Released on January 23, 2008
Premier Brad Wall and Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd have returned from two days of meetings in Calgary with major oil and gas industry associations and individual companies.
"We spoke to people about how investing in Saskatchewan and Alberta was not an either-or proposition and told them of our desire to work with industry to increase investment. We spoke of the need for new partnerships to spark the continuing research needed to improve recovery rates in existing fields and help our province meet its full potential as a continental energy centre," Wall said.
"Our message was very well received and there's excitement as Saskatchewan's tremendous energy potential continues to grow. I'm optimistic the contacts made during this two-day visit will lead to further investment and co-operation."
On Monday, Wall spoke at the Calgary Petroleum Club. He told a sold-out luncheon, organized by the CFA Society (Chartered Financial Analyst), that the energy sector is key to achieving Saskatchewan's goal of transforming the current boom into lasting prosperity.
On Tuesday night, Wall spoke of the need to ensure a stable, predictable regulatory and royalty regime in Saskatchewan to facilitate growth while balancing environmental considerations.
Pierre Alvarez, President of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) called this week's meetings with Saskatchewan officials "informative and constructive."
"We were pleased Premier Wall and Minister Boyd were able to meet with us so early in their new mandate," Alvarez said. "It's clear that the Government of Saskatchewan is interested in the long-term growth and stability of the oil and gas industry in the province."
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