CJCD: Minister Brendan Bell says he’s confident the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline will happen. There have been some reports of late that express concerns about whether or not the project will get off the ground. Bell adds it’s nothing to worry about.

BELL: If you look at the importance of energy, we know that the basin will be opened up and this project is the most sensible way to do that. I think there is just absolutely too much to be lost here for anybody to turn their back on the project. I mean that in terms of Imperial, government, the federal government and aboriginal governments.

CJCD: There are still a number of stumbling blocks in the project. Access and benefit agreements have not been worked out with the aboriginal groups that will be affected. However, the federal government has pledged half a billion dollars for the socioeconomic impact of the project. The National Energy Board has announced that it has started preparations for the beginning of environmental hearings that will take place as well.

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