Hay River (Feb 23/04) - A two-day public hearing was held last week in Hay River on Paramount Resources' proposal to expand its oil and gas operations in the Cameron Hills.

The hearing is part of an environmental assessment of the proposal by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board.

Paramount is seeking a land use permit to drill five more oil and gas wells and build a pipeline gathering system networking them together.

However, the board requested the company provide information on the cumulative effect of the whole project for the foreseeable future. The company provided information for the next 10 years, when the project is expected to grow from its current 40 wells to about 90.

At the closing session, a common theme among aboriginal speakers was a lack of respect by the company.

"Don't treat the people from this region with disrespect," said Rosaline Tambour of K'atlodeeche First Nation. "And don't treat the land, the water and the animals that way either."

Chris Heron of the NWT Metis Nation said his organization has been largely ignored, but is willing to enter into contractual arrangements with Paramount on socio-economic issues and impact benefits.

"We are not your neighbours," Heron said. "We are your landlords."

Lloyd Doyle, the corporate operating officer with Paramount Resources, said the company makes every effort to consult in a meaningful and respectful manner.

However, he said some may misunderstand the company's policy of not making separate arrangements with individual communities.

"It is Paramount policy not to deal with aboriginal groups in isolation."

The board is expected to make its recommendation to DIAND and the National Energy Board in April.

It can recommend approval, approval with mitigation, rejection, or proceeding to an environmental impact review.

A number of territorial and federal government agencies -- such as Environment Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans -- also addressed the hearing.