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Husky inks deal in Sahtu Norman Wells, Fort Norman Metis land corporations to receive $188 millionChris DiCesare Special to Northern News Services Published Monday, September 12, 2011
The communities of Tulita and Norman Wells will receive $188 million over a 10-year period for two licences. The deal was negotiated with the Fort Norman Metis Land Corporation and the Norman Wells Land Corporation at the end of June and the announcement was made Sept. 1. "The deal that Husky signed with us is a benefit package and most aboriginal communities across Canada are starting to do this," said Cece Hodgson-McCauley, Norman Wells Land Corporation President. "Most aboriginals are starting to see the light - confrontation isn't the way to go, co-operation is," Hodgson-McCauley said. "Lets face it; the younger generation is growing up and they need to be educated and trained for the future" she said, adding this agreement should further that goal. Husky will employ "the greatest possible number of qualified local residents" for the project, according to the company's manager of corporate communications, Carla Yuill. She added it will also provide opportunities for training. "As part of the training, we will be providing access to apprenticeships for whatever the projects require," she said. "It's too early to tell how many jobs will be created." Community approves Hodgson-McCauley said the agreement with Husky is a start, and "we (the community) feel great about it." Yuill said work will begin this winter with seismic testing and the drilling of two wells. The new agreement is the culmination of working arrangements in the region that have spanned the last decade. Yuill said Husky is extremely familiar with and active in the area in which the drilling will take place. Hodgson-McCauley said the deal should open doors for the people in the region. "The people in our district are taking the bull by the horns to take advantage of the deal and if Husky hits on something, they will give us something," she said.
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