Arsenault Responds To Energy East Setback
SAINT JOHN–New Brunswick’s Energy and Mines Minister Don Arsenault says that opposition to the Energy East pipeline by Quebec mayors, including the mayor of Montreal, won’t stop the massive project.
“There’s no doubt that I’m disappointed by the comments from the mayor today. I’m disappointed that they don’t see the benefit that it will bring to the country and to various provinces such Quebec and such as New Brunswick,” Arsenault told media Thursday in Saint John.
“Sometimes I wish they’d look more at the real facts around this. There’s no doubt that more than 3,000 jobs will be created here in New Brunswick, there’s also going to be over 3,000 jobs created in the province of Quebec as well.”
Arsenault doesn’t think today’s announcement will threaten the project.
“Look, it’s a $15 billion project. There’s going to be hurdles along the way, there’s no doubt about that. This is just another one of those and we need to work through it.”
He’s confident the mayor will come around.
“I think over time he’ll see the true benefits not only for his province, but the country as well.”
The Atlantica Centre for Energy says that the Quebec mayors’ comments today are not a major setback.
“The NEB (National Energy Board) process is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Colleen Mitchell, the organization’s president. “It’s natural that various groups have different perspectives…we need to look at what is best for Canada going forward.”
Mitchell says over 700,000 barrels of oil are processed in refineries in Quebec and New Brunswick each day. “What is the best way to transport this oil? A pipeline is the safest and most environmentally responsible way of feeding these refineries.”