News Release

HON. ROY CULLEN, P.C., M.P. FOR ETOBICOKE NORTH APPOINTED OPPOSITION CRITIC FOR NATURAL RESOURCES

OTTAWA, ONTARIO-The Honourable Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, was today appointed as the opposition critic for Natural Resources.

"I was honoured and thrilled to be asked by our Opposition Leader, Bill Graham, to take on this important portfolio," stated Mr. Cullen. "I am looking forward to working with our new team of opposition critics, to hold the new Conservative government accountable, and to protect and enhance the interests of all Canadians," Mr. Cullen said on news of the appointment.

"Despite the structural changes in Canada's economy that have occurred over the last few decades, hundreds of communities across Canada are still dependent on mining, forestry and the oil and gas industries for their economic livelihood. The natural resource economy in Canada is also a key driver of economic activities beyond rural Canada. The sector is responsible for the creation of thousands of jobs in Canada's cities as well -supplying equipment and supplies, providing financial services, sales and marketing support; and legal and a variety of other services to this important segment of our economy," he added.

As the Opposition Critic for Natural Resources, Hon. Roy Cullen brings a great deal of experience to his portfolio. Prior to being elected to the House of Commons in 1996, he was a Vice President in the Noranda Forest Group (now Norbord). He also served as Assistant Deputy Minister in the British Columbia Ministry of Forests from 1980 to 1987. In 1997, he was appointed to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Government Operations. In the previous Parliament, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

As the Opposition Critic for Natural Resources, Roy Cullen's mandate will to ensure that issues of importance to Canadians are heard in Parliament, and to hold the new government accountable for a sustainable, and economically viable, natural resource sector in Canada.

For more information, please contact:

Fran Watt, Office Manager
Hon. Roy Cullen, P.C., M.P.
(416) 747-6003
culler1@parl.gc.ca

Ryan Murphy, Special Assistant
Hon. Roy Cullen, P.C., M.P.
(613) 995-4702
culler@parl.gc.ca