Prime Minister Congratulates Hibernia Team on Getting Production Underway

Speaking by telephone today, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien offered congratulations on behalf of the people of Canada to Mr. Graham Norrie and his drilling team on the Hibernia platform as they tapped the first oil from the massive Hibernia oil deposit, located off the southeast coast of Newfoundland.

"This is a historic day for Newfoundland and for Canada," said the Prime Minister. "The Hibernia project is a key to Newfoundland's economic future, and the Government of Canada is proud to have played a role from the very beginning in making it a reality. By getting production underway a month ahead of schedule, Mr. Norrie and his team have given the people of Newfoundland a great early Christmas present. The team's dedication and teamwork are just one example of the kind of skill and cooperation that has made Hibernia into a truly world-class facility. I wish everyone involved with Hibernia continued success and many, many years of safe, satisfying work."

The Prime Minister was also noted with satisfaction that the lead partner in the Hibernia Consortium, Mobil Oil of Canada, recently announce that production will be higher than anticipated, reaching 135,000 barrels of oil a day by 1999. The Government of Canada has a 8.5% equity stake in the Hibernia development.

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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555