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The Mackenzie Gas Project will use relatively clean-burning natural gas to
extract "dirty oil" from the Alberta tar sands. It is said that the
increase in greenhouse gas emissions will be enough to single-handly take
Canada out of compliance with Kyoto ... so this is a NATIONAL issue.
It may well be the single greatest issue for sustainable energy in Canada.
NEWS RELEASE 31-08-2004
Mackenzie Gas Project Environmental Assessment: Objective Process?
Recent articles in Yellowknife newspapers and GNWT press releases are raising significant concern among residents about the objectivity of the Mackenzie Gas Project (MGP) review process.
According to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, "A review panel is appointed to review and assess, in an impartial and objective manner, a project with likely adverse environmental effects." Northerners have not yet had a chance to be heard in the process. The oil and gas companies have not even released their Environmental Impact Statement. But, already panel members have made comments that have some Yellowknife residents asking questions.
Northern News Service Limited ("Pipeline overseers appointed" 23 August 2004) quotes two members of the joint review panel already offering opinions on the Project. " I feel positive about it," says one. "It will bring a boost to the community," said another, who according to NNSL went on to say that the building of the pipeline will not affect traditional aboriginal life.
"Between 1974 and 1977, Thomas Berger travelled to virtually every community in the Western Arctic and heard from thousands of witnesses before he made his report. How can these panel members have formed these opinions already, without hearing from a single Northerner?" asked Paul Falvo.
And, the territorial government is apparently already applauding this mega-project. In a GNWT press release, the minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is quoted as saying, "The proposed Mackenzie Gas Project is a cornerstone of our government's plan for the present and future economic development of the Northwest Territories. We remain committed to its development and to our overriding goal - that the development of northern resources must benefit northerners." This statement raises concern of objectivity since it comes from a minister who will likely be called upon later to make impartial decisions based upon recommendations in the Panel's environmental assessment report.
"Could premature government support for this project prejudice the panel review?" asks Aggie Brockman. "And do the opinions already stated by some panel members contravene the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act requirement that environmental assessments must be impartial and conducted 'before irrevocable decisions are made'?".
For more information contact:
Paul Falvo (867) 444-2679
Aggie Brockman (867) 873-4588
Kevin Kennedy (867) 766-2142
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