PRGT signs Project Agreement with Metlakatla First Nation

TransCanada Corp. has confirmed that its Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project (PRGT) has signed a Project Agreement with the Metlakatla First Nation (a member of the Coast Tsimshian Nation).

This is the eighth Project Agreement that has been signed with First Nations along the pipeline route. It outlines financial and other benefits and commitments that will be provided for as long as the project is in service. The agreement includes access to employment, training and capacity development, and initial and annual payments for the life of the project.

Dean Patry, President of PRGT, said: "Achieving this agreement with the Metlakatla First Nation is a major milestone for us, particularly since it has a significant interest in the Skeena estuary and wants to ensure that the environment around the Pacific NorthWest liquefaction facility is protected. The agreement is a strong indicator of the importance we place on engaging with First Nations to ensure their input on environmental and cultural impacts is genuinely incorporated into our project, and that they benefit from the construction and operation of the PRGT pipeline project […] We are pleased that the Metlakatla First Nation will have a role in monitoring the construction and operation of the project."

The Metlakatla First Nation’s Chief, Harold Leighton, said: "The pipeline project and the Pacific NorthWest facility will benefit our members for many years to come. We are confident that TransCanada will work diligently to ensure our way of life and the environment, and in particular Lelu Island, will not be negatively affected by the project."

The Metlakatla First Nation has separately completed a term sheet agreement with Pacific NorthWest LNG.

Edited from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/30092015/prgt-signs-project-agreement-with-metlakatla-first-nation-1380/