The Centre Applauds Strengthened Canada-Israel Energy Ties

TORONTO, June 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver signed an agreement between Canada and Israel to advance energy cooperation between the two countries. The agreement includes commitments to share policy expertise in energy management, promote industrial cooperation, and collaborate in various fields of innovation - including environmental best practices and unconventional sources of energy. Parallel to this initiative, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has been engaging with Canada's energy industries to explore opportunities in Israel's nascent energy sector, an effort which will only be strengthened by yesterday's announcement.

In response, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, stated the following:

"We applaud Minister Oliver and the federal government for launching an initiative that will only enhance Canada's position as a world leader in energy.

"With the recent discovery of oil and natural gas in Israel, this agreement provides an opportunity to leverage Canadian expertise for the goal of Israeli energy independence. For Canada, it offers greater access to a burgeoning marketplace of both customers and innovators - both crucial for creating Canadian jobs in a fragile global economy."

As the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that creates and implements strategies for the purpose of improving the quality of Jewish life in Canada and abroad, increasing support for Israel, and strengthening the Canada-Israel relationship.

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
416-953-4417
[email protected]