Enbridge executives assured Prince George residents Tuesday its $5.5-billion Northern Gateway pipeline can be operated safely and will provide major benefits to Canada as well as the north-central B.C. region.
The 1,170-kilometre pipeline, which will pass just north of Prince George, will transport crude from the Alberta oil sands to Kitimat for export overseas.
During a question-and-answer session -- Enbridge's first public session of this type in Prince George -- company officials were peppered by questions from the audience of about 60 people. Most of the questions focused on environmental and aboriginal concerns.
In responding to questions, the Enbridge officials said they would take full responsibility for any pipeline spill in northern B.C., institute additional safeguards along the tanker route and maintain the pipeline to last more than 30 years.
The officials also responded by saying the route had been chosen to mitigate risks, including selecting the best places to cross rivers and streams.
Opposition from First Nation and environmental groups has focused on the impacts of an oil spill along the pipeline route or off the northwest coast.
"We believe the project can be built safety -- both from a pipeline and marine perspective," John Carruthers, who is heading up the Northern Gateway project for Enbridge, told the audience.
Carruthers argued improvements in equipment and technology have made pipelines and oil tankers safer in the past two decades.
He said the project will boost Canada's economy by $270 billion during the next 30 years, both through business and job benefits, but also in an increase in oil prices by diversifying into new markets in Asia.
Carruthers pointed to benefits for north-central B.C.: an estimated 85 long-term jobs, 1,800 temporary construction jobs and $400 million in local good and services contracts.
Saik'uz First Nation chief Jackie Thomas was given an opportunity to address the audience.
Her community is part of a coalition of five north-central First Nations who oppose the project. "You are not hearing us," she told Enbridge.
Lheidli T'enneh elder Frank Frederick opened the session with a prayer.
In an interview, he said his community is trying to keep an open mind to the project, noting if the band benefits from the pipeline that would be good for its people. But the Prince George-area First Nation is also taking a cautious approach. "We're not in bed with them yet," he said.
Dozens of people circulated through an open house prior to the question and answer session.
Business owner Mike Martin said he was looking for opportunities, noting there was always some risk with any natural resource project. "I'm sure they've done their homework," he said. "I think it's a good thing for the province."
Former-city councillor Steve Sintich said he has confidence in Enbridge's engineering and technology. "We'll see this pipeline go through," he said.
The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council stepped up its criticism Tuesday of Enbridge's aboriginal benefits package, offered to entice First Nations to sign on to its proposed $5.5-billion Northern Gateway pipeline.
The tribal council -- which represents eight bands west of Prince George -- said the offer amounts to a form of coercion and bribery.
Tribal Council vice-chief Terry Teegee asserted the pipeline is not going to be built through Carrier Sekani territory. "It's not worth the risk," he said.
Enbridge's benefits package includes an offer of a 10-per-cent ownership stake -- which the company will finance -- to 40 First Nations that are closest to the 1,170-kilometre pipeline route. The company pegs the value of the ownership stake at $280 million over the next 30 years.
Enbridge has also sweetened their offer with a promise of a 15-per-cent portion of the temporary construction jobs and 21 permanent jobs. The company expects First Nations to get contracts on the pipeline as well. The construction and job benefits add up to an estimated $400 million in northern B.C. and Alberta.
Another $200 million package is being created for coastal First Nations.
