September 18, 2015

EDI pleased with recent announcement regarding hydraulic fracturing in the NWT

(Yellowknife) - The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure  is pleased with yesterday’s announcement by Minister David Ramsay that the Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment intends to extend the public engagement period on hydraulic fracturing policy in the Northwest Territories.

“As we have said before, we strongly support meaningful consultation and a robust review of the proposed regulations. At the same time, we stress that more work must be done to engage and respond to the public’s concerns and to the several concerns and issues raised in the Committee’s Research Summary, tabled on June 4, 2015,” says Chair, Robert Hawkins. “It is our view that the public is looking for guarantees of protection for water, land, wildlife, and human health, and has brought a range of insightful views before the Government.”

The Committee has studied hydraulic fracturing throughout the 17th Assembly, considered potential impacts on all regions and residents, and recognized the need to continually pursue the best possible information. Most recently, Members undertook a review of the proposed Hydraulic Fracturing Filing Regulations.

The Committee’s final report will be tabled in the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly. As discussion on hydraulic fracturing and the proposed NWT Oil and Gas Strategy proceeds, the Committee encourages all residents to remain involved. Parties may also make written submissions to the Committee.

The current committee consists of MLAs Robert Hawkins (Yellowknife Centre), Frederick Blake Jr. (Mackenzie Delta), Robert Bouchard (Hay River North), Bob Bromley (Weledeh), Kevin Menicoche (Nahendeh), and Michael Nadli (Deh Cho).

For further information, please contact:

Robert Hawkins
Chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure 
Legislative Assembly of the NWT 
P: 867-669-2265 
E: robert_hawkins@gov.nt.ca