A delegation of Canadian business and government representatives left for Brussels, Belgium, Wednesday to seize the moment when European Union is forced to diversify its external energy supplies because of uncertainty in Ukraine.
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Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
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A document posted at the website of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said the delegation, led by Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, will discuss what Canada has to offer and how it can deepen the relationship during the delegation's two-day stay in Brussels.
"As recent events have demonstrated, much of Europe's oil and gas is imported from places with a proven willingness to use their petroleum as a tool for geopolitical manipulation," said Beatty. " The EU has too few energy partners, dependable traders who share EU values such as environmental protection and respect for democracy. Canada can be an energy partner to the EU." Canada's New Brunswick Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard, also a member of the delegation, said Canada is clearly positioned to be an important supplier to global energy markets and can assist the European Union in diversifying their external energy supply. New Brunswick will play a key role in providing the gateway for the flow of Canadian energy to Europe.
In addition to meeting with senior policy makers, business leaders and key influencers in Brussels, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with its partner association in Europe, BUSINESSEUROPE, is organizing roundtable discussion Thursday on how Canada can be a secure energy partner for the EU in Brussels.
The European Council will hold a special meeting of the Heads of State on Energy Security on June 26-27.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing some 200, 000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions./.