‘I stand by comments opposing the CNOOC purchase of Nexen’

James Bezan issues a statement Nexen and this week’s iPolitics story about the situation at the Selkirk Record.

“The dismissal of a reporter from the Selkirk Record was an independent decision made by her publisher.”   

“The story in iPolitics is misleading and has taken my replies to Ms. Winzoski out of context.  The fact is that Ms. Winzoski’s correspondence was specifically about the Canada-China Foreign Investment Partnership and Protection Agreement (FIPA).  Inadvertently, my office forwarded her my reply on the China National Offshore Oil Co. (CNOOC) and Nexen deal.  When my staff realized they had sent the wrong reply, they issued a recall and sent her my response on FIPA.”

“These are two different issues.  My reply on Canada-China FIPA was taken out of context and implied that I had changed my position on CNOOC.  I fully support FIPA and ensuring Canadian businesses and their investments in China are protected.    I stand by my comments opposing the CNOOC purchase of Nexen and have expressed my concerns to Minister Paradis and cabinet.   Minister Paradis will make his decision in due course based upon Canadian laws and what’s in the best interest for Canada.”