EXHIBIT 99.55
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[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
[LOGO - VERMILION ENERGY TRUST]



                                  PRESS RELEASE
            VERMILION ENERGY TRUST ANNOUNCES EXCHANGEABLE SHARE RATIO
                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MAY 15, 2003

Vermilion Energy Trust (VET.UN-TSX) is pleased to announce the increase to the
Exchange Ratio of the Exchangeable Shares of Vermilion Resources Ltd. from
1.02770 to 1.04127. The increase will be effective on May 15, 2003. A "Notice of
Retraction" must be received by Computershare by May 21, 2003 to receive this
exchange ratio. All notices received after this date will receive the exchange
ratio to be determined on June 13, 2003.

The following are the details used in the calculation of the Exchange ratio:


                                                                                     
Record Date of Vermilion Energy Trust Distribution                                      April 30, 2003
Opening Exchange Ratio                                                                  1.02770
Vermilion Energy Trust Distribution per Unit                                            $0.17

10-day Weighted Average Trading Price ("Current Market Price")                          $12.87666
(Including the Last Business Day Prior to the Distribution Payment Date)

Increase in the Exchange Ratio                                                          0.01357
Effective Date of the Increase in the Exchange Ratio                                    May 15, 2003
Exchange Ratio as of the Effective Date                                                 1.04127


The increase in the exchange ratio is calculated by multiplying the Vermilion
Energy Trust Distribution per Unit by the previous months exchange ratio and
dividing by the Current Market Price of VET.UN.

A holder of Vermilion Resources Ltd. Exchangeable Shares can exchange all or a
portion of their holdings at any time for Vermilion Trust Units by completing a
Retraction Request form. You can obtain a copy by contacting Computershare Trust
Company of Canada at (403) 267-6894.

For further information please contact:

Paul Beique
Director Investor Relations
2800, 400 - 4th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta  T2P 0J4
Phone:   (403) 269-4884
Fax:     (403) 264-6306
IR Toll Free:  1-866-895-8101
info@vermilionenergy.com
www.vermilionenergy.com