Terasen Gas Inc. Employee Recognized as Leader in Industry Safety

SURREY, BC, March 23 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) has recognized Ian Turnbull, Damage Prevention and Emergency Services Manager at Terasen Gas Inc., for his important lifetime contributions to improving employee and public safety.

The annual CGA Safety Leadership Award recognizes 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.

"Safety is one of the highest priorities for CGA and the natural gas distribution industry" said 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 Ian 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 the Operations Team from Heritage Gas for their commitment to 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]