Over the course of 9 meetings, the Committee heard from 35 witnesses from across the country, representing government, industry, academia, First Nations and individual citizens.

The purpose of this study was to tell Canadians about the various environmental, social, and economic benefits that derive from the development of Canada’s oil and gas resources. The Committee learned that the oil and gas industry benefits Canadians from the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in British Columbia all the way to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador through job creation, government revenue that supports important social programs for communities and families, as well as research and innovation opportunities for universities and colleges.

The Committee also heard that various environmental benefits are generated from the development of the oil and gas industry, including an increase in air quality, water quality, and reforestation.

Throughout the study, witnesses voiced their strong support for further development of Canada’s oil and gas resources, and agreed that Canada has enormous opportunity to reap more benefits from the industry if it acts quickly in accessing new export markets.