FILING AGREEMENT AMONG THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA AND SCOTIA CAPITAL INC.

                                                                       EXHIBIT A



                                FILING AGREEMENT
                                      AMONG
                           THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA AND
                               SCOTIA CAPITAL INC.


                  The undersigned hereby agree that the Schedule 13G with
respect to the Common Shares of Westcoast Energy Inc. dated of even date
herewith is and shall be filed on behalf of each of us pursuant to and in
accordance with the provisions of Rules 13d-1(c), 13d-2(b) and 13d-1(k)(1) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


Dated: February 13, 0000


                                       XXX XXXX XX XXXX XXXXXX


                                       By: /s/ XXXXX XXXXX
                                       Name:  Xxxxx Xxxxx
                                       Title: Vice-President, Group Compliance


                                       By: /s/ XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
                                       Name:  Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
                                       Title: Assistant Secretary



                                       SCOTIA  CAPITAL INC.


                                       By: /s/ XXXXXX XXXXXXX
                                       Name:  Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
                                       Title: Managing Director, Head of Equity
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