Enbridge has submitted plans for the Northern Gateway pipeline project to the National Energy Board, raising prospects for employment and training in British Columbia and Alberta.

Colin Kinsley, chair of the Northern Gateway Alliance, said the application marks the beginning of an important public consultation which will ensure that the views of local people are represented in planning the project.

"Northern Gateway Pipelines will deliver significant economic benefits to the North including much-needed investment, skills training, jobs, port expansion, a secure tax base and more," he said.

The alliance also places high value on environmental protection and health and safety, added Mr Kinsley.

The Northern Gateway Alliance is a community-led coalition established to support the regulatory review of the Northern Gateway pipeline project. The group now boasts more than 500 members, largely from corridor communities in British Columbia and Alberta.

Enbridge anticipates that the new pipeline will provide 1,150 long-term jobs across Canada, bringing in $4.3 billion in labour-related income.

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