Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 22/05) - In the past week, a considerable amount of movement has been made on the federal government's part to help keep the pipeline process moving forward.

Last Thursday Ottawa announced it had reached a $31.5 million deal with the Dehcho First Nation, settling two lawsuits that threatened the Joint Review Panel hearing process. Then on Monday, the federal government said it was prepared to provide $500 million over the next 10 years, creating a fund to address socio-economic impacts "on communities related to the planning and construction of the (pipeline) project."

Aklavik Indian Band Chief Charlie Furlong said he was encouraged by the news but he's more interested in how and where the money will be spent.

"I hope it doesn't get caught up in bureaucratic hurdles, with us not getting the best bang for our buck," he said. "And what department is going to take the lead and where is the money going to flow?"

Right now, those particulars are not available as the multi-million dollar commitment won't come before parliament until late September. As for the Deh Cho deal, Furlong expressed some problems he had with it.

"Sure, we're all pleased the deal has been made and things can move on," Furlong said. "All I'm questioning is whether the deal was fair to the other groups (on the right-of-way). Canada may have opened up a new way to negotiate, sit stubborn and get a big pot of money."

In discussion on the same topic, Gwich'in Tribal Council president Fred Carmichael was slightly more upbeat.

"It's a big step forward and certainly a big roadblock is now out of the way and it means a lot for the project moving forward," he said.

Meanwhile, Imperial Oil, lead proponent of the gas project, announced last week that it needs more time before proceeding to National Energy Board public hearings.

However, the Joint Review Panel on the project said there is sufficient information to proceed with its hearing process.

"(Imperial) wants to do it right," said Carmichael. "There's no point in going to hearings if you don't have all the pieces."

Specifically, work on benefit and access agreements with aboriginal groups and agreements on education are continuing, said Imperial Oil spokesperson Hart Searle.

Outstanding issues

"We feel there are a number of outstanding issues and are working hard to address them," said Searle.

According to Carmichael, access and benefits negotiation teams from the four regions on the pipeline right-of-way came together a few weeks back to work on a "common approach."

"It's good to see the four groups working together and sharing ideas with one another," he added.

As for the hearing delay, Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson hopes it won't be an extended one. "If it drags on too long, people will start to wonder when it will happen," he said. "November will be reasonable."