Fort Simpson (Apr 23/04) - A prospective Mackenzie Valley pipeline stands to undergo a thorough environmental review by a panel of aboriginal and government representatives.

Todd Burlingame, chair of the Mackenzie Environmental Impact Review Board, said people in Inuvik complained of being over-consulted on the prospective Mackenzie Valley pipeline yet some people in Fort Simpson felt they were lacking consultation. "So where do you draw the line," he asked. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (MVEIRB) met Monday and referred the project to a higher level of scrutiny. The joint panel review, once authorized by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, will trigger a new round of consultations in communities along the pipeline corridor.

The MVEIRB's criterion for referral was "significant public concern." Board chair Todd Burlingame said there was "absolutely no doubt" that significant public concern was expressed at all the board's pipeline hearings.

The Inuvialuit and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA), which also have a say, had already referred the project to a joint panel review.

The MVEIRB heard from dozens of people and organizations in Fort Simpson last week. Many of the comments dealt with social and economic issues, which the MVEIRB was able to mull over in addition to environmental matters, said Burlingame.

Opportunities and control

Andrew Gaule, president of the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce, told the board that Fort Simpson's "rudimentary" economy must not be bypassed by oil and gas companies in favour of existing capacity from southern Canada. As well, he noted that the federal and territorial governments have a critical role to play in addressing impacts on infrastructure such as roads, health, education and economic development.

Keyna Norwegian, chief of Fort Simpson's Liidlii Kue First Nation, said aboriginal people are not opposed to development, but they want to be in control of it. She told board members that they may not have noticed anything but unoccupied land as they flew to Fort Simpson. However, many band members continue to go into the bush and there are many special places with sentimental value, she said.

"There's no way we can put a fence around that area and say, 'This is my spot,' because we don't live like that," Norwegian said.

Stan Sanguez, former chief of the Tthek'ehdeli First Nation in Jean Marie River, spoke of the need to protect certain tracts of land and its associated wildlife, waterfowl and fish.

"The watershed is the lifeline of the people," he said.

Sanguez added that he was "disappointed and appalled" when one of Imperial Oil's contractors dropped off pamphlets in Jean Marie River and documented that as consultation.

Similar concern

Norwegian had a similar concern, stating that she had coffee with Imperial Oil representatives and that too was considered consultation.

Peter Grout, Imperial Oil's manager of regulatory affairs for the Mackenzie Gas Project, said his company has been involved in hundreds of meetings in the Mackenzie Valley ranging from coffee chats to regional workshops. Each, to varying degrees, involves an exchange of information and each is documented accordingly, he said. He also noted that his company is also involved in traditional knowledge studies.

Alan Kennedy, also representing Imperial Oil, added that Imperial is willing to look at ways to improve the consultation process.

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