Heritage Gas Employees Recognized as Leader in Industry Safety

DARTMOUTH, NS, March 23 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) has recognized Chris MacAuley, Michael Borys, Andrew Reid, Jim Young, Jason Rhinas, Jean-Guy McLaughlin, Brian McKay and Nevin MacKinnon - the Operations Team at Heritage Gas - for their important contributions to improving public safety.

The annual CGA Safety Leadership Awards recognize individuals who make significant contributions to employee or public safety relating to the natural gas distribution industry in Canada. The award was presented yesterday at the annual Canadian Gas Association Operations Conference in London, Ontario.

"This group has done excellent work in creating public awareness regarding pipeline safety and damage prevention," says Mike Cleland, President and CEO. "Canada's natural gas distribution companies are world leaders in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas and this is due to the commitment and expertise of people such as the HGL Operations Team who are dedicated to promoting safety practices."

Natural gas pipelines and distribution systems are built and operated to achieve the highest level of public and worker safety. Pipelines are buried below ground to provide a reliable energy delivery system well protected from vehicle traffic, damaging weather, and vandalism. Natural gas transmission and distribution companies in Canada conduct education and awareness campaigns to encourage the public to "Call Before You Dig" to locate natural gas pipelines. This helps protect against accidental damage to natural gas infrastructure.

An evaluation committee representing gas distribution companies across Canada reviewed a total of nine applications based on a set of pre-determined criteria including applicability across the industry, effectiveness of strengthening employee or public safety, and measureable results.

Other Leader in Industry Safety Awards were presented to Ian Turnbull from Terasen Gas Inc. for his lifetime commitment to employee and public safety and to John Holsappel and Jeff Gallie of Union Gas for their contribution to improving worker safety. A fourth award, the Corporate Safety Award, was presented to Manitoba Hydro, a gas distribution company in Manitoba.

For further information: Paula Dunlop, Director, Communications, Canadian Gas Association, [phone] x341, [phone]