The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Mines and Energy. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise to inform honourable members that I, along with the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, have received the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board's (C-NOPB) decision report on the White Rose development plan application filed by Husky Oil in January of this year. 

The C-NOPB's decision is based upon the information contained in the development application, the report of the Public Review Commissioner and consultations with both governments. The decision report deals with the White Rose Canada-Newfoundland Benefits Plan, the development plan, and includes responses to the commissioner's recommendations, as well as other matters for which C-NOPB approval is required.

Government will review the document and within the next 30 days determine, on behalf of the people of the province, whether to accept or reject the development application. I will inform the people of the province of the government's decision on or before December 27th, and subject to approval, will make the C-NOPB's decision report public at that time.

Thank you.

2001 11 28                            1:45 p.m.