Public engagement community visits wrapped up in April as the GNWT visited the North and South Slave regions to hear their input on proposed changes to oil and gas laws.
These latest sessions hit the NWT’s two largest communities, and had amongst the highest turnout of any of the sessions.
Yellowknife
Yellowknife’s English language session was held April 9 at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre. With just under 50 people, it was the best-attended session in the territory.
Many people in Yellowknife were interested in how the legislation could increase transparency of governments and companies who do business in the oil and gas sector. A number of people asked how environmental protection would play into the revised legislation.
There was a great deal of additional feedback provided on surveys — some directly related to the legislative initiative, others bringing perspectives on items related to oil and gas, but not related to this targeted legislative project. Either way, it was recorded for consideration today, or in future reviews.
A number of land corporations and non-profit boards were represented at the session.
French Language
On April 10, a territory-wide French language session was held at the Janvier Room at Yellowknife’s Explorer Hotel.
Hay River
Next up was Hay River on April 13, where people began streaming into the Ptarmigan Inn boardroom right at 3pm.
The traffic remained steady through the end, with around 20 making their way down to speak with our engagement team before the session wrapped at 7pm.
Liquid Natural Gas was a hot topic at the session, with some suggesting it as a solution to many of the NWT’s cost-of-living challenges.
whoa number of Hay River participants said they wanted to see more consistent accountability of those who drill oil wells in the NWT — something the GNWT is proposing changes to address.
Local business and political leaders were also in attendance to share their views.
The next morning, the engagement team visited the Katlodeeche First Nations Reserve where seven more participants stopped by share their perspectives.
REMINDER: Engagement Deadline May 4
The public engagement phase of this project ends May 4 at 5pm.
Even though community visits have ended, there are still many was to HAVE YOUR SAY in this comprehensive engagement.
Take part in any of the following ways:
- Complete our survey, leave a comment or ask a question online
- Email us
- Call us: 1-867 777 7481
- Fax us: 1- 867-777-5105
- Mail us:
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment — Petroleum Resources Division
# 64 Mackenzie Road
PO Box 3019
Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0
For more information
Mike Westwick
Communications Officer
Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
1-867-767-9202 ext.63039