Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project signs agreements with aboriginal groups in B.C.

TransCanada Corp. has announced that its Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project has signed long-term project agreements with Burns Lake Indian Band, Blueberry First Nations, and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. The agreements outline the benefits that these communities will receive from the project.

Rick Gateman, the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project President, said: “These agreements are a reflection of the meaningful way Aboriginal groups are choosing to participate in the long-term development of B.C.'s natural gas industry.

"Their important contributions to our project allow us to incorporate their local knowledge into our planning and pipeline design, which is a priority for us. Their participation in these agreements makes Coastal GasLink a better project, and enables them to participate in the significant benefits coming from the project."

There are now nine project agreements that have resulted from Coastal GasLink’s approach to working with Aboriginal groups on opportunities surrounding British Columbia’s growing LNG industry.

Chief Dan George of Burns Lake Indian Band said: “The project agreement reflects that we can collaborate with companies like Coastal GasLink, and participate in the many benefits of the project.

"It's important to us to find ways to balance the economic opportunity with environmental protection.”

Chief Marvin Yahey of Bluberry River First Nation added: “We believe the pipeline project will benefit our members today and for future generations, both financially and in terms of employment for our members.

"The relationship we have established with TransCanada is just as important as the agreement, and we are confident that the relationship we have built will continue to the benefit of both parties for years to come."

Chief Dominic Frederick of Lheidli T’enneh said: “We welcome the opportunity to be an active partner of Coastal GasLink.

“We look forward to our members further participating in skills development and environmental stewardship opportunities that form part of the comprehensive agreement."

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/10122015/coastal-gaslink-pipeline-project-signs-agreements-with-aboriginal-groups-in-bc-1752/