INUVIK (June 19, 2012) – The mandate of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office in Hay River has been expanded.
Increases in resource development activity, particularly in the Sahtu region, have led the GNWT to expand responsibilities for the office and give it a new name to reflect the expanded mandate: the Mackenzie Valley Petroleum Planning Office (MVPPO).
Speaking today at the 2012 Inuvik Petroleum Show, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay said the renewed mandate will ensure residents of the NWT continue to benefit from all resource development projects in the NWT to the greatest degree possible, while minimizing the potential impacts.
“This is an opportune time to broaden the mandate of the office to allow the GNWT to contribute staff and resources to address other areas of resource development in the NWT,” Ramsay noted. “It will also allow us to continue our efforts on the Mackenzie Gas Project as required and maintain our capacity to deal with the challenges and opportunities this project will bring.”
The expanded mandate of the Mackenzie Valley Petroleum Planning Office includes strategic planning, government coordination, support to Aboriginal communities and businesses, and communications support associated with petroleum resource development in the Mackenzie Valley. This includes the Mackenzie Gas Project and future development projects.
In Believing in People and Building on the Strength of Northerners, the 17th Legislative Assembly identified the Mackenzie Gas Project as a priority in achieving a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.
For more information, contact:
Megan Holsapple
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111