Debates of February 24, 2005 (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development a couple of questions with regard to some comments that were made at a recent press conference, in which the Governor of Alaska, Mr. Frank Murkowski, was seen as saying that the Mackenzie Valley gas project was stalled. Even the Premier of the Yukon, Mr. Fentie, who was also present at the press conference, didn’t dispute the fact that this was stalled. I am just wondering if the Minister can answer a question. The first question is what is his opinion? Is our gas project stalled, or is it not? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Member is asking for the Minister's opinion on something. I will allow the Minister to answer, but basically it is an opinion. The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 479-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Gas Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me be clear; I think it is, quite simply, a fact that the Mackenzie gas project is not stalled. It is well into the regulatory process now; the Joint Review Panel environmental assessment is well underway. There has been so much interest in that process and so many information requests of Imperial, that the JRP has asked that Imperial be given more time in order to submit to those information requests.

I know there has been a lot of discussion in the media, back and forth, about the federal government meeting with the Deh Cho First Nations to resolve outstanding issues. I think that is positive and that negotiation continues. I wouldn’t be surprised, Mr. Speaker, to see some access agreements in the North, with the Inuvialuit settlement region and the Gwich’in settlement region, to be concluded soon. I think that will send a real clear message to everybody, that this project is well underway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 479-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Gas Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will rephrase this question. I will ask the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, will the Mackenzie Valley gas project go ahead of the Alaska Highway project? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 479-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Gas Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe it will. I think that is the general consensus. Let me say that we believe that both Alaskan American gas and Canadian gas needs to get to market. We do need to find a continental energy solution. But our project is so much further down the regulatory process, in terms of the Alaska Highway project, I don’t think a route has been determined. This decision about whether the NPA or NEB will prevail, is still one that is largely up in the air. I am sure that there are discussions to come with Akaska and Treaty 8 First Nations in the Yukon. There are many hurdles for that project. It is a very good project and it will happen, but clearly it is not as advanced as the Mackenzie gas project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.