Debates of March 30, 2004 (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stated in my Member’s statement, there are some concerns from my area with the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board and the round of consultations that they’re doing. I would like to ask the Minister of RWED if he is aware of the concerns that Hay River has with that board not coming to Hay River to do some reviews. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 109-15(3): Involvement Of Hay River In The Pipeline Consultation Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the department is aware there was some concern raised by the town of Hay River over the proposed consultation schedule in this first, preliminary consultation. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Supplementary To Question 109-15(3): Involvement Of Hay River In The Pipeline Consultation Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, could the Minister inform this House if this board has a fiduciary responsibility to consult with all affected parties when a review is undertaken? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of RWED, Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 109-15(3): Involvement Of Hay River In The Pipeline Consultation Process

Mr. Speaker, I think it’s important to keep in mind that the board is simply going around to assess whether or not there is significant public concern and, if so, that would trigger the joint panel review. I think we probably all know that phase of the review is inevitable. This preliminary screening and work that they’re doing now is just to confirm and hear from some of the people in the Northwest Territories what those concerns might be. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Supplementary To Question 109-15(3): Involvement Of Hay River In The Pipeline Consultation Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what action is the government willing to take or the Minister willing to take to ensure that the residents of Hay River have an opportunity to be heard by this review board? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of RWED, Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 109-15(3): Involvement Of Hay River In The Pipeline Consultation Process

We are making sure that we follow the process and sit in on the meetings in order to hear public concerns, but I certainly take a lot of comfort in knowing and believing that this will go to phase two and there will be a joint panel review and, at that point, there will be significant opportunity not only for the residents of Hay River…I take the Member’s point that Hay River stands to benefit hugely from a development of this nature and I think they’re poised quite well to do so, but the board will hear from the residents of Hay River, it will hear from residents across the Northwest Territories and I’m certain will take their input and give it a lot of weight. Thank you.

Final supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Supplementary To Question 109-15(3): Involvement Of Hay River In The Pipeline Consultation Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m glad to hear that the Minister has confidence that the concerns will be addressed in phase two. But, Mr. Speaker, in the work plan for the environmental assessment of the Mackenzie Valley gas project it states very clearly that phase one of the review board will hold a series of public hearings in the Mackenzie Valley to gather evidence of any public concerns and determine which issues will be examined in detail during phase two. So if communities haven’t got a chance to voice their concerns during phase one, how are they going to get in on phase two when it’s specifically phase one that addresses what issues will be looked at in detail during phase two? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of RWED, Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 109-15(3): Involvement Of Hay River In The Pipeline Consultation Process

Thank you. I believe that there will be a chance in phase two for all residents to bring forward their significant concerns and I will acknowledge that the concerns of Hay River may not be identical to the concerns of other communities. There are going to be issues specific in nature, but they won’t be from left field. They are going to involve business opportunities, employment opportunities, environmental impacts and those sorts of things. I think the broadest categories of issues are being documented at this point. There will be plenty of room. As well, I’m certain that our department or the Government of the Northwest Territories will make an intervention and we plan to do so. We are an interested party in the cooperation plan. We will certainly make an intervention on behalf of all residents across the Northwest Territories. Thank you.