Newcomer takes over Natural Resources portfolio

A relative newcomer to federal politics has taken over the natural resources portfolio as John Efford was sworn in Friday morning as a new minister in Prime Minister Paul Martin’s cabinet.

Efford was first elected to the House of Commons in a byelection in May 2002, having served as a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Legislative Assembly from 1985 to 2000.

Efford takes over from Herb Dhaliwal, who served as minister of natural resources since January 2002. Dhaliwal has announced he’ll sit as a backbencher until the next election, when he intends to leave politics.

Speaking to reporters outside the cabinet’s swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall, Efford had little to say on specific issues, adding he’ll know more about his portfolio as he meets with representatives from his department in the coming days.

Although there are lots of natural resources, including minerals, in his home province, Efford said he’ll turn his attention to the industry right across the country. "We have oil and gas offshore, the minerals on land in Labrador and so on, but it’s from coast to coast, it’s not just the east coast. It’s going to be a great challenge for me."

When asked what his top agenda item will be, Efford replied, "I’m not going to make any statements today on what my first priority will be. I have not yet been to the department." He planned on meeting with the deputy minister and departmental staff on Friday afternoon to be briefed on the issues.

"I will no doubt outline all the priorities, Mr. Martin’s priorities, over the coming days and weeks," he said.

One item the mining industry wants to know is if the government will extend the 15% non-refundable tax credit for exploration, and the Canadian exploration expense tax deduction, for another three years, as it was requested by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.

While it’s too soon to say what Efford may have in store in terms of more funding for geoscience research, Martin emphasized his government’s commitment to science and technology in a background briefing, pledging to promote "the development of value added industries in the resource and agriculture sectors." Martin has appointed a National Science Advisor to advise him on the issues, as well as a Parliamentary Secretary to support Martin on science and small business issues. The prime minister has vowed to conduct a "comprehensive assessment" of federal support for research and development, and wants to see better commercialization of university research in science and technology.

Efford represents the riding of Bonavista Trinity Conception and has established and run several small businesses. He has previously been a member of the House of Commons standing committee on Aboriginal Affairs, Northern Development and Natural Resources. He made an unsuccessful bid for leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal party in 2001.