by Siomonn Pulla on October 13, 2012
Thirty-five years later, the practical conclusions of Justice Thomas Berger’s Mackenzie Valley Pipeline inquiry are increasingly relevant to current discussions regarding Enbridge’s $5.5 billion proposal to build its 1,177 km Northern Gateway Pipeline from northern Alberta to Kitimat on the northwest coast of British Columbia. Berger’s emphasis on the importance of mitigating both social and environmental impacts of major developments in the North while working meaningfully with Aboriginal communities continues to be top of mind for many Canadians today. [click to continue…]
by Siomonn Pulla on June 22, 2012
Strong global demand for commodities -including gold, silver, copper, zinc, and diamonds-provides a unique opportunity for Canada’s North to stimulate development and expand infrastructure. Northern communities are poised to benefit greatly from major resource projects-which by their nature are large, location-specific, capital intensive and of finite duration. Success, however, must be measured by more than simply the number of jobs created and the degree of economic growth. Long-term sustainable prosperity in the North requires balancing profit-driven objectives of corporations and the economic growth of the region with respect for the people, the environment, and the quality of life that defines a northern lifestyle [click to continue…]
by Siomonn Pulla on December 4, 2011
This time of year I notice myself more contemplative, more interested in quiet time, more willing to probe deeper and persistently into the mysterious of life. The approaching Winter Solstice is always a reminder for me about the inherent cyclical passing of time, and the importance of having an opportunity to reflect on and incorporate all those experiences and lessons learned during the past 11 months. Every year I find myself asking-so what is that we’re celebrating over the holidays? What is the spirit and deeper meaning of Christmas? [click to continue…]
Thirty-five years later, the practical conclusions of Justice Thomas Berger’s Mackenzie Valley Pipeline inquiry are increasingly relevant to current discussions regarding Enbridge’s $5.5 billion proposal to build its 1,177 km Northern Gateway Pipeline from northern Alberta to Kitimat on the northwest coast of British Columbia. Berger’s emphasis on the importance of mitigating both social and environmental impacts of major developments in the North while working meaningfully with Aboriginal communities continues to be top of mind for many Canadians today. [click to continue…]
