Nova Scotia Premier

Tim Houston

, who appointed himself energy minister in a cabinet shuffle last month, is looking to signal that his province is “open for business” when it comes to

energy development

during a

trip to Calgary

this week.

The premier plans to meet with industry groups, including the

Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

and

Enserva

, the national trade organization for Canada’s energy services, supply, and manufacturing sectors.

“I’ve been clear: I want to turn

Nova Scotia

into an energy powerhouse,” said Houston in a statement. “We can do that by learning from others and meeting with energy experts and leaders to explore the full range of clean energy solutions which can help meet the future energy needs of our province and other markets.”

The visit comes after several major policy moves. In March, the province lifted a moratorium on fracking and repealed a ban on uranium mining, ending a 2014 restriction and allowing discussion of onshore fossil gas development through hydraulic fracturing. Then in July, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator opened a call for bids for

offshore petroleum exploration

, covering 13 shallow and deep-water parcels in and around the Sable Island area.

At the same time, Nova Scotia is moving ahead with

Wind West

, a $60 billion offshore wind initiative that could generate up to 40 gigawatts of clean energy. The province estimates offshore wind could become a $4.6‑billion industry within seven years. Prime Minister Mark Carney has recognized Wind West as a project of national interest, potentially qualifying it for federal consideration by the Major Projects Office as a nation-building initiative.

Houston will also travel to Houston, Texas, this week to meet energy companies and Susan Harper, the Canadian Consul General in Dallas, to discuss additional energy opportunities.

Last month Houston also led a trade mission to the United Kingdom and Italy to promote Nova Scotia’s energy sector, including offshore oil and gas development.

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