The kickoff to Saint John’s two-day East Coast Energy Connection Conference served mostly as a support summit for the proposed Energy East Pipeline.
Both New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant as well as former Manitoba Premier Gary Doer touted the benefits of the controversial pipeline during the event’s kickoff luncheon.
“Not only will it stimulate the economy in the short term and create many jobs, it will also help us be prosperous in the long term,” Gallant said, adding that he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure the pipeline comes to Saint John.
“It’ll help an industry that’s very important to the Canadian economy and an industry that’s very important to the New Brunswick economy.”
The hydraulic fracturing moratorium that was recently extended in the province was done so due to safety concerns. Gallant and his government doesn’t have the same concerns about the project, though.
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That falls in line with Doer’s stance — he says during his time in office he approved the method and says science shows it’s the safest way to transport oil.
“I preferred to have oil in a pipeline than on rail, I prefer to have the safety factor that scientists have agreed on,” Doer said.
Pipeline talks are expected to remain at the forefront of the conference on day two, when vocal supporter Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is scheduled for a keynote address.