Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Feb 22/02) - An initiative to prepare for the social impacts of industrial development in the Mackenzie Valley elicited some strong opinions Thursday.

Following a Health and Social Services presentation on the topic at the Deh Cho Resource Development conference, Acho Dene Koe Chief Judy Kotchea said the GNWT is overdue in helping Fort Liard.

She said the territorial government should have projected an increased demand for health and social services in her community year ago, and should have budgeted and allocated staff accordingly.

Kotchea said there are no excuses because precedents had already been established through oil and gas work in the Beaufort Delta and the Norman Wells pipeline decades ago.

Kathy Tsetso, CEO for Deh Cho Health and Social Services (DCHSS), acknowledged that social development always lags behind economic development even though it should be the other way around.

Rita Cli, chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation, commended DCHSS for preparing for development in the Fort Simpson area by establishing the sub-committee. Fort Simpson resident Sean Whelly said development does bring new challenges, but not necessarily all negative impacts. He asked whether Health and Social Services has ever studied the effects of a depressed economy on local people.

Resident Andrew Gaule noted that Fort Simpson has realized an increase in government staffing over the years. That also creates an impact and more disposable income, he said.

Tsetso replied, "I think that too can be part of the overall review."

The sub-committee, comprising members from various territorial and federal government departments, has a mandate to identify and address gaps in health and social services programs and services. In consultation with stakeholders, the sub-committee will also draft a five-year plan.

Possible social impacts from industrial development include: family instability, child neglect and an increase in alcohol and/or drug abuse.