Video Launched in North Sydney

Geology and jobs were the focus today, March 22, for Grade 10 students of Memorial High School in Cape Breton at the official launch of the Department of Energy's new education video.

"Nova Scotia's prosperous oil and gas industry will help to secure the future of our province -- the future of our young people," Energy Minister Cecil Clarke said before the students viewed the film. "This video gives students a glimpse into this growing industry -- explaining how oil and natural gas are formed, how it is developed, and how they, too, can become involved in the many exciting opportunities that exist not just in the field, but in engineering, geology, law, policy work, research and development and government."

The half-hour video takes students through all aspects of oil and natural gas in Nova Scotia, from formation to exploration, from development and production to refining. It also outlines the many business and career opportunities available in the oil and natural gas industry, and the impact of fossil fuel consumption on our climate.

Since its "sneak-peek" last June at E.B. Chandler Junior High School in Amherst, the video has been edited to include new offshore footage. It also received the Canadian Public Relations Society (Nova Scotia) Jasper Award of Merit at the Gemstone Awards in October 2003.

Using a combination of live footage, interviews and graphic animation, the video tells the story of Nova Scotia's offshore and onshore oil and gas resources in a way that is easily understood by junior and senior high school students.

"This video gives students an understanding into the basic science of oil and natural gas," said Paul Harvey, senior petroleum geophysicist with the Department of Energy. "This knowledge will help give them a more clear idea of the industry and how oil and natural gas impacts their lives each and every day."

The video will be sent to junior high and high schools, libraries, and community colleges throughout the province today. Accompanying the video will be 12 fact sheets which highlight points from each section of the video and include an interactive "Try This" section. The video will also be accessible on the Department of Energy's website at www.gov.ns.ca/energy .