International Energy Leaders Meeting in Newfoundland

-- Energy industry leaders representing the electricity, gas, oil, nuclear and coal sectors from Canada and the United States are meeting in St. John's, Newfoundland to discuss developments in eastern North America's offshore resources, North American energy policy and evolving energy industry technologies.

The three-day conference is being hosted by the Energy Council of Canada and has been successful in drawing energy leaders from as far as Switzerland to St. John's.

Philip G. Hughes, Chair of the Energy Council of Canada and President and Chief Executive Officer of Newfoundland Power Inc., says the three day conference is guaranteed to stimulate discussion on challenges facing the energy industry and innovative technologies that are required to move our country into the future.

"Canada has the ability to become a world leader in energy development," says Hughes. "What we are challenged with over the next few days is shaping the pathway which will help bring us to this goal."

A key topic of the Forum will be addressing the importance of developing an integrated continental energy strategy for North America. "The Energy Council of Canada recognizes the timeliness and importance of the development of a new energy strategy by Canada's major trading partner, the United States," explains Hughes. "We believe that both countries have a strong common interest in ensuring the availability of secure energy supplies at stable, reasonable prices to serve our closely linked economies."