Energy Policy Institute of Canada- Statement

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - July 25, 2012) -

Doug Black, president of the Energy Policy Institute of Canada, today issues the following statement as the Council of the Federation meeting begins, and in advance of the September 9-11 Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference.

"As Premiers meet in Nova Scotia, the Canadian energy strategy is one of the most important topics they must address. We hope they conclude their meetings with a strong agreement of principles for a strategy, a plan to work closely with the federal government and a sense of urgency to rapidly advance the strategy. Following their meeting, we will be sending to every Premier, the Prime Minister and all Ministers responsible for energy, our recommendations and discussion on key elements for a national energy framework.

"In the spirit of building an energy strategy, the Premiers must speak in terms of what is in it for every Canadian. If this can be accomplished then everyone is a winner - no matter where they live in Canada.

"The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources released a report last week that supports the position of Alberta's Premier and calls for greater cooperation and coordination between governments of every level to manage Canada's energy resources - a position the Energy Policy Institute of Canada strongly supports and encourages the Premiers to continue their collaboration.

"Canadians want an energy strategy. In fact, in a recent Leger Marketing study, 76 per cent of Canadians felt it was important to build one. Canadians know if we fail, we lose as a nation and we give up the jobs, money and environmental management opportunity to other countries that will gladly compete with us.

"Two and half years ago, EPIC started its work, a Canadian energy strategy was not the popular topic it has become today - we feel rewarded that our efforts have created a vibrant and national interest and dialogue. EPIC's upcoming release of comprehensive details for the roll out of a national energy strategy will help governments proceed with implementing their role in the strategy."

The Energy Policy Institute of Canada (EPIC) is a not-for-profit federal corporation and nonpartisan policy advocacy organization composed of Canadian enterprise that are important producers, transporters and consumers of energy as well as those that engage in financing energy development. EPIC believes that energy is a strategic sector whose prospects are inextricably linked to Canada's prosperity and that the best way to strengthen the sector's contribution to our society is through collaborative action among producers, distributors and consumers of energy - wherever they reside in Canada.

Previously released reports and information, including the recent Leger Marketing study, can be found at: www.canadasenergy.ca