Martin appoints Efford as new natural resources minister

John Efford, a relative rookie in federal politics, has been appointed minister of natural resources in the cabinet of Canada’s new prime minister, Paul Martin.

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

Previous to Efford, Herbert Dhaliwal was minister of natural resources, starting from January 2002. Dhaliwal will now sit as a backbencher until the next election, when, he said, he intends to leave politics.

Speaking to reporters outside the cabinet’s swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Efford had little to say on specific issues. He said he will know more about his portfolio after meeting with representatives from his department.

Although there are lots of natural resources, including the highly touted Voisey’s Bay nickel deposit, in his home province, Efford said he will focus on resource issues 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 — not just the east coast,” he said. “It’s going to be a great challenge for me.”

When asked what his top priority will be, he replied: “I’m not going to make any statements today on what it will be; I have not yet been to the department. I will no doubt outline all the priorities over the coming days and weeks.”

Industry-watchers are waiting to see 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 requested by the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada.

While it is too soon to say what Efford has in store for geoscientific research funding, Prime Minister Martin did emphasize his government’s commitment to science and technology. In a background briefing, he pledged to promote “the development of value-added industries in the resource and agriculture sectors.”

Martin has appointed a national science advisor, whom he will consult on the issues, as well as a parliamentary secretary responsible for 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 was previously a member of the House of Commons standing committee on aboriginal affairs, northern development and natural resources. In 2001, he ran unsuccessfully to lead the Liberal party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

— The author is freelance writer based in Ottawa.