Bear Head LNG signs agreements with unions and Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs

According to the statement, Bear Head LNG signed a mutual benefits agreement with the assembly. Entering into this benefit agreement shows commitment by both sides to develop the project in an environmentally sustainable manner.

John Baguley, Chief Operating Officer for Bear Head LNG, said: “This is a significant milestone for Bear Head LNG and the benefits agreement demonstrates our commitment to providing direct benefits to the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and their communities. We look forward to the continuing participation of the Assembly throughout the development of our LNG facility.

“Our collective work on this project, and commitment to environmental sustainability, will position Bear Head LNG for success.”

Chief Terrance Paul, CoChair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs, added: “This agreement is an important step in ensuring that Mi’kmaq rights are recognised and protected and in building our relationship with Bear Head LNG.

“The development of the Bear Head LNG facility will create important economic opportunities for our communities and for all Nova Scotians.

According to the statement, Bear Head LNG has also announced the signing of a project labour agreement with the Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association Ltd and Cape Breton Unions. Reportedly, the labour agreement ensures a stable work environment for the development of Bear Head’s proposed LNG facility on the Strait Canso in Richmond County, Nova Scotia.

Baguley added: “Bear Head LNG is looking to invest a significant amount of money and resources into the LNG facility – a labour agreement creating a stable environment for the life of the project will help position the project for success.

“A stable labour environment is good for everyone, including the workers. We look forward to working with the building and construction trades to bring significant benefits to them and their families.”

LNG Limited claims that the labour agreement governs the terms of employment for employees represented by the unions at the Bear Head LNG facility. Bear Head LNG and the unions will work alongside one another in order to support positive labour relations and conditions, including a diverse, safe, efficient and respectful work environment. According to the statement, the labour agreement also gives priority to qualified residents of Cape Breton Island and mainland Nova Scotia.

Cape Breton Building and Construction Trades President Jack Wall said: “The Labour Agreement with Bear Head LNG will improve its competitiveness and is an important milestone in its effort to approve the project. Bear Head LNG will create jobs and opportunity for the local labour force for decades.

“Our members are excited about the labour agreement and the stability it offers them over the life of the project. This is a new milestone for us; it is the first time the Cape Breton Building and Construction Trades has entered into a project labour agreement.”

Bear Head LNG is proposing to construct an LNG facility on the naturally deep waters of the Strait of Canso in Point Tupper, Richmond County. The proposed facility will reportedly consist of an initial development of an 8 – 12 million tpy facility, with the capacity and approvals for further expansion.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/20022019/bear-head-lng-signs-agreements-with-unions-and-assembly-of-nova-scotia-mikmaq-chiefs/