The federal review panel of Enbridge's proposed $5.5-billion Northern Gateway pipeline has set the dates for a series of information sessions on how to participate in the public hearings scheduled for 2012.
The information session in Prince George is set for June 23 at the Ramada Hotel from 5 to 9 p.m.
The session will have an open-house style where federal representatives will be available to explain the review process and how to have input.
Panel members will not be present, and the session is not meant as an opportunity to give views on the project.
"It's basically come and learn how to get your views in front of the panel -- not presenting your views," said National Energy Board communications officer Jaclyn Silbernagel.
The high-level review is a joint effort by the National Energy Board and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
There are a number of ways the public can participate in the review, including submitting a letter of comment, making an oral statement at a public hearing or becoming an intervenor.
Letters must be submitted by March 13, 2012, while the deadline to register to make an oral statement is Oct. 6, 2011.
The deadline to register as an intervenor is July 14, 2011.
The 1,170-kilometre pipeline is proposed to transport oil from the Alberta oilsands to Kitimat, where it will be transported overseas on oil tankers. The idea is to open up new markets in Asia, as Canada is almost completely reliant on the U.S. for its export market.
Enbridge has touted the economic benefits of the project, and said it will be built and operated to the highest safety standards.
The controversial project has attracted significant opposition from First Nations, environmental groups, some communities in northern B.C., as well as some tourism and fishery groups.
The main concern is the risk of a spill on the pipeline or from a tanker, and the subsequent damage to the environment. Critics have said any economic benefits are not worth the risks.
More information on the public hearing process is available at gatewaypanel.review-examen.gc.ca/clf-nsi/hm-eng.html.
Enbridge's north-central B.C. information sessions are being held in:
- Prince George on June 23, Ramada Hotel, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Vanderhoof on June 7, Nechako Senior Friendship Centre, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Burns Lake on June 8, Burns Lake District Chamber of Commerce, 7 to 9 p.m.
- And Smithers, June 22, Hudson Bay Lodge & Convention Centre, 5 to 9 p.m.
