Inuvik (Feb 2o/06) - The Joint Review Panel (JRP) public hearings are underway at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex in Inuvik.

That means a variety of speakers are gathered in Inuvik right now to make presentations. They are allowed no more than 30 minutes to state their case.

Nobody is limited in the amount of time they have to ask questions, only the amount of time they have to make a presentation. - Annette Bourgeois-Bent, JRP spokesperson

"The panel decided 15 minutes for most presentations. They want to hear from as many people as possible," said Annette Bourgeois-Bent, JRP spokesperson.

There are three types of hearings being conducted during the JRP review: general hearings, technical hearings and community hearings.

The Inuvik hearing is a general inquiry into the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline itself, which included a project presentation by proponents Feb. 15 that lasted more than four hours.

General hearings can either be open or on topics of the JRP panel's choosing.

"For example, those speaking this morning (Feb. 16) are limited to speaking in regards to the project description," said Bourgeois-Bent.

That's because the hearing is still allowing intervenors to question the proponent panel on their presentation.

The Town of Inuvik made a presentation on the impact of the project in regards to municipal structures and services in the afternoon of Feb. 16.

According to mayor Peter Clarkson, 15 minutes is more than enough time to make a presentation.

"They had to set some kind of limit," Clarkson said.

"The presentation should complement the written document that you must submit."

Clarkson says giving too many details will only overwhelm the JRP panel.

"They can only absorb so much. All the details are in the written presentation," he added.

Presenters must register 30 days in advance and provide 15 copies of their written submissions to the panel manager 10 days prior to their presentation, said Borgeois-Bent.

The JRP panel requests presenters to highlight or summarize the main points of their written submissions during their oral statement.

"I think 15 minutes is enough to put the message forward," said Marc Lange, who works for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Yellowknife.

Lange didn't think the proponent presentation was too long, but "found it very helpful."

He said he has full confidence in the JRP and how it has decided to conduct the hearing.

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation chair Nellie Cournoyea says she's happy with the time constraints because it allows everybody to have their say.

"Since we're intervenors (Inuvialuit Regional Corporation), we also have the opportunity for cross-examination," Cournoyea said.

The JRP hearing moves to Fort McPherson on Feb. 17, where panellists will hear from community members.

A community hearing is the time when people living near the location of the proposed project can have their say. Presenters are allowed only 15 minutes to talk and do not have to submit a written submission.

The only point in which more time is given to presenters is during a technical hearing, where a speaker is allowed 30 minutes to state their case.

The first technical hearing is to take place March 20-22 in Inuvik, after the JRP makes its way to Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic. It will concern anchor field design.

"Nobody is limited in the amount of time they have to ask questions, only the amount of time they have to make a presentation," said Bourgeois-Bent. "The JRP panel really wants to hear from as many people as possible."