Moricetown Band partners on LNG pipeline agreements

The Moricetown Band has reached agreements for two proposed natural gas pipeline projects to become partners in British Columbia’s LNG industry.

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

Benefits agreement

Through a pipeline benefits agreement signed with the Province for TransCanada’s proposed Coastal GasLink (CGL) pipeline project, the Moricetown Band will receive approximately CAN$6 million when various project milestones are reached: CAN$998,000 upon the agreement coming into effect, CAN$2.49 million when construction begins, and CAN$2.49 million once the pipeline is operating.

Moricetown will also join the First Nations Limited Partnership and share in the benefits associated with the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline project. Moricetown is the 16th and final First Nation or Band to join the Partnership, which will share in CAN$32 million in benefits once construction has started.

In addition to construction-related milestone payments, the Band will receive a share of CAN$10 million per year in ongoing benefits for each project.

Comments

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

“Moricetown Chief and Council have my support for what I know has been a very difficult decision for their community and I admire their courage. LNG development in B.C. has the potential to bring positive, sweeping changes for many communities and First Nations in the North - environmentally, economically, and through access to quality, well-paying jobs and training opportunities. Partnerships like the ones we are making with Moricetown open doors for First Nations to benefit from these opportunities.”

Chief Barry Nikal, Moricetown Band

“The journey has been challenging for us and hard on our community. Many of our members have been hurt through this process but we now have the resources to come back together and restore our collective strength. Thank you to all the Elders, Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs and passionate community members who voiced their support for our decision. Having your presence in the last, crucial meetings has given Council the confidence to move forward with your support.”

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development

“Moricetown Band joining the First Nations Limited Partnership is one of the last pieces of the puzzle for the Pacific Trail Pipeline and demonstrates our government’s commitment to building relationships with First Nations. Together with the Coastal GasLink pipeline benefits agreement, Moricetown Band has positioned itself as a full participant in B.C.’s LNG economy and the benefits that will flow from it.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/26012015/moricetown-band-signs-pipeline-benefits-agreement-112/