AIEM reiterates its support for reversal of Line 9B before parliamentary commission

MONTREAL, Nov. 27, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Association industrielle de l'Est de Montréal (AIEM), invited to appear before the parliamentary commission examining the proposed reversal of Enbridge's Line 9B, has reiterated its support for this project, which is positive in many respects.

According to André Brunelle, president of the AIEM, the survival of the Quebec petrochemical industry is dependent on the reversal of Line 9B. By allowing for the shipping of crude oil from Western Canada, which is more competitively priced than the crude currently imported from overseas, the competitiveness of Quebec's petrochemical industry is strengthened. "There is no benefit to having state-of-the-art plants, stringent operating rules and competent employees if we do not have access to competitively priced raw materials: this compromises our chances of success."

The Association industrielle de l'Est de Montréal places a great deal of importance on sustainable development, which is why it supports the concept of industrial ecology. Its members form an ecosystem of sorts, which generates synergies that make it possible to reduce energy consumption and optimize resource use. Even so, we live a society that still needs oil. We use it as fuel, of course, but it is also used to make many of the items in our everyday lives." Hence the importance of responsible consumption. "When we choose to consume a product, it is better to produce it locally, based on best practices, than to have someone do it for us elsewhere. This is why we believe that the proposed reversal of Line 9B is a project that must go forward," concluded Mr. Brunelle.

About the AIEM

Founded in 1960 to protect the environment, the AIEM contributes to harmonizing industrial activities in the urban setting. Its mandate is to provide its members with a forum for joint action, as well as services and advice adapted to their continuous improvement needs in a constantly evolving urban context. In this respect, its areas of activity and its priorities are directly aligned with sustainable development, risk management in the context of major industrial accidents, interaction with public services and liaison with the local community.

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

Dimitri Tsingakis
Executive director
Association Industrielle de l'Est de Montréal (AIEM)
514-645‐8111
[email protected]