NOTE TO EDITORS:

With the increasing pace of offshore petroleum industry activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, there has been a proportionate increase in media activity relating to the work of the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board.

The board is committed to an open public information policy, consistent with the provisions and parameters of the Atlantic Accord Implementation Acts. The board makes every effort to accommodate all media requests, and to ensure accuracy of information by having appropriate professional personnel respond to inquiries relating to their specific areas of expertise.

In order to facilitate this process, and to eliminate duplication and potential confusion resulting from multiple media calls, the board has established a comprehensive media relations procedure to accommodate the increased activity and to ensure that media calls receive attention when various departmental spokespersons are engaged in their professional duties. Media personnel are requested to direct all inquiries to the C-NOPB's Public Information Coordinator, Edsel Bonnell. This process will also have the advantage of providing media access to board information and personnel beyond regular business hours.

The public information coordinator may be contacted as follows:

Telephone: (709) 778-1440 (during business hours)
                   (709) 834-9136 (evenings and weekends)

Fax:            (709) 778-1473 (during business hours)
                   (709) 834-9154 (evenings and weekends)

While it is impossible to ensure the availability of the coordinator personally for every call on a 24-hour basis, arrangements have been made to forward requests immediately. Messages left with secretarial personnel or answering machines will be responded to as quickly as possible.

Your cooperation in this respect will assist the C-NOPB to accommodate increasing media requests while continuing to provide accurate public information in a timely manner. Thank you.

2000 09 29 2:20 p.m.