New Brunswick

FREDERICTON, Jan. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the New Brunswick Oil and Natural Gas Association have agreed to work together to enable responsible growth of the onshore industry in New Brunswick.

As part of a memorandum of agreement reached in December 13^th, 2011, CAPP and the New Brunswick Oil and Natural Gas Association have formed a task group comprised of representatives from both associations. The task group's objective is to engage with communities, business leaders, governments and people interested in an open, fact-based dialogue about natural gas and oil development.

"Our focus is on a balanced approach to resource development, an approach that recognizes the importance of integrating energy supply, economic prosperity and environmental and social performance," said Paul Barnes, CAPP manager for Atlantic Canada and co-chairman of the task group.

Local oil and gas companies and CAPP recognize the need to engage directly with people in New Brunswick to answer questions about how our industry operates. Our track record in regions with a history of natural gas development shows that natural gas is developed safely in Canada. We believe industry can establish equally safe and reliable operations in New Brunswick.

"Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel and an opportunity worth seizing as Canada transitions toward an energy mix with lower carbon emissions," said Corridor Resources President and CEO Phillip Knoll, co-chairman of the task group. "Additionally, it provides significant economic and employment benefit to jurisdictions where it is developed as well as on a national basis."

"We appreciate the fact that the people of New Brunswick want constructive discussion about what onshore natural gas development in the province means from an environmental, economic and energy supply standpoint. Our perspective is that natural gas can and is being developed safely and responsibly in other jurisdictions in Canada. We have a good track record of responsible development, but it is important that we listen to other voices and respond to the legitimate concerns of the public," Knoll said.

Following a competitive hiring process, the task group has retained Angie Leonard from New Brunswick to engage with communities and business leaders in New Brunswick regarding onshore natural gas and oil development. Angie is a chartered accountant and recently left a position in the New Brunswick public service. She has a thorough understanding of the natural gas sector. Angie will also represent the industry in Nova Scotia.

"I look forward to my new role," said Angie Leonard, CAPP senior advisor. "We have an excellent opportunity to develop a natural gas industry here in a responsible way. We need to make sure there is line of sight to the benefits provided by industry activity, such as employment and government revenue. We also need to ensure the industry understands and is responsive to the concerns of the public."

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada. CAPP's mission is to enhance the economic sustainability of the Canadian upstream petroleum industry in a safe and environmentally and socially responsible manner, through constructive engagement and communication with governments, the public and stakeholders in the communities in which we operate.

Markus Ermisch
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
(P): 403-776-1401
(M): 403-462-0361
(E): [email protected]