Mr. Al Spacek of FONOM reports

TRANSCANADA'S ENERGY EAST PROJECT ENTERS NEXT PHASE

TransCanada Corp. has submitted the Energy East project application to the National Energy Board (NEB). This major milestone in the development of the Energy East pipeline demonstrates a significant step in the regulatory approval process.

TransCanada has engaged in considerable consultation with stakeholders, and has demonstrated that the highest standard of protection for lands and waterways across the north will be undertaken. Through a balanced approach, recognizing the benefits as well as the risks associated with this project, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) has participated within the consultation process in a number of formats including community sessions, stakeholder meetings and written submissions.

"Our membership, which consists of 110 municipalities across the northeast, passed a resolution in support of Energy East at our annual general meeting," said Al Spacek, Mayor of Kapuskasing and president of FONOM. "Transporting oil by pipeline has shown to be significantly safer than other modes of transportation."

To ensure Northern Ontario voices continue to be heard, FONOM will be seeking intervenor status in the National Energy Board's hearings on TransCanada's Energy East pipeline later this year.