Prince George residents are going to get a chance to ask questions directly of Enbridge officials later this month.
It's the first time the company has opened itself to general public questioning in the city on the proposed $5.5-billion Northern Gateway oil pipeline.
The session in Prince George is part of a series of technical information meetings Calgary-based Enbridge is holding in Northern B.C. this week, and the week after next.
Enbridge held similar sessions last fall in Northern B.C., but did not include Prince George.
The Prince George session is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the Ramada Hotel, between 5 and 9 p.m. The session will start with an open house for 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute overview presentation of the project.
A panel of Enbridge officials - familiar with the project's engineering, environment, Aboriginal affairs and marine aspects - will then field questions from the public.
"People will have an opportunity to pose their questions directly to those involved in the project," Enbridge spokesperson Gina Jordan said Monday.
While Enbridge has held open-house sessions in Prince George, and has also given presentations to city council, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and other industry events, this is the first session open to the general public where questions can be posed publicly. People have been free to ask questions of Enbridge officials in open houses, but the questioning takes place one-on-one.
Enbridge has also created community advisory boards which hold meetings, but the board's membership is screened and the meetings are not open to the general public or the media.
Carrier Sekani Tribal Council chief David Luggi dismissed the technical information session as a promotional exercise.
"You have to keep in mind, Enbridge's number one goal is to get the project approved," said Luggi, whose organization represents eight First Nations west of Prince George. Some of those First Nations oppose the pipeline.
Luggi was unaware the information sessions were taking place, and said he hasn't given any thought to attending the Prince George session.
Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline has faced increasing criticism from First Nations, environmental groups and some northern communities, particularly over concerns of oil spills. The company has said the 1,170-kilometre pipeline - meant to open up new markets in Asia for Alberta oilsands crude - will be built to the highest safety standards and will provide economic benefits.
Some communities have attempted to hold public forums with wider view points, as in Terrace, in northwestern B.C., which is holding a session today.
A four-person panel is meant to help the public gain more understanding of the project from different perspectives: First Nations, economic development, the environment and Enbridge.
The panelists are Kitsumkalum First Nation representative Gerald Wesley, Dawson Creek mayor Mike Bernier, former Pembina Institute policy analyst Greg Brown and Enbridge official Morgan Yates.
Initially, Enbridge balked at taking part in the more-diverse Terrace forum, citing worries that opponents would disrupt the event.
Jordan said they are not opposed to becoming involved in a broader discussion on the pipeline project, but it has to take place in a forum that's productive. She noted the Terrace forum is structured to ensure that.
Callout:
Enbridge technical information sessions in north-central B.C.
Thursday: Burns Lake, Island Gospel Fellowship Church, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 15: Prince George, Ramada Hotel, 5 to 9 p.m.
Feb. 16: Fort St. James, Curling Club, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Houston, Community Hall, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
