Enbridge Line 9B reversal project: Industrial Association for the East of Montreal reiterates its support for project in front of National Energy Board

A sustainable development project that will stimulate Eastern Montreal's economy

MONTREAL, Oct. 9, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Mr. André Brunelle, President of the Industrial Association for the East of Montreal (AIEM) reiterated his organization's support for the Line 9B reversal project while at the National Energy Board hearings.

According to Mr. Brunelle: "By providing refiners with access to a reliable and lower cost source of oil this project will not only assure their competitiveness and dynamism; it will also maintain thousands of jobs and the economic vitality of Montreal East and of Quebec as a whole."

Mindful of the environment and committed to sustainable development initiatives, members of the AIEM follow the principles of industrial ecology, a model where companies, by creating a tangible industrial ecosystem, maximize the use of their resources. As a result, their energy consumption and carbon emissions are vastly reduced. It is in fact thanks to this model that we have a polyester chain in Montreal East, which is unique in Canada.  This chain, which is used to make clothing, packaging and several other everyday products, is a perfect example of local production and processing.

Mr. Brunelle also added: "Our members have the potential to play an active role in Quebec's added value thanks to their know-how, their strict environmental standards, and their industrial fiber which is actively promoting industrial ecology. Nonetheless, while the petrochemical industry may well have in its ranks the most knowledgeable people and have access to the latest technologies, its chance of success is slim if it does not have access to competitive raw materials.

"The AIEM member refineries would like the privilege of competing with other North American refineries that already have access to the sources of oil that the Line 9B reversal would make available.

"We are conscious of the fact that as a group we must look at reducing our use of fossil fuels. And we must now work on the transition plan. But as long as we choose to rely on oil or products derived from oil, it would be best to produce locally while adhering to the best practices available instead of letting someone, somewhere else, do it instead," concluded Mr. Brunelle.

About the AIEM

Established in 1960, with an emphasis on protecting the environment, the AIEM now focuses on the harmonization of industrial activities with its urban environment. Its mandate is to offer members a forum for concerted actions, as well as services and advice tailored to their needs for continuous improvement in a continuously evolving urban setting. Its scope of action and priorities are directly related to: sustainable development, risk management of major industrial accidents and collaborations with public services as well as the local community.

SOURCE: Association Industrielle de l'Est de Montréal (AIEM)

Dimitri Tsingakis
General Manager
Association Industrielle de l'Est de Montréal (AIEM)
Tel. : [phone]
[email protected]