Minister Reaffirms Provincial Position; Sets Record Straight

The government of Nova Scotia will continue to aggressively defend the interests of Nova Scotians at a National Energy Board hearing in Saint John, N.B.

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

"Our position has not changed," said Mr. Dooks. "We will drive home our point 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 proposed pipeline."

A media report today, Nov. 9, alleges that Alison Scott, Nova Scotia's deputy minister of Energy, said the province would be supporting the Brunswick Pipeline Project before the National Energy Board. Mr. Dooks said Ms. Scott denies the allegation.

"I support my deputy minister. She has done, and continues to do, an excellent job for the people of Nova Scotia."

Mr. Dooks said his department has been an official intervener at the hearing since early July. The department filed written requests for information in mid-August.

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 hearing began Nov. 6 and is expected to last several weeks.