Mr. Speaker, last week the chairs of the boards and agencies responsible for assessing and regulating energy development projects in the Northwest Territories met in Inuvik. The parties involved included the Inuvialuit and Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Boards, the National Energy Board, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency as well as the various land and water boards in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize and are working to address the concerns industry has raised about the regulatory regime in the Northwest Territories. The work being done by the regulatory agencies to coordinate the environmental assessment and regulatory review processes is essential for northern gas development.
I understand the meeting last week was very successful and that all parties involved are pleased with the progress made in determining possible approaches for a coordinated review and regulatory process for Northwest Territories gas development and pipeline projects.
A number of cooperative approaches for the review of both a Mackenzie Valley pipeline and a Beaufort offshore route from Alaska have been identified. These approaches are consistent with existing legislation.
A preliminary information package for oil and gas development in the Northwest Territories was also approved. This means proponents will have the opportunity to provide basic information on potential gas development and pipeline projects. This approach is based on the operating guidelines under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
This optional step for proponents will help the regulators to clearly identify the project components, their scale, location and potential environmental issues. It will also assist in advancing the discussions on developing an approach for a coordinated review and regulatory process.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased with the progress to date and want to commend all parties involved for their commitment to developing an approach for a coordinated review and regulatory process.
We will continue to encourage and support the efforts of these boards and agencies to develop a fair, predictable and efficient regulatory process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause