B.C. has appointed former attorney-general Geoff Plant to serve as chief legal strategist for the government, as cross-examination on Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline begins in Edmonton this week.
Minister of environment Terry Lake said, "Geoff's experience will be invaluable during the cross-examination process as we seek to ensure B.C.'s environment is not compromised by any and all heavy oil pipeline proposals.
"Our message remains clear: if you want to do business in British Columbia, you must have world-leading policies and processes governing spill prevention, spill response and liability insurance that reduces government and public exposure to risk."
Plant was the attorney general of B.C. and minister responsible for treaty negotiations from 2001 to 2005.
"These hearings are of vital importance to British Columbia's environmental protection," said Plant.
Questioning in Edmonton will focus on financial liability of Enbridge and its partners for spill response and restoration as well as details regarding liability insurance and plans for full environmental restoration in the event of a spill. This includes the scope of Enbridge's liability and insurance.
