The Quoddy Tides

2006 March 10

Mayor pushes Harper on LNG tanker issue

by Marie Jones Holmes

April 7 is the deadline set by John Craig, mayor of St. Andrews, for a reply from Prime Minister Stephen Harper on a decision concerning the proposed passage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships through Head Harbour Passage. Three U.S.-based companies are proposing to build terminal facilities on the U.S. side of Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. Croix River.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, as part of his campaign earlier this year for office of prime minister, said he would oppose the passage of LNG ships through Head Harbour Passage. Member of Parliament Greg Thompson also stated his opposition to the passage of LNG vessels through Head Harbour Passage. Harper and Thompson were both successful candidates in the January 23 Canadian election.

Craig says a recent letter from Thompson made it clear that both he and Harper are against the LNG proposals. "We have consistently stated from the outset that we are opposed to the transportation of LNG tankers through Head Harbour Passage," Thompson stated in his February 15 letter to Craig.

According to Craig, the Town of St. Andrews is not putting any pressure on Member of Parliament Thompson at this time, but once the April 7 deadline passes the town and LNG opponents will commence a letter-writing campaign. Thompson represents the New Brunswick Southwest riding that includes the town of St. Andrews.