April 21, 1980 (32nd Parliament, 1st Session)

Mr. MacLaren:

However, the amendment is not yet effective. Governor in council approval is required, and this has not yet been obtained because all the pre-conditions have not been satisfied. Cabinet will not consider the amendment until further information on the financing of the Alaska section has been obtained from the United States, and until further information on the financing of the northern sections in Canada has been obtained. The hearing of the NEB commencing April 29 on pipeline financing should elicit the desired information on the financing of the pipeline in Canada. Therefore the hearing does not imply government approval of pre-build. To the contrary, it indicates that the government is seeking further information.
Pre-build will require approval of additional gas exports. The stated view of the government is that such exports will not be considered until domestic gas market expansion is assured and the government is satisfied that the northern sections of the Alaska highway pipeline will definitely proceed in a timely manner.
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