PRGT enters project agreements with First Nations

TransCanada’s Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project has entered into project agreements with the Doig River, Halfway River and Yekooche First Nations, in northern British Columbia (B.C.).

The project agreements provide each First Nation with financial and other benefits related to the pipeline projects. They are part of a comprehensive approach to working with First Nations on LNG opportunities, including developing skills training, employment and involving First Nations in developing business opportunities.

Comments

Dean Patry, President of PRGT

"Reaching agreement with the Doig River, Halfway River and Yekooche First Nations has required a significant investment by all parties in building a meaningful relationship. We are proud of the rapid progress we are making in securing formal support from First Nations along the PRGT route. These agreements reflect our commitment to engage with First Nation communities in a significant and respectful way and to provide fair and meaningful benefits during construction and through the operational life of the project. Doig River, Halfway River and Yekooche have played important roles in helping us refine the PRGT project in their traditional and treaty territories. They will continue to be key partners as we advance toward construction and operation of these pipelines."

Norman Davis, Doig River First Nation Chief

"They worked to ensure the environment and our traditional way of life will be adequately protected. This project will provide significant financial and contracting benefits to our Nation and we look forward to doing our part in the construction of this project."

Darlene Hunter, Halfway River First Nation Chief

"We have worked very hard with PRGT to arrive at arrangements that work for all parties and will help to ensure our shared future success. This project agreement will help ensure that our concerns for our land and the environment are adequately addressed, and that environmental considerations are balanced with the benefits our Nation will receive through this project."

Allen Joseph, Yekooche First Nation Chief

"Our work with PRGT over the last two years has focused on protecting the environment, our way of life and on the benefits the project would bring to our community. I'm pleased to say that we express every confidence in PRGT's ability to build the pipeline in an environmentally responsible way while ensuring significant financial benefits to us."

PRGT is proposing to design, build, own and operate a 900 km natural gas pipeline to deliver natural gas from a point near Hudson's Hope to the proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG facility at Lelu Island, off the coast of Port Edward, near Prince Rupert.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/01062015/three-first-nations-sign-pipeline-agreements-861/