Two First Nations groups sign Coastal GasLink project agreements

TransCanada Corp. has released a statement claiming that its Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project has successfully signed long-term project agreements with both West Moberly First Nations and Nadleh Whut’en First Nation. These agreements, which outline the benefits that members of such groups will receive from the construction of the pipeline, have now been signed with 11 First Nation groups. The proposed pipeline will stretch for 670 km from Groundbirch near Dawson Creek, British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, to the proposed LNG Canada export plant near Kitimat.

The Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project President, Rick Gateman, said: “Our early and consistent engagement with First Nations has helped establish trust and lay the groundwork for these project agreements.

"The deep familiarity and knowledge that First Nations have with their land is a tremendous benefit that TransCanada draws upon throughout its project planning process. These agreements represent only the beginning of the continued discussion and feedback that we will continue to incorporate throughout the construction and operation of this project."

Chief Roland Wilson of West Moberly First Nations said: “We have worked closely with the Coastal GasLink team to ensure our culture, the environment, safety and economic benefits are considered.”

So far, approximately 330 000 hours of fieldwork on the project have been carried out by Aboriginal people. With a predicted 32% of the CAN$4.8 billion project to be spent in B.C., the project is expected to have long-term economic benefits for the region. In addition to the CAN$41 million that has already been spent in Northern B.C., CAN$1.9 million has been spent along the pipeline route on community investments.

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/21012016/two-first-nations-groups-sign-coastal-gaslink-project-agreements-1899/