Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 23/05) - Imperial Oil, lead proponent on the Mackenzie Gas Project, said last week that it was delaying an announcement on schedules for the Joint Review Panel and National Energy Board hearings, citing access and benefits agreements with aboriginal groups as a major stumbling block.

The announcement comes in the wake of negotiations, Sept. 7, 8 and 9 in Calgary, Alta., between Imperial and aboriginal groups along the pipeline right of way.

"I would be hoping that the additional time will bring the results they are looking for," said Inuvialuit Regional Corp. CEO Nellie Cournoyea, referring to the NEB and JRP hearing announcement delay and its potential affect on the project. "There has always been a question of the viability of the project. However, for those who are supporting the project, the effort should be made to resolve the issues that appear to be making it more costly than necessary."

Cournoyea went on to say that the onus should not only be on aboriginal groups.

"It's a requirement of the companies, as well, it's not only on the aboriginal peoples' part but the proponents, as well," she added.

The project is a year behind schedule and Imperial's manager of regulatory affairs, Sandy Martin, in a letter to the NEB, noted the company still doesn't have an agreement on the main money issues: royalties; and access and benefits with First Nations and governments.

"What's holding things up is the fact there is a lot of misunderstanding on all sides," said Fred Carmichael, president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council.

He said Imperial and the aboriginal groups have been putting the blame on each other for stalled progress.

"It's time for all senior level people from the parties to get together - aboriginal leaders, senior officials from the federal and territorial governments - get everything on the table and hammer out a deal. Until they do that, everybody is just blaming everybody else."

Carmichael went on to repeat what he's been saying since day one, that the future of the North hinges on seeing the project through.

"This issue is very critical to the well-being of the North," he said. "We're looking at a $7 billion project that will create jobs for 40 years to come, through further exploration. There are jobs at stake, our children's futures, business opportunities, more revenue for better housing, better education, better health and better jobs. There's a lot riding on this."