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Minister Oliver Announces the Designation of a New Deputy Administrator to the Northern Pipeline Agency

OTTAWA — The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Northern Pipeline Agency, today announced the designation of Sheila Leggett as Deputy Administrator of the Northern Pipeline Agency (NPA).

"Ms. Leggett brings extensive experience and knowledge to the agency," said Minister Oliver. "As Deputy Administrator, she will take on the responsibilities of the Designated Officer, and as such will help the agency fulfil its regulatory responsibilities underthe Northern Pipeline Act and National Energy Board Act."

Ms. Leggett has been serving as the Vice-Chair of the National Energy Board (NEB) since January 2008. She is a professional biologist and agrologist with strong leadership and management skills. She brings extensive experience in environmental research and an in-depth understanding of provincial and federal regulatory systems.

The NPA was established in 1978 to facilitate the construction of a pipeline by Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd., now owned by TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. The pipeline would carry natural gas from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and potentially Yukon and northern British Columbia to markets in Canada and the lower 48 states.

Consultation

The Northern Pipeline Agency is the federal lead on Crown consultation with Aboriginal people and communities.

In May 2011, the NPA initiated consultations with affected First Nations on a proposal to amend the Canada-Foothills Easement Agreement concerning the pipeline in Yukon extending the expiry date of the Agreement from September 2012 to September 2022.  The NPA is reviewing information received from First Nations.