Northern Pipelines: The Canadian Position

Abstract

Canada has found itself at the centre of a vortex as it faces decisions about transportation of oil and natural gas through its Arctic territories. ... Many departments of government have an interest in one or more aspects of these decisions; many fields of knowledge must be searched for the information on which decisions will be based. The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, the Department of the Environment, the National Energy Board, the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Finance all have major roles to play. Oil-and gas-producing companies, pipeline operators, contractors who install pipelines and their attendant facilities, those who serve northern transportation and those who supply northern needs are all involved. ... So that those concerned will be able to make effective proposals, guidelines were issued in August 1970 .... The guidelines relate to oil or gas pipelines north of the 60th degree of latitude in the Yukon or Northwest Territories. They establish requirements with respect to environmental protection, pollution control, Canadian ownership and participation, and training and employment of resident northerners. ... In order to be sure that the right questions are put to those who would build lines and that all factors are taken into account, the government established a Task Force on Northern Oil Development as early as 1968. This group brings together senior officials from the Departments of Energy, Mines and Resources, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Environment, the Ministry of Transport and the National Energy Board. ... The Task Force has set up five sub-committees: Environmental and Social, Economic Impact, Marketing, Marine Transport, and Pipelines. ... The government research program falls into eight main categories: aquatic ecology; wildlife; hydrology; terrain investigations; vegetation; topographic, mapping and air photography; pipeline structural safety; and land use. This last covers environmental impact studies, environmental classification, terrain sensitivity; mapping, and the compilation of an environmental atlas of the Mackenzie Valley. ... The Task Force on Northern Oil Development is the focal point for the departments concerned. ... The advantages or disadvantages of northern pipelines could be debated endlessly. The risks can be diminished and possibly eliminated if adequate research is done. ... After all the pros and cons have been assessed a decision must be made; that decision must rest on judgement as to where Canada's best interests lie. The purpose of all the activity today is to bring forward the necessary information so that the ultimate decision will be based on wisdom and understanding.