More First Nations to benefit from LNG

The Skin Tyee First Nation and Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band in northern British Columbia are the latest to benefit from B.C.’s LNG industry, after signing agreements with the Province for the proposed Coastal GasLink Pipeline project.

Pipeline benefit agreements with First Nations are part of the B.C. government’s approach to partnering with First Nations on LNG opportunities, which also includes developing skills training and environmental stewardship projects with First Nations.

Pipeline benefits

The Skin Tyee First Nation will receive approximately CAN$2.8 million from the Province at various stages in the project: CAN$466 000 upon signing the agreement, CAN$1.15 million when pipeline construction begins, and CAN$1.15 million when the pipeline is in service.

The Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band will receive approximately CAN$2.5 million: CAN$420 000 upon signing the agreement, CAN$1.05 million when construction begins, and CAN$1.05 million when the pipeline is operating.

The terms of the agreement and initial benefit payment will come into effect once the First Nations have signed impact benefit agreements with Coastal GasLink.

Skin Tyee First Nation and Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band will also receive a share of CAN$10 million a year in ongoing benefits per pipeline. These benefits will be available to First Nations along the natural gas pipeline routes. The government anticipates signing similar agreements with other nations in the near future.

Comments

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

“These agreements enable the Skin Tyee First Nation and Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band to fully participate in the economic opportunities presented by LNG in British Columbia for generations to come. Benefit-sharing agreements such as these allow government and First Nations to come together as partners and provide industry with the certainty needed to make final investment decisions.”

Chief Rene Skin, Skin Tyee First Nation

“First and foremost, as leaders, we need to decide what is in the best interest of our communities. We believe that the LNG industry is one of the paths to prosperity for our members and all British Columbians through good-paying jobs, economic growth and collaboration on long-term environmental stewardship.”

Chief Raymond Morris, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band

“Being directly involved in expanding LNG in British Columbia presents our community with an opportunity to benefit from this new industry. The land that we have depended on for generations will continue to provide for our members and contribute to the LNG industry and the provincial economy.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/04122014/first-nations-to-benefit-from-bc-lng-pipelines-1911/