OTTAWA - The Government of Canada has appointed Gordon Erlandson as the Ministerial Representative for the planned Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline project (the Mackenzie Gas Project). R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State (Children and Youth), announced the appointment today. Mr. Erlandson's role will be to provide advice to ministers Efford and Mitchell on issues related to the Mackenzie Gas Project, and to facilitate communications among all stakeholders, including Mackenzie Valley communities, Aboriginal groups, the Government of the Northwest Territories, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and Government of Canada departments and agencies. He will play a key role as the project moves forward. "I am delighted with the appointment of Mr. Erlandson and am confident that his abilities will help maintain the momentum of the Mackenzie Gas Project," said Minister Efford. "It is important that we conduct a complete and thorough review process along the timelines that the participating agencies and northern boards have laid out in their cooperation plan." "We are very pleased to have Mr. Erlandson involved with the Mackenzie Gas Project," said Minister Mitchell. "The process will benefit from his expertise in providing independent advice to government, working in partnership with Aboriginal people and the private sector. This is a complex process involving a wide range of stakeholders. Northern energy development, including pipeline development, will help support the Northern Strategy, which is being developed in partnership with northerners." "I think that an appointment of a Ministerial Representative is an excellent signal from the Government of Canada that the North, Aboriginal people and pipeline issues are front and centre," said Minister Blondin-Andrew. "Northerners are anxious to see the pipeline become a reality. The appointment of Mr. Erlandson is a sure sign of progress." Mr. Erlandson is the President of Erlandson Consulting Inc., a Canadian firm providing services in administrative and regulatory-related projects in the natural resources field, strategic planning, multi-party negotiation, mediation, facilitation and training. For the past 25 years, Mr. Erlandson has worked with government agencies, communities, public-interest groups, Aboriginal people and the private sector in collaborative problem-solving, leading parties in the discussion of complex issues. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring long-term benefits to Aboriginal and northern communities as a result of the pipeline project and related petroleum exploration and development in the North. The Mackenzie Gas Project proposal involves a multi-billion-dollar initiative to bring natural gas resources from the Mackenzie River Delta in the Northwest Territories to markets in Canada and the United States. The project seeks to bring much-needed natural gas to the North American marketplace, providing economic benefits to Canadians, while helping Mackenzie Valley communities achieve a sustainable and prosperous future. The Government of Canada is interested in seeing the timely sustainable development of the natural gas resource base in the North. In addition to the appointment of the Ministerial representative, a northern energy office, as announced on May 19, will also be established, co-locating federal resources to provide federal expertise with respect to the Mackenzie Gas Project and oil and gas exploration and development in the Northwest Territories and the Beaufort Sea. This greater engagement in the North demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring our quality of life by supporting sustainable development of our vital natural resources. Ensuring a vibrant, sustainable future for Canada requires the integration of economic, social and environmental considerations into our decision-making process. It is this balanced approach to governing that will help achieve our goal of building a strong 21 st -century economy for Canadians. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra MuirDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the MinisterNatural Resources CanadaOttawa(613) 947-8246 Ghyslain CharronMedia RelationsNatural Resources CanadaOttawa(613) 992-4447 The following media backgrounders are also available: Ministerial Representative for the Mackenzie Gas Project Biography of Gordon Erlandson
