Resolution of the Boundary Dispute with Nova Scotia

I am certain that all members of this honourable House are aware that on April 2, the arbitration Tribunal handed down its final award with respect to the Newfoundland and Labrador/Nova Scotia Offshore Boundary Dispute Arbitration. I rise today to thank our team for their tremendous work on this file and members of this House for their encouraging support during the proceedings.

This government stood firm on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Nova Scotia line was not a fair line to this province and we rejected any suggestion that it was binding on us. We demanded a line to which we were entitled: a line determined in accordance with international maritime boundary law.

A strong team of professionals was assembled from within government and the private sector to prepare and argue our case. Led by Professor Donald McRae, our team represented this province effectively and honourably. I know I speak for all members in conveying congratulations to our team for a job well done.

This province presented a strong and compelling case. This is reflected by the tribunal�s decision, almost 70 per cent of the area in dispute between the two provinces was awarded to Newfoundland and Labrador. Our challenge now is to move beyond this dispute and open this area to exploration on both sides of the line. I am truly hopeful that both provinces will be the recipients of new discoveries and developments.

This government is taking the necessary steps to encourage new exploration. This year, an increased focus will be placed on areas such as the Laurentian Sub-basin in our promotional activities. We have also been working with the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NOPB) to prepare for negotiations to convert old federal exploration permits to exploration licences in this area. These negotiations will commence shortly and we are confident that this will facilitate substantial exploration activity in the years ahead. Industry interest is also shifting from the Jeanne d�Arc Basin to deeper water parcels in the Flemish Pass and South Whale Basin. It is hoped that these new areas will yield new discoveries capable of development.

This government will continue to work hard to grow our offshore oil and gas industry for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

2002 04 15                           2:15 p.m.