VANCOUVER -- The B.C. government has released what it calls the tough questions it will ask the panel reviewing the proposed Northern Gateway panel.

Environment Minister Terry Lake says the province will demand to know more details about how much liability Enbridge and its partners will take on in the event of an oil spill.

The government also wants to know more about the increased safety measures Enbridge recently announced it would take to prevent a spill and the increased commitments the company has promised if a spill occurs.

Lake says B.C. doesn't have a date yet for when it will participate in the cross-examination of the project's proponents, but final arguments in the process are scheduled for March and April next year.

Last week, the B.C. government finally took a position on the pipeline after months of sitting on the fence.

Enbridge's chief executive officer said today the company is absolutely confident it can meet B.C.'s safety demands.

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