(February 10, 2022) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader, and Lloyd Parrott, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology, are reeling from news out of Ottawa today that the Federal Trudeau Liberal Cabinet is poised to make a decision that would effectively kill the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore industry.

This morning, Radio Canada, published a French language news story that indicated the “Bay du Nord oil project is causing divisions within Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.” It said the Federal Liberals may “approve, refuse, or negotiate” with the province regarding not only the Bay du Nord project but also the future of exploration and current producing projects.

“The Trudeau Liberals are in the process of putting the final nail in the coffin of the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry, while the Premier and Minister Parsons sit idly by. As the Premier touts his relationship with the Prime Minister, it is time for him to stand up for this project,” said Brazil.

Parrott recalled the recent decision of the provincial Liberal Cabinet to cancel future seismic activity in the province.

“If you are an elected official from Newfoundland and Labrador, provincially or federally, and you’re not standing on your desk today to demand support for the offshore oil and gas industry, you should hang your head in shame. This is about the future of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Parott.

“Now we have clear evidence that Liberals again want to cancel the Bay du Nord project and even want to shut down future exploration and production. This is devastating news.”

Both indicated the value of the oil and gas industry to our province.

“This issue is of vital importance to the entire province. The oil and gas industry is one of our top economic generators, bringing thousands of jobs to the province, billions of dollars in income, and has created spin off industries. Without our oil and gas industry, our province would not be as prosperous. I believe that the House of Assembly should be convened for a full and immediate debate to pass a unanimous resolution calling on the Federal Liberals to support the project,” said Brazil.

“Thousands of my constituents and families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador depend on this industry for work. This news is concerning. Each of our provincial MPs must immediately speak out in favor of Bay du Nord and lobby their Cabinet. Where is Seamus O’Regan, where is Gudie Hutchings? Where are our other Federal Liberal MPs” added Parrott.

“The people of this province cannot be dictated to by Ottawa. We must be masters of our own destiny. We must be in control of our province’s future, which is a future with oil and gas development supporting local jobs and employment,” concluded Brazil.

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca