Managing a successful Conservative campaign is experience enough for CNLOPB

I posed the following question today in the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker,

Yet another well-connected Conservative has received a patronage appointment.

This time it's Reginald Bowers heading to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

The board is responsible for resource management, environmental protection and safety concerns in the industry.

Here's the rub: Mr. Bowers has little to no experience in the offshore oil and gas industry.

Apparently managing a successful Conservative campaign is experience enough.

When will the Conservatives take the development of Newfoundland and Labrador's offshore resources seriously, and stop appointing friends.

The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Natural Resources. Order, please.

Hon. Joe Oliver (Minister of Natural Resources):

Mr. Speaker,

Our government is appointing capable advisers.

The Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board individual in question has decades of experience in regional economic development.

We look forward to working with him as a representative of Labrador on the board.

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