More than 117 million PanCanadian shares or 81 per cent of the common shares were cast in favour of the merger and name change.

The PanCanadian voting results follow a similar outcome at yesterday's special meeting of AEC security holders. At that meeting, 91.4 percent of the shares and options voted were cast in favour of the proposed merger with PanCanadian to create EnCana. This significantly exceeded the two-thirds of the votes needed to approve the merger.

AEC now will seek approval for that part of the merger involving the AEC Plan of Arrangement from the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta on 5 April.

"We are very pleased with the results of voting at both meetings," said PanCanadian chairman and chief executive officer, Mr David O'Brien. "From the outset, the market has supported and encouraged this combination because of the value that will be created through it."

"Today, shareholders of two industry leaders have voted to create one, even more compelling corporation - one of the world's largest independent oil and gas companies. Now we seek approval from the court to proceed," AEC president and chief executive officer, Mr Gwyn Morgan added.

PanCanadian operate Vic/P48 and 49 and has interests in the Ashmore Cartier, Bonaparte, Barrow, and Gippsland Basins. Alberta operate AC/P22 and has other interests in the Barrow and Carnarvon Basins.