Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #05-199
July 27, 2005
Yukon Also Seeks Federal Support To Address Pipeline Impacts
WHITEHORSE - Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang is pleased with Canada's recent announcement to provide $500 million over ten years to the N.W.T. The money will address socio-economic impacts on communities related to the planning and construction of the Mackenzie Gas Project.
"This announcement represents an important step in the collective effort to move the Mackenzie Gas Project forward," Lang said. "It acknowledges that all parties involved in the project must work together to resolve outstanding issues so the project can move forward."
The Yukon government is paying close attention to events in the N.W.T as the Mackenzie Gas Project moves forward.
"We expect to face similar issues when the Alaska Highway Pipeline project gets underway," Lang said. "The Alaska Highway Pipeline will have a significant impact on Yukon communities. We look forward to working with Canada to address these issues."
The Yukon government is supporting the advancement of both northern pipeline projects and has identified several key interests that must be addressed, including financial support for Yukon and First Nations.
"There is market demand for northern gas, and both projects provide significant opportunities, not only in the north, but to Canada and North America," Lang said. "Significant resources are required to ensure we maximize benefits for Yukoners with both projects and at the same time ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to minimize impacts."
The Yukon government is intervening in two hearings to ensure Yukon's interests are addressed in the application for a Mackenzie Gas Project.
The National Energy Board regulates the technical and economic aspects of inter-provincial pipelines in Canada. The board will determine whether the Mackenzie Gas Project may proceed and the economic (toll design) principles for transportation. The Joint Review Panel, on the other hand, will determine how the project could affect the land, environment and lives of people in the project area.
Yukon's goal in participating in these hearings is to maximize job and business opportunities and minimize social and environmental impacts for Yukoners, and to ensure that its substantial reserves in north Yukon are not stranded. The public hearings are expected to begin this fall.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Tara O’Donovan |
| Cabinet Communications Advisor | Energy, Mines and Resources |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-5809 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | tara.odonovan@gov.yk.ca |