There was the optimism of a strong industry expanding even more this morning as the 35th annual Noia Oil and Gas Conference kicked off in St. John’s. But it did so in the shadow of Bill C-69.

Delegates representing companies both local and international discussed an offshore industry with immense potential today.

David Campbell of Jupia Consultants presented 2017 figures with almost 6,000 jobs in province expected to grow assuming existing industry activity continues through planned expansions to 2033.

But the existing industry is not expected to continue as is, due to increasing environmental concerns and changes from Federal bill C-69.

Noia CEO Charlene Johnson had just returned from Ottawa today, feeling dubious that either environmental or industry concerns would be addressed by the bill. She says there’s a better balance to be struck, as industry works to use oil and gas revenue to power divestment for a more sustainable future.