IRC on receiving end
Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 06/01) - Government grants continue to be directed towards the oil and gas industry, with the latest $107,000 giveaway announced May 30 by Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew.
More than half the newest grants are being given to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), with $40,000 going toward a business plan that will investigate business ideas related to oil and gas. Another $20,000 is slated for training seminar. The funds are in addition to DIAND grants announced May 22 totalling $4.55 million for the same company, which made a $52-million profit last year.
Blondin-Andrew did not return phone calls, but in a press release said "these projects are all important and will contribute to the development of oil and gas in the NWT. This in turn will benefit all Northerners."
Other oil and gas projects being subsidized include a natural gas feasibility study for the Acho Dene Koe in Fort Liard ($20,000), a geographic information system for the Hay River Dene band ($12,500), and an updated business plan for Shehtah Drilling ($14,500).
The announcement is on the heels of a $4.5-million grant to the IRC to build oil rigs and a work camps.
