By Michael Ganley

The Joint Review Panel looking into the social and environmental impacts of a pipeline down the Mackenzie River valley has delivered its report, more than five years after the project proponents – Imperial Oil et al – filed their environmental impact statement.

The title of the report says everything about which side of the $16.2-billion project the JRP comes down on: “Foundation for a Sustainable Northern Future.” The JRP says that, provided the proponents follow the 176 recommendations in the 679-page document, “the MGP offers a unique opportunity to build a sustainable future in the Mackenzie Valley and Beaufort Delta regions.”

No word on why it’s taken so long. No apology to the people whose livelihoods have been jeopardized by the delay. No justification for why it cost $18.7 million.

The report will now go to the National Energy Board, which will conduct final hearings, combine the JRP report with the NEB analysis of the economic and technical aspects of the project, and make a recommendation to the federal government. For news of the report, click here. For the entire report, click here.

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