Sarnia-Lambton's MP is hosting an energy forum in hopes of attracting Conservative Caucus members and using more alternative energy sources.
Pat Davidson, a member of the Conservative Energy Caucus, said Sarnia is the ideal setting for the the National Energy Session, scheduled to be held at the University of Western Ontario's research park Aug. 14.
"We're an energy hub. We've got the traditional (energy production), we've got the alternates, we've got storage for natural gas, we have research facilities. We have the whole package," she said.
Davidson said the session will be a chance for Conservative MPs to discuss realistic and sustainable ways of introducing more renewable-energy sources across the country.
"It's vitally important for everyone to be looking at alternative energy sources . . . In my mind, this is the place people need to start looking," she said.
Davidson said she has tried to orchestrate an energy forum in Sarnia for nearly two years, but was unable to get enough commitment from caucus members.
"Trying to find people to find time in their schedules has been really hard," she said.
The session will feature a keynote address by Gary Lunn, minister of Natural Resources. As well, Davidson said she expects MPs from British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario to attend.
"If we can get 10 MPs, I'll be very happy," she said.
She said she has also invited the mayors of Sarnia and nearby townships.
The session will include two panel discussions on building a sustainable future. As well, the second keynote speaker will be Clement Bowman, who recently shared the $1.3-million Global Energy International Award for developing efficient ways to extract oil from oil sands.
"It's an educational process for the MPs . . . There's lot to be discussed, lots to be learned," Davidson said.
