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NNSL photo/graphic

Minister of State for Northern Development Ethel Blondin-Andrew, right, and RWED Minister Brendan Bell announced $4 million in funding Friday, for communities impacted by the development of the Mackenzie Gas Project. - Stephan Burnett/NNSL photo

$4 million in funding

Stephan Burnett
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 17/05) - The federal and territorial governments and Imperial Oil have put $4 million on the table to assist communities that will be impacted by the development of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline.

The cash can be used to hire consultants and cover the cost of negotiating access and benefit agreements.

Minister of State for Northern Development Ethel Blondin-Andrew and Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED) Minister Brendan Bell made the announcement Friday afternoon at the Legislative Assembly.

The federal government is putting up a total of $1.8 million; Imperial Oil will contribute $1.8 million on behalf of the Mackenzie Gas Project proponents; and the territorial government will give $200,000 this fiscal year and another $200,000 next fiscal year, confirmed Pietro De Bastiani, executive assistant to Bell.

The breakdown of the funds is as follows: $550,000 for the Inuvialuit; $690,000 for the Gwich'in; $860,000 divided between the two Sahtu groups -- Tulita and Deline will receive $460,000, Fort Good Hope will receive $400,000. The Deh Cho will receive $400,000 this fiscal year and $800,000 next fiscal year. The tax-based communities of the Town of Hay River, the Village of Fort Simpson, the Town of Norman Wells and the Town of Inuvik will share $200,000.

$500,000 in unattributed funding has been added to the pot in the expectation there may be additional requests for funds.

The funding allotments have been agreed to by the various organizations and communities involved, according to Matthew Spence, team leader with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Pipeline Readiness Group.

Blondin-Andrew said she was very positive an arrangement could be made to avert legal action launched by the Deh Cho First Nations, which could delay the construction of the pipeline.

"The feeling and atmosphere is positive. That's about all I can say," said Blondin-Andrew, adding negotiations between the federal government and the Deh Cho were confidential because of the pending litigation.

No one from the Deh Cho First Nations could be reached to respond to press inquiries prior to deadline.