INUVIK - Despite announced delays to the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline, speakers at the seventh annual Inuvik Petroleum Show let the crowd know they're all for keeping the project alive.

Imperial Oil announced in March the construction of the line would be delayed until 2014.

The updated costs provided by Imperial Oil show the gas gathering system will cost $3.5 billion, the pipeline itself will be $7.8 billion and anchor field development will come in at $4.9 billion.

Mayor Derek Lindsay started the show off with the introduction of show moderator Ann Crossman, who promised to keep the presenters in line and on time.

Nellie Cournoyea, of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, said despite the last few years of delays, she remains confident in the project.

"The last few years were difficult, trying to determine what is happening with the pipeline," she said.

"Despite the ups and downs, we want a positive outcome."

She also said it was good to see so many people with a common goal in one place.

Cournoyea's determination for the project shined through in her words.

"We are not negative people here," she said.

"We're going to make this pipeline go through one way or another."

Cournoyea said Imperial's announcement of delays and cost increases were familiar.

"It's almost cruelty, we've been here before," she said.

To get the audience laughing, Cournoyea then set her sights on Imperial Oil's legal representative Randy Ottenbreidt, who has been the front man for the proponent through the regulatory hearings.

"I want to give notice to Randy Ottenbreidt of Imperial," she said with a laugh.

"If he doesn't make this pipeline go through, I will sue him for mental cruelty."

Gwich'in Tribal Council leader Fred Carmichael shared the message that the project was necessary to the North.

"This is the seventh annual petroleum show in Inuvik," said Carmichael.

"That shows me that there are still people who want this pipeline."

He spoke to the crowd with confidence.

"As we move forward, we're staying positive and we're sure the pipeline will go through," he said.

He added the event theme - Getting ready for the pipeline - is appropriate.

"We want the pipeline and that tells me that the government has some catching up to do," he said.

"I have worked with Minister Prentice before. He is devoted to the pipeline."

Carmichael had a message for the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, the government and the people in the room who were at the trade show.

"This pipeline will go through," he said.

"We deserve nothing less."