Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang is pleased with the federal government's recent announcement to provide $500 million over 10 years to the N.W.T.

The money will address the socio-economic impacts on communities related to the planning and construction of the Mackenzie Gas Project.

'This announcement represents an important step in the collective effort to move the Mackenzie Gas Project forward,' Lang said in a statement last Wednesday. 'It acknowledges that all parties involved in the project must work together to resolve outstanding issues so the project can move forward.'

The Yukon government is paying close attention to events in the N.W.T. as the Mackenzie Gas Project moves forward.

'We expect to face similar issues when the Alaska Highway Pipeline project gets underway,' Lang said. 'The Alaska Highway Pipeline will have a significant impact on Yukon communities. We look forward to working with Canada to address these issues.'

The Yukon government is supporting the advancement of both northern pipeline projects and has identified several key interests that must be addressed, including financial support for the Yukon and first nations.

'There is market demand for northern gas, and both projects provide significant opportunities, not only in the North, but to Canada and North America,' Lang said. 'Significant resources are required to ensure we maximize benefits for Yukoners with both projects and at the same time to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to minimize impacts.'

The Yukon government is intervening in two hearings to ensure the territory's interests are addressed in the application for a Mackenzie Gas Project.

The National Energy Board regulates the technical and economic aspects of inter-provincial pipelines in Canada. The board will determine whether the Mackenzie project may proceed and the economic (toll design) principles for transportation.

The Joint Review Panel will determine how the project could affect the land, environment and lives of people in the project area.

The Yukon's goal in participating in these hearings is to maximize job and business opportunities and minimize social and environmental impacts for Yukoners, and to ensure that its substantial reserves in north Yukon are not stranded.

The public hearings are expected to begin this fall.