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NUNAVUT
Exploration activity is ramping up for the season in Nunavut, with programs set for promising advanced projects, in addition to a number of new companies setting up camp in the territory this summer.

The sun sets on exploration drills at Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.'s Meliadine Tiriganiaq deposit last September. - photo courtesy of Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.

Energy in Action, a program which aims to strengthen relationships between the industry and the communities where they operate, has been held in 60 different communities across Canada since 2004, and will be taking place in Fort Liard on May 31, at Echo Dene School.

Quicksilver Resources Inc. led the initiative for the event to be held in the community, and the companies that have confirmed participation in the event include Nexen Inc., ConocoPhillips, Stone Mountain Resources, Tervita Corp., Encana Corp., Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., and Paramount Resources Ltd..

"All of these companies were instrumental in making this happen because we don't bring the program to a community unless we have company support," said Kimberley Gray, spokesperson for the association, adding CAPP aims for between four and five interested companies before bringing Energy in Action to a community.

"And we got eight here, so obviously these eight companies are very keen to get to know the community and to be involved in this event and that's really good news for us, and for the NWT."

Gray described Energy in Action as a "modern-day, barn-raising" type of event, with about 30 students from grades 4 to 6 at Echo Dene School to spend the day with the energy company volunteers and other community members. The program includes an energy literacy session with games and activities, and an afternoon with ornithologist Andrew "Birdman" Stiles.

"People hear about this event and they want to be a part of it," Gray said. "It's a really feel-good, modern-day, barn raising almost for the community, and it really brings everybody together."

The petroleum producers association, which represents large and small companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada, has put on its Energy in Action event since 2004.

Quicksilver, which is a major player in the Horn River Basin shale play, located near Fort Liard across the border in British Columbia, has been involved in the Fort Liard community for four years, and has pushed to have the petroleum producers association event held in Fort Liard in the past, said Jaime Lawrence, the company's community and aboriginal relations representative.

"This year, there's more companies in the area, a little more activity, and we got it," he said. “Energy in Action is an exciting day, not only for the school, but for the entire community. It’s a great way to showcase the positive impact that oil and gas development can have at the grassroot level.”

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