Belanger Defends Lack Of Communication Over Oil
Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at 13:32
The minister of Northern Affairs insists his government is doing its best to consult Aboriginal groups about development plans concerning them.
Buckley Belanger says the province didn’t let down residents near La Loche by failing to alert them a large oil company had secured exploration rights just north of the community.
Oilsands Quest secured a 5-year license last June.
However, Belanger notes the company still hasn’t informed the province about its plans.
He also says it’s hard to consult community leaders about potential investment when there’s few details to go on.
He says a recent agreement with northwest groups that guarantees community involvement in any initiative will be honoured.
Belanger adds the agreement the company received is commonplace, and there is no certainty anything will get done.