Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair and members of the committee, I want to thank all of you and your respective caucuses for your leadership and support of Line 5. It has truly been a team Canada approach, and we are very appreciative of the support we have received. I'm Vern Yu.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  We are proceeding along multiple avenues to keep the pipeline operating until we see the tunnel completed. The first thing we're working on is to have, within the United States, the safety and reliability of the pipeline regulated by the U.S. federal government, which we believe

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  We believe so.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  I think this latest controversy started in November. I believe it was on November 13 that the governor filed, in Michigan state court, that the State of Michigan believed we were in violation of the safety aspects covered by the 1953 easement, whereby we have a duty of care to en

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  The state is claiming that we're in non-compliance with the easement. We have vigorously filed in U.S. federal court that we are in full compliance with the easement and in full compliance with the U.S. federal regulator, which is the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Admin

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  I believe Ambassador Hillman tried to open a channel for dialogue with the governor, and my understanding is that the governor was not open to having any dialogue.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  I have not heard about that particular meeting.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  If Line 5 is shut down, our customers will lose about 50% of the crude oil they need to run at their refineries. Those would be refineries in Michigan, in Ohio, in Ontario, in Quebec, in Pennsylvania and in Indiana.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  In the near term, there are no immediate alternatives to replace 540,000 barrels a day of crude oil and natural gas liquids. In the longer term, you would have to build rail off-loading facilities and truck off-loading facilities in those states and provinces to replace the pipel

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  Yes.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  Yes.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  That is correct.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  That is correct.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  Yes.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  Absolutely.