Canada says talks with U.S. over pipeline dispute should start soon

OTTAWA -

Formal talks between Canada and the United States over a disputed Michigan pipeline should start soon, Ottawa said on Wednesday, the latest development in an affair souring bilateral relations.

Last month Canada invoked a 1977 treaty with the United States to trigger negotiations over Enbridge Inc's Line 5, which Michigan wants to shut down on environmental grounds.

Michigan's governor said on Tuesday she would dismiss her lawsuit against the pipeline in federal court, clearing the way for a separate case in state court. Canada's foreign ministry said the move did not affect talks under the 1977 treaty.

"We expect the formal negotiations to begin soon," ministry spokeswoman Clara Trudeau said by email, noting that "Canada has consistently supported the continued, safe operation of Line 5, and raised it with the U.S. government at every level."

The treaty has never been invoked before.

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Line 5 ships 540,000 barrels per day of crude and refined products from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. Michigan ordered it shut down by May over worries a leak could develop in a four-mile section running beneath the Straits of Mackinac in the Great Lakes.

Enbridge ignored Michigan's order and the sides are embroiled in a legal battle.

Trade Minister Mary Ng is due to raise the matter during three days of talks in Washington this week, her office said.

She will also discuss irritants such as U.S. duties on Canadian software lumber and planned U.S. tax breaks for domestically produced electric vehicles.