FOR RELEASE     #05-272
October 24, 2005

WHITEHORSE - Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang will speak to nearly 200 delegates in Calgary today about Yukon's vision for developing natural gas, and the importance of the Alaska Highway Pipeline and the Mackenzie Gas Project to achieving this vision.

Lang is one of the Energy Roundtable speakers at the 2005 Ziff Energy Group's North American Gas Strategies Conference.

"Our vision is one that will create a climate for Yukon's oil and gas industry and pipeline development that will maximize benefits for all Yukoners," Lang said.

Lang will highlight initiatives such as the work underway to improve Yukon's disposition process as well as best management practices which will help industry, governments and stakeholders to resolve concerns up front.  The minister will also emphasize the partnerships formed with First Nations in developing Yukon's oil and gas sector.

"It is important that Yukon conveys its position to delegates regarding northern pipelines and its support for both of them," Lang said.  "The most important message is that our government is working hard to ensure opportunities for Yukoners while minimizing social and environmental impacts. It is critical that our interests be met."

The minister will promote the work that the government has undertaken to date to ensure that its interests in both pipelines are met.   Lang will also explain why the Yukon government has intervened in the National Energy Board hearings for the Mackenzie Gas Project.  The reasons include encouraging a pipeline extension policy and tolling design that will make it more attractive for industry to ship Yukon's natural gas to market.

The Ziff conference's Energy Roundtable also includes speakers Greg Melchin, Alberta Minister of Energy and Dr. Raul Monteforte, Energy Regulatory Commission, Mexico. 

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