Wet'suwet'en First Nation signs LNG agreement

The Wet'suwet'en First Nation has signed an agreement with the Province of British Columbia (B.C.) for the proposed Coastal GasLink (CGL) pipeline project.

Pipeline benefits agreements with First Nations form part of the B.C. government's plan to partner with First Nations on LNG opportunities.

The Wet'suwet'en First Nation will receive approximately CAN$2.8 million from the Province at three different stages in the CGL project:  CAN$464 000 upon signing the agreement, CAN$1.16 million when pipeline construction begins, and CAN$1.16 million when the pipeline is in service.

The Wet'suwet'en First Nation will also receive a yet-to-be-determined share of CAN$10 million per year in ongoing benefits per pipeline. The ongoing benefits will be available to First Nations along the natural gas pipeline routes.

The B.C. government anticipates signing similar agreements with other First Nations in the near future.

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, said: "Too many First Nation communities have been left out of economic growth in B.C. for far too long. It's exciting to be able to partner with First Nations like the Wet'suwet'en so they can share in the benefits of a new LNG export industry - stronger economies, good-paying jobs and collectively working to establish environmental legacies made possible by LNG development."

Chief Karen Ogen, Wet'suwet'en First Nation, commented: "Pipeline benefits agreements are just one vehicle driving our participation in LNG development. While these agreements ensure First Nation communities share in the economic benefits of LNG, we are working collaboratively with the Province and other First Nations to ensure environmental priorities are addressed as well."

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development, added: "Our government continues to build strong partnerships with First Nations as LNG development gains momentum. Pipeline benefits agreements like this one pave the way for job creation and economic growth as we work together to further the potential of our natural gas sector."

Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/11122014/first-nation-signs-lng-agreement-1945524/