News release

Energy Discussion Paper

Petroleum Directorate
Natural Resources (to July 2018)

NATURAL RESOURCES/PETROLEUM DIRECTORATE--Energy Discussion Paper Released


The provincial government is asking Nova Scotians to take a close look at future energy needs and opportunities. As part of the process to develop a revised energy strategy, the government has released a discussion paper titled Powering Nova Scotia’s Economy.

Gordon Balser, Minister responsible for the Petroleum Directorate, tabled the discussion paper in the House of Assembly this afternoon on behalf of the directorate and Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage.

"The discussion paper outlines for Nova Scotians the government’s values, principles and goals for the energy sector. It then asks people to advise us on how to best achieve them," said Mr. Balser. "We have included a series of issues and questions to help people better understand and work through this very important and complex subject."

The document, available on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/energystrategy , outlines various avenues for public input, including a public consultation process. The issues and questions in the paper cover many topics, such as energy and economic development opportunities; new offshore energy possibilities; the future of the electricity sector; and balancing energy opportunities with social and environmental needs.

"We want a broad range of ideas and discussions," said Mr. Fage. "We will ask people to think about the questions, prepare written submissions and work with others through regional sessions. We will also be meeting with a broad range of groups to discuss ideas further."

Six public consultation sessions will be held throughout the province in May. Announcements regarding venues and times will be made soon.

Those interested in participating in a consultation session may want to pre-register by logging on to the energy strategy Web site, e-mailing energystrategy@gov.ns.ca, or calling 1-800-704-5411.

Submissions can be made on the Web site, via e-mail, or by mail to Nova Scotia Energy Strategy, c/o Department of Natural Resources, Founders Square, Third Floor, 1701 Hollis St., P.O. Box 698, Halifax, N.S. B3J 2T9.

Copies of Powering Nova Scotia’s Economy are available on the Web, at regional and university libraries, at Natural Resources and Petroleum Directorate offices in Halifax; and at Access Nova Scotia Centres throughout the province.

For more information visit the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/energystrategy , or call the toll-free line at 1-800-704-5411, e-mail energystrategy@gov.ns.ca .