BC ties up LNG deals with 28 First Nations

The BC government revealed yesterday that it has revenue-sharing agreements in place with 28 First Nations for planned pipelines meant to supply proposed billion-dollar LNG plants on the coast of BC.

The province had publicly announced eight pipeline agreements with First Nations on four separate pipeline proposals in northwest BC.

The details of the 20 other agreements and who they are with are being kept under wraps — at the request of the First Nations — because the native groups are in negotiations with companies as well, said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad, who revealed the larger number of agreements that have been signed.

This news is in contract to the rejection last week by the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation in two community meetings of a CAN$1.14 billion benefits package from the Petronas-led Pacific NorthWest LNG project, TransCanada’s Prince Rupert gas transmission pipeline and the province. The Lax Kw’alaams is one of the seven First Nations with which the province is still negotiating.

Rustad would not discuss the Lax Kw’alaams vote results — which will include another vote in Vancouver this week — out of respect for the process, he said.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Sources: Vancouver Sun, CBC

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/11052015/bc-ties-up-lng-deals-with-28-first-nations/