CAPP supports Minister of Natural Resources' call for federal regulatory reform

CALGARY, Jan. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers welcomes and supports federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver's call for regulatory reform to improve the federal government's project review process, which Mr. Oliver described as "slow, complex and cumbersome."

CAPP President Dave Collyer said the existing federal regulatory framework imposes conflicting requirements and creates complex, uncoordinated processes for the review of projects. This cumulative regulatory burden is too often characterized by duplication, delays and incremental costs that undermine economic viability without contributing to better environmental protection.

"The three broad themes that must underlie regulatory reform are balancing environmental and economic considerations, improving governmental coordination and tightening process timelines and effectiveness," Mr. Collyer said.

Regulatory competitiveness is key to Canada's oil and gas industry attracting investment capital, growing employment and the economy. Concerted broadly based regulatory reform is required to advance Canada's competitive position. Regulatory reform represents a significant opportunity to improve competitiveness while ensuring responsible environmental outcomes.

"It is important to look for ways to reduce administrative burdens on both the public and private sector while improving environmental performance and providing companies with efficient, timely and predictable regulatory processes," Mr. Collyer said. "Such an initiative requires scope and reach across federal departments and coordination with provincial governments."

In his open letter, Mr. Oliver said, "We believe reviews for major projects can be accomplished in a quicker and more streamlined fashion. We do not want projects that are safe, generate thousands of new jobs and open up new export markets, to die in the approval process due to unnecessary delays."

CAPP agrees with the natural resources minister that regulatory reform needs to be addressed with urgency as a matter of Canada's national interest.

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 member companies produce more than 90 per cent of Canada's natural gas and crude oil. CAPP's associate members provide a wide range of services that support the upstream crude oil and natural gas industry. Together CAPP's members and associate members are an important part of a national industry with revenues of about $100 billion-a-year. 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.

Travis Davies, Manager of Media Relations
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
(P): 403-267-1151
(M): 403-542-4115
(E): [email protected]