Imperial Oil Resources, on behalf of the Mackenzie Delta Producers Group and the Mackenzie Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Corporation (MVAPC), has announced it will open regional offices for the Mackenzie Gas Project in the communities of Inuvik, Norman Wells and Fort Simpson this summer.

"The establishment of regional offices is an important step towards strengthening the relationships we have with the people of the North, and building new ones," said Joanne Nutter, communications and consultation manager for the Mackenzie Gas Project. "As the Mackenzie Gas Project continues to move forward, it is vital that we have a greater presence in the North, a place where people can obtain information and provide input on everything from our project plans and progress to employment and business opportunities. Will Northerners be considered for positions in these offices - of course, they will."

The Mackenzie Delta Producers Group - Imperial, Conoco Canada Limited, Shell Canada Limited and ExxonMobil Canada, and the MVAPC announced their intent earlier this year to begin preparation of regulatory applications needed to develop on-shore natural gas resources in the Mackenzie Delta, including a Mackenzie Valley Pipeline. This project definition phase includes public consultation to ensure input is received and considered.

Imperial is the designated operator of, and spokesperson for, the proposed gas-gathering and Mackenzie Valley Pipeline systems.