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NEWS RELEASE (CNS631) -->> NATURAL RESOURCES--SECRETARIAT FOR SABLE GAS PROJECT ANNOUNCED NATURAL RESOURCES--SECRETARIAT FOR SABLE GAS PROJECT ANNOUNCED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Minister Eleanor Norrie has announced establishment of a provincial secretariat to work exclusively on the Sable gas and pipeline projects. It will be known as the Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Office. "It has a simple, but important, mission," said Mrs. Norrie, "Namely, to expedite development of the Sable gas projects and to ensure that Nova Scotia and Nova Scotians receive the maximum, possible benefits from those projects." Mrs. Norrie made the announcement today in an address at the annual CORE (Canadian Offshore Resources Exhibition) conference in Halifax. For the $3 billion Sable gas and pipeline projects, the Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Office will be the first point of contact with the provincial government. "It is the lead agency to coordinate and develop policies and strategies to ensure success of these projects," the minister said. The new office will be staffed by a team of professionals seconded from key government departments. There are nine members on the team, including: two individuals knowledgeable in the oil and gas industry, a financial person with knowledge of royalty and tax issues in the petroleum field, a solicitor familiar with oil and gas law, a communications officer, a business development officer, a community development officer, an individual familiar with regulatory and environmental review processes, and an administrator. Salaries of the seconded team members are being paid by their respective departments. The team is located at Founder's Square, Hollis Street, Halifax. "The Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Office will ensure a coordinated and expeditious approach to Sable gas and pipeline development," said Mrs. Norrie. "Most important, it will identify opportunities for Nova Scotia businesses and ensure that our 'Nova Scotia first' policy is implemented." The minister told CORE conference delegates that she believes the benefits and opportunities for Nova Scotians from Sable gas will extend far beyond the next few years of development and construction. "Over the longer haul, a natural gas industry will develop within the province. It will stem from things like the Sable gas processing plant in Guysborough County and the liquid natural gas plant in the Strait of Canso," she said. "Local distribution lines to deliver gas to businesses, industries, and domestic users, will be developed off the main pipeline. This will mean more economic activity, new business opportunities, and more jobs and incomes for Nova Scotians." Production of Sable gas could start as soon as November, 1999. As many as 4,000 jobs would be created in the construction phase of the gas production project, and several hundred jobs in construction of the main gas transmission pipeline. -30- Contact: Blain Henshaw 902-424-5252 trp Oct. 10, 1996 - 9:50 a.m.