Province Supports Gas Flow Schedule

The government of Nova Scotia will participate as an interested party' before the National Energy Board in support of the scheduled start up and operation of the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline project and the flow of Sable gas.

"Any issue that has the potential to delay the start up of the project is one that this government takes seriously," Gordon Balser, Minister responsible for the Petroleum Directorate told the legislature today. "We have a responsibility to represent the interest of all Nova Scotians in this matter."

The province notified the National Energy Board of its intention to file a submission by the Nov. 19 deadline. In doing so, the government joined other parties which have an interest in seeing that the operation of the pipeline project isn't delayed.

The National Energy Board asked for submissions from interested parties on the question of whether the pipeline project will be allowed to proceed while the board holds a separate proceeding to re-address aboriginal concerns.

A recent Federal Court of Appeal decision ordered the National Energy Board to determine whether there was compliance with a specific condition -- Condition 22 -- of granting approval for the pipeline between Maritime & Northeast and the Union of Nova Scotia Indians. It calls for the company to consult with aboriginal groups regarding environmental and land use issues as a condition of its certificate of approval.

"While a separate proceeding is under way to bring a satisfactory conclusion to the dispute involving the pipeline company and the Union of Nova Scotia Indians, we do not believe that this matter should cause a delay in the flow of Sable gas," said Mr. Balser.

He added that this should not be seen by either party as an endorsement of the position of either the company or the Union of Nova Scotia Indians.

Mr. Balser said that the project holds the promise of a better economy for the people of Nova Scotia. He said the government has a responsibility to ensure Sable gas gets to market and that the province's reputation as a good place to do business is not hampered.

For Broadcast Use:

The government of Nova Scotia does not want to see any delay

in the Sable gas project.

The government announced it will take part in National

Energy Board proceedings as an interested party' to support the

project starting up as scheduled.

The minister for the Petroleum Directorate, Gordon Balser,

says the government has a responsibility to represent the

interest of all Nova Scotians and make sure the project goes

ahead as planned.

The National Energy Board is reviewing whether or not the

project should proceed, in light of a recent court decision.

The Federal Court of Appeal has ordered the board to

determine if aboriginal groups were consulted about environmental

and land use issues as they relate to the building of the

pipeline.

Balser says those issues should not delay the flow of

natural gas and the benefits of the project to the province.

kjd November 1, 1999