OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 21, 2013) - The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today issued the following statement after the White House's release of "Fact Sheet: The President's Plan to Make America a Magnet for Jobs by Investing in Infrastructure."

The White House fact sheet explains that "The Administration's infrastructure permitting initiative has shown that we can cut federal review and permitting timelines for construction projects such as highway, bridges, railways, ports, waterways, pipelines, and renewable energy by several months to several years. This modernization effort will achieve time savings of 50 percent in the federal permitting and review process, while ensuring projects create better outcomes for communities and the environment."

"Canada's plan for Responsible Resource Development introduced last year supports jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity, while ensuring the environment is protected. We agree with the Obama Administration that there is no conflict between protecting the environment and making the review process for major economic projects more efficient," said Minister Oliver. "Canada and the United States have both set a goal of a 17 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels, by 2020. It is estimated that, through concrete measures that are delivering results, Canada is halfway to reaching our goal."

The White House's full statement can be accessed at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/02/20/fact-sheet-president-s-plan-make-america-magnet-jobs-investing-infrastru

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