Capturing the opportunity : Saisir l'opportunité : établir une vision commune pour les secteurs de l'énergie et des mines du Canada

The natural resources sector is fundamental to the strength of Canada's economy and the quality of life of Canadians. The sector directly and indirectly supported close to 1.8 million jobs across the country in 2012 and contributed to approximately over 18 percent of the country's nominal gross domestic product. Moreover, the magnitude of the economic benefits associated with potential capital spending of approximately $650 billion in projects underway or planned over the next 10 years is significant. In order to fully realize the benefits of Canada's resource endowment, it is critical for Canada to diversify its export markets and support the sector's sustainable growth. While Canada must continue to strengthen its trade relationship with the United States, it must also put in place the necessary conditions to enable the sector to meet growing demand in emerging economies. Emerging economies like China and India are expected to require increasing amounts of energy to power their industrial, residential and transportation sectors, and metals for their manufacturing industries and infrastructure. This projected growth in demand creates both opportunities and challenges for Canada's natural resources sector.