Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River Reserve (Sep 02/02) - Doubts have been raised whether communities are ready to take full advantage of the Mackenzie gas project.

At an Aug. 22 public information session by the project's promoters held on the Hay River Reserve, some people wanted to talk about social problems, not plans for the energy megaproject.

Georgina Fabian said there are huge social problems in Northern communities -- alcohol and drug abuse, gambling, fetal alcohol syndrome and school drop-outs.

"We need healthy people to work in the field you're talking about," said Fabian, who has experience in addictions counselling.

Fabian said the gas project sounds interesting, but stressed it will need many workers with specialized skills and knowledge, not something a lot of young people have.

She also questioned the interest on the Hay River Reserve in taking advantage of the job opportunities the project presents.

"Where's the enthusiasm?" she asked, adding the leadership has to work harder and encourage people to become involved.

Her concern was illustrated by the fact that, although a good crowd -- perhaps 60 people -- had been present at the beginning of the meeting, the number dwindled drastically during the promoters' presentations.

By the time questions were solicited and Fabian spoke, the meeting had been going for almost two hours and only about 10 people remained.

Her concerns were also echoed by Alan Browning, the recreation director for the K'atlodeeche First Nation, who said he is working to build a healthier community and it might be time to take a step back to re-consider such projects.

"For me, it's just so much to take in," Browning said.

"Maybe we should get another Judge Berger and another 10 years," he added. "I can wait."

A window opens

However, Doug Cardinal of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, which hopes to have a one-third interest in the project, stressed its positive impacts, especially the many jobs it would bring.

Such a project won't come along every day, he said.

"I think there's a window of opportunity we must grab and seize."

However, he recognized there are social problems to overcome.

"We need to start addressing them ourselves," he said.

Cardinal also noted the Aboriginal Pipeline Group is educating the energy companies about aboriginal and social concerns.

At the information session, representatives from Imperial Oil, Conoco Canada and the Aboriginal Pipeline Group outlined the project and its current status.

The $5-billion project would be anchored by three natural gas fields north of Inuvik. The gas would be transported south via a pipeline down the Mackenzie Valley to connect with the existing pipeline system in Alberta.

Randy Ottenbreit of Imperial Oil described the last two years of feasibility study and the current "project definition" stage.

Project definition will take three to four years, and involve engineering studies, environmental field work, public consultation, Northern benefits plans, and regulatory applications and review.