(June 21, 2022) – Lloyd Parrott, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Industry, Energy, and Technology and MHA for Terra Nova, is calling on the Liberal government to immediately come clean about their plan for the oil and gas industry in this province following news of executive staff changes at OilCo.

“The decisions of this Liberal government, under the watch of Premier Furey and Minister Parsons, continue to make me concerned about the future of our offshore industry. First, we saw the Liberals cancel the offshore seismic program, and the Minister dismissed concerns about his decision,” said Parrott.

“Next we see the land sale bid process deferred. Now, the same executives who would be responsible for the seismic program are no longer with OilCo. If exploration is stalled, sales deferred, and experienced executives departing, how can the Liberal government say they’re supporting our oil and gas industry?”

Parrott outlined many questions that he is calling on Minister Parsons to answer.

“This pattern of action has left me deeply concerned. The Liberals must be transparent about their plans for this industry. Here are just some questions I have for the Minister:
• Does this mean that the seismic program will not return?
• Did the cancellation of the seismic program result in the executive staff changes?
• Did the Liberal government force these executives out of OilCo?
• What does this mean for the future of OilCo?
• What does this mean for future offshore exploration?
• Do the Liberals still have confidence in the offshore industry, do they still have the vision to double oil production?

“The Liberals, supported by the NDP, have repeatedly demonstrated that they are satisfied to diminish our offshore industry and the economic benefits and jobs which result from it. This is unacceptable,” said Parrott.

“A PC Government would be supporting the industry, investing in seismic, and continuing to promote exploration. These recent developments at OilCo have left me increasingly concerned about the future of our industry under the Liberal watch.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca