Province to Defend Nova Scotia Interests

The government of Nova Scotia will aggressively defend the interests of Nova Scotians at a National Energy Board hearing in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Energy Minister Bill Dooks said the government is actively intervening at the National Energy Board hearing into the Brunswick Pipeline Project and it is addressing concerns about the project.

"We intend to drive home to the National Energy Board that Nova Scotians must be able to use gas from the Canaport facility at fair prices and that Nova Scotia projects should not be put at an unfair competitive disadvantage by this new pipeline," said Mr. Dooks. "We want a fair toll and tariff for Nova Scotians who are going to use Canaport gas and for Nova Scotians who are going to be using the existing Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline."

The Brunswick Pipeline Project is a 145 kilometre pipeline that connects the Canaport LNG terminal in Saint John, N.B., to the international border near St. Stephen, N.B. The board hearing began today, Nov. 6, and is expected to last several weeks.

The government has already been active leading up to the hearing. Government staff have intervened and received information from Emera and Irving Oil.

At the hearing, the government will cross-examine witnesses and make closing arguments.

"This is an important matter for Nova Scotians and we intend to do what is right for our province," said the minister.