Edmonton (April 21, 2009) – The Canadian Gas Association has recognized Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. for its important contributions and efforts to improve employee safety and public safety.

The Canadian gas industry has a long history of monitoring its safety performance and the Canadian Gas Association Corporate Safety Award recognizes those companies that achieve the best worker safety records. The award is presented at the annual Canadian Gas Association Operations Conference.

"I am extremely pleased to present Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. with this award on behalf of Canada's natural gas distribution industry," said Jim Tweedie, Director of Operations at the Canadian Gas Association. "The company is clearly committed to continuously improving its record on employee safety".

Natural gas pipelines are built and operated to achieve the highest level of public and worker safety. Pipelines are buried approximately one metre below ground to provide a reliable energy delivery system well protected from vehicle traffic, damaging weather, and vandalism. Workers in the Canadian industry are among the most skilled and safety-conscious natural gas workers in the world. Extensive training is provided to ensure they are qualified to build natural gas pipeline systems, to operate them and to respond to emergencies.

Data from all gas distribution companies across Canada is compiled and reviewed to both determine the company with the best annual safety record, but also to help in the identification and sharing of best practices.

A second award, the Safety Leadership Award, was presented to Terry Emslie, Damage Prevention Coordinator at ATCO Gas, for his important individual contributions to improving employee and public safety.

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For more information:
Paula Dunlop
Director, Communications
Canadian Gas Association
613-748-0057 x341
613-614-3280