Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project signs agreements with indigenous bands

There are a total of 20 agreements across province, with Rick Gateman, President of the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project, saying: “This is an important milestone for the Coastal GasLink team.”

Gateman added: “When we first began this project over six years ago, our goal was to build more than just relationships with First Nations communities in B.C.; it was to build trusted partnerships, and that has made all the difference. We are grateful to these First Nations communities for this opportunity and appreciate the incredible support they have shown us over the years.”

In the statement, TransCanada claims that the contracting and employment opportunities along with the long-term benefit programs set forth in the agreements were designed especially for each community along the route, providing indigenous groups with both job opportunities and sustainable sources of revenue over the life of the project. Support for the agreements comes from the leaders of 20 indigenous bands, as well as by a number of traditional and hereditary leaders within these communities. The project continues to hold discussions with some hereditary governance groups and is optimistic that additional agreements may be reached in the near future, should the project receive a final investment decision (FID) from LNG Canada.

Gary Naziel, councilor, Witset First Nation, said: “Today’s announcement is a testament to what we can accomplish when industry and First Nations work together.

“This project will provide jobs, contracts and financial benefits that Witset First Nation can use to enhance programs and initiatives for our citizens, such as language and cultural programs. We look forward to continuing to work together with the Coastal GasLink project toward these common goals.”

In addition to finalising these agreements, the Coastal GasLink project also awarded approximately $620 million in conditional contracting and employment opportunities to northern indigenous businesses in July this year. That announcement commenced a number of signing ceremonies hosted by indigenous communities throughout the province. The program provided community members, businesses and contractors with an opportunity to take part in communal gatherings, traditional songs and prayers to celebrate the milestone. The project is anticipating a further $400 million in contracting opportunities for local and indigenous businesses during the construction period, bringing the total to approximately $1 billion for B.C.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/14092018/coastal-gaslink-pipeline-project-signs-agreements-with-indigenous-bands/