The president of Shell Canada (NYSE:RDS:A and B) today called for Canada to take the initiative and emerge as the reliable, stable and socially responsible supplier of choice to an energy-hungry world.
Speaking on the company’s 100th anniversary in Canada, Lorraine Mitchelmore said that a national energy strategy would support a balanced approach to strengthening the economy, improving the environment and turning environmental stewardship into economic advantage.
“Canada has all the hallmarks of an energy superpower, but we don't have the right strategy to get us there,” said Mitchelmore.
“Developing that strategy requires collaboration among all stakeholders – energy companies, governments, communities and NGOs. We need to agree on an approach to energy that meets our respective needs and benefits Canada as a whole.”
To be a fully fledged energy superpower, she said, Canada needs a national energy strategy that includes fiscal and regulatory measures that promote the country's international competitiveness.
Mitchelmore noted that Canada is in a strong position within the global energy hierarchy.
“Along with Norway, we are the most stable, the most reliable and the most democratic of the world’s top 10 oil and gas producers,” she said. “That’s a distinct competitive advantage given the current turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East, where five of the other top 10 are located.”