(May 31, 2023, St. John’s) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, is very concerned about the future of the Bay du Nord project and is asking Premier Furey: what now?

“The Bay du Nord project is meant to kick start the next frontier in our province’s proud oil and gas industry. Now, we hear a three year delay for the project. That’s three years with thousands of jobs lost and billions in economic activity for workers and their families – if the project hasn’t been shelved altogether,” said Brazil.

“As the green transition begins, lower-emission projects like Bay du Nord are meant to anchor Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy through the transition. If deep water oil and gas projects are now off the table and other investors scared off by Equinor and BP’s announcement, we have a major problem for our economy.”

Brazil is calling on the Premier to explain the situation and what comes next for our industry.

“The Liberal Government has begrudgingly gone along with plans for the project, with the Federal Environment Minister noting how much he struggled with the decision to move the project forward. A lack of enthusiastic support from government on this project has been a road block since the beginning,” said Brazil.

“I’m calling on Premier Furey to explain what this means for the future of our oil and gas industry. Will no new projects be approved? How will our talented trades workers be able to come home and work in our province? What is the Premier doing to restore investor confidence in our offshore oil and gas industry? Will the Premier let our oil and gas industry die on his watch?”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca