CALGARY, Feb. 27�The province of Nova Scotia on Canada�s East Coast intends to seek a bigger share of the federal government's royalties from oil and gas production off its coast.
Premier John Hamm said in Calgary said he would seek support from Alberta and Ontario in his bid for more revenues. He said Nova Scotia, the location of increasing offshore exploration and development, needs the funds to build infrastructure.
Gas projects underway or planned offshore include the producing Sable gas project and a planned $1 billion (Can.) development of the Deep Panuke gas field by PanCanadian Petroleum Ltd., Calgary. The industry also has staked out substantial offshore acreage that is in the early exploration stages.
Hamm said has met with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien and senior federal officials to discuss the issue.
The Nova Scotia Petroleum Directorate said the eastern Canada offshore has potential reserves of 100 tcf, including 40 tcf off Nova Scotia.
