Minister Carr Hosts North American Energy Ministers Meeting

WINNIPEG, Feb. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, welcomed Pedro Joaquín Coldwell, Mexico's Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Ernest Moniz, United States Secretary of Energy, to Winnipeg, where he hosted the North American Energy Ministers Meeting. The energy leaders discussed the importance of trilateral cooperation, as well as the way forward toward a continental approach to energy.

During the meeting, the Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change and Energy Collaboration, which will expand the energy relationship between the three countries. This agreement will see Canada, Mexico and the United States collaborate and share information on key areas such as low-carbon electricity; clean energy technologies; energy efficiency; carbon capture, use and storage; climate change adaptation; and reducing emissions from the oil and gas sector, including from methane. The three countries will work together to increase alignment and ensure that the North American energy sector is developed responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to assess the progress made over the past year on energy cooperation. The three countries worked closely on mapping North American energy trade and infrastructure, sharing energy data and promoting reforms and new business opportunities. The Ministers launched a web platform featuring new energy maps, which for the first time depict North American energy resources, production and infrastructure in a single place. This information will be helpful to energy users and stakeholders.   

Quick Facts

• Between Canada, the United States and Mexico, C$167 billion worth of energy products were traded in 2015 across the continent, highlighting the importance of North American energy cooperation.
• On November 30, 2015, Canada, the United States and Mexico announced their participation in Mission Innovation, along with 17 other countries. Participating governments have committed to doubling their investments in clean energy research and development over five years.
• The Government of Canada has committed to investing an additional C$300 million a year in clean technology.

Quotes

"Secretary Moniz, Secretary Joaquín Coldwell and I want to build on North America's strength as one of the world's most dynamic and influential regions for secure and sustainable energy. The Memorandum of Understanding we signed today reflects our governments' shared vision for a future where an expanding clean energy sector, a sustainable environment and a strong economy go hand in hand."

Jim Carr
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

Related Products
Backgrounder - North American Energy Collaboration

Related Links
Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change and Energy Collaboration
North American Data Sharing Website

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Image with caption: "The Honourable Jim Carr, Canada’'s Minister of Natural Resources, Pedro Joaquín Coldwell, Mexico'’s Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Ernest Moniz, United States Secretary of Energy, sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change and Energy Collaboration on February 12, 2016, in Winnipeg. (CNW Group/Natural Resources Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160212_C2357_PHOTO_EN_619844.jpg

Image with caption: "The Honourable Jim Carr, Canada’'s Minister of Natural Resources, Pedro Joaquín Coldwell, Mexico'’s Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Ernest Moniz, United States Secretary of Energy, attend the North American Energy Ministers. Meeting on February 12, 2016, in Winnipeg. (CNW Group/Natural Resources Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160212_C2357_PHOTO_EN_619858.jpg

Micheline Joanisse, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-292-6837; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100; http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/media