NLIS 3
May 22, 2001
(Executive Council)

Premier announces tribunal's decision in Phase One of 
Newfoundland and Labrador/Nova Scotia Offshore Boundary Dispute

Premier Roger Grimes and Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Mines and Energy, reacted today to the arbitration tribunal's decision in Phase One of the province's offshore boundary dispute with Nova Scotia.

In an unanimous decision, the tribunal determined that the line dividing the offshore areas of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia has not been resolved by agreement. Nova Scotia had argued that an agreement existed between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia which established the line. The rejection of Nova Scotia's position by the tribunal means that Phase Two will proceed. In Phase Two, the tribunal will determine a line to separate the provinces' respective offshore areas.

"The tribunal's decision confirms the position that Newfoundland and Labrador has consistently maintained," said Premier Grimes. "While we are obviously pleased with the decision, we have already focused our energies on preparing written and oral arguments for Phase Two."

"The resolution of this dispute has been a top priority for this government," noted Minister Matthews. "We have always believed in the strength of our case and we presented it forcefully and effectively on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The preparation and presentation of the province's case in Phase One was led by Professor Donald McRae of the University of Ottawa. In addition to Professor McRae, Alan Willis, Brian Crane and Ron G�linas participated in the presentation of the province's arguments to the tribunal. Deborah Paquette of the Department of Justice was the province's deputy agent and was critical to the success in Phase One.

"The hard work and dedication of our entire legal and technical team is deserving of recognition," said Minister Matthews. "It has truly been a team effort, with lawyers, technical experts, historical researchers and government officials pulling together to defend the interests of Newfoundland and Labrador."

A final resolution to this dispute will allow exploration to begin in highly prospective areas between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. "Premier John Hamm and I appreciate the importance of resolving this dispute as quickly as possible. To that end, I have spoken to Premier Hamm this morning and we have agreed to meet within the next couple of weeks in St. John's, if possible, to discuss possible areas of cooperation which may be in our mutual interest," said Premier Grimes. 

The timelines for Phase Two are set out in the terms of reference and the tribunal indicated that it is ready to proceed in accordance with those timelines. A hearing date for Phase Two has been set by the tribunal for November 19, 2001. The tribunal's final decision will be made within approximately one year. 

Media contacts: 
Carl Cooper, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3564
Tara Laing, Mines and Energy, (709) 729-4890

2001 05 22                                                   10:40 a.m.