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INUVIK - A major piece of the puzzle that is the Mackenzie Gas Project has fallen into place.

Access and benefits agreements have been reached between the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and project proponents.

Construction of the $16.2 billion Mackenzie Valley Pipeline is awaiting regulatory approval and the inking of access agreements similar to one signed by the Inuvialuit last week. - NNSL file photo

On Oct. 1, the membership of the Inuvik Community Corporation ratified the deals, which were finalized about a month ago.

They will provide the Mackenzie Gas Project proponents with access to Inuvialuit-owned lands north of Inuvik to support construction and operation of the project. The deals cover three natural gas fields and a gathering system.

Under Inuvialuit Regional Corporation rules, the Inuvialuit of the community closest to a development - in this case Inuvik - vote on ratifying such agreements.

The Inuvik Community Corporation has a little more than 1,000 members. At the Oct. 1 meeting, 120 people voted in favour of the deals and only seven were opposed.

"It was resounding support of the access and benefits agreements that were negotiated and for the project to proceed," said Duane Smith, chairperson of the Inuvik Community Corporation.

Smith said it was a major endorsement of the project by one of the aboriginal groups along the route.

"If we didn't vote in favour of it, it would be another hindrance to the project proceeding," he said.

The benefits of the agreements cover such things as education, training, employment, scholarships and contracting preference for Inuvialuit businesses in the Inuvialuit settlement region.

Smith said he couldn't get into specifics because the deals are "private agreements."

The multi-billion-dollar Mackenzie Gas Project, which will carry Beaufort Delta natural gas south on a pipeline, is awaiting regulatory approval after which proponents will make a final decision on proceeding.

Nellie Cournoyea, the chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, is encouraged by the overwhelming show of support for the agreements.

"The ratification vote signals the successful conclusion of an exhaustive process of negotiations and legal drafting that commenced in the summer of 2003," she said in a statement.

Cournoyea added the Inuvialuit can look forward to the advancement of the Mackenzie Gas Project and the broad range of economic opportunities it will provide.

Inuvik Mayor Derek Lindsay also welcomed the ratification.

"I think that's a major milestone," he said.

Lindsay said Inuvialuit coming onside may lead the way for other aboriginal organizations.

"I hope that's what happens," he said. "I hope that speeds up the process."

Pius Rolheiser, a spokesperson for the Mackenzie Gas Project in Calgary, said the proponents welcome the agreements.

"It's clearly a positive development for the Mackenzie Gas Project and the proponents are pleased to have successfully concluded these agreements," he said.

"This is an important step, as have been the other access and benefits agreements," he added. "I'd categorize it as a positive step forward."

Rolheiser explained there are four agreements with the Inuvialuit. One covers the project's gathering system, while the other three cover the three anchor fields.

Rolheiser said the specifics of the deals are confidential, although they cover such things as training, employment and business opportunities.

"These sorts of opportunities would accrue to communities should the project proceed," he said.

Rolheiser noted the agreements are consistent with deals reached with other aboriginal organizations along the pipeline route, but not identical.

Along with the Inuvialuit, the Mackenzie Gas Project now has access and benefits deals with the Gwich'in and the Tulita/Deline area, along with an agreement-in-principle with the Fort Good Hope/Colville Lake area.

Negotiations are ongoing with the Dehcho, Rolheiser said. "We continue to make encouraging progress."

The goal is to have agreements with all aboriginal groups along the pipeline route, he said. "Benefits and access agreements are very important parts of the project's ability to move forward."