Speeches

Delivered March 23, 2009
Cuernavaca, Mexico

Introduction

• Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.
• It is a pleasure to be here, representing the Government of Alberta and our Premier, Ed Stelmach.
• The dynamic partnership between Canada and Mexico, and more specifically Alberta and Mexico, creates unique opportunities.
• Alberta and Mexico share strong ties through our agriculture industries, NAFTA and our relationship with the United States.
• However, one of the strongest links between Mexico and Alberta, and the reason we are here today, is energy.

Partnership

• The continuing development of Mexico’s oil industry creates opportunities for both Mexico and Alberta.
• This continued partnership provides an avenue to advance economic cooperation in our energy sectors.
• Further engagement in working groups, like this one, allows us to draw upon the best expertise of Mexicans and Albertans.
• These sessions bring together key players in the public and private sector, creating realistic and results-orientated action plans…
• They also provide a mechanism to create new opportunities for economic development and innovation.

Opportunities

• I have listened with great interest today to discussions about the enormous potential for Mexico to grow as a global energy producer.
• Hearing about the vast amounts of oil just barely out of reach in Chicontepec (Chick-on-te-peck) reminds me of a story closer to home.

Research and Development

• In 1999, it was believed that only five billion barrels were recoverable from Alberta’s oil sands.
• However, through continued research and innovative technology, Alberta has unlocked the true potential.
• Today, we have identified 173 billion barrels of recoverable oil.
• Indeed, Alberta is a global leader in energy production and innovative technology continues to move us forward.
• As we have heard today, we have a unique opportunity to combine our resources and technology.
• By working together, Alberta and Mexico will continue to improve the efficiency of oil recovery and upgrading…
• and increase the potential to extract oil from the reserves.

Environment

• And as Alberta and Mexico work together on drilling and enhanced oil recovery, we must also ensure that we maintain our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint.
• In Alberta, this means developing the oil sands while returning the land to its original state.
• Albertans also recognize the importance of clean energy.
• We know that Mexico has taken the lead in the development of clean energy…and we in Alberta look forward to working with our friends in Mexico to further this progress.

Conclusion

• As Alberta continues to develop its own energy resources, we continue to look for opportunities to partner with other global leaders…like Mexico.
• Whether it’s exploration, refining, flaring, or renewable energy…there is endless potential for greater collaboration and cooperation.
• And we look forward to strengthening our relationship with Mexico, through the creation of new partnerships.
• Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today.
• I found the session both insightful and engaging…and I welcome the opportunity to explore future partnership opportunities.
• Thank you.