First Nations support for LNG development grows stronger

All of B.C. can share in the benefits, John Rustad writes

The development of B.C.’s emerging liquefied natural gas sector represents a multi-generational opportunity for shared prosperity. Today, there is strong First Nations support for projects that will create the cleanest LNG industry in world. And while protests still make headlines, behind the scenes there is another story that is not so well known.

Consider the level of support among First Nations for the development of natural gas pipelines across northern B.C. To date, the province has signed a total of 62 pipeline benefits agreements with 29 of 32 eligible First Nations (more than 90 per cent) that are located along four proposed natural gas pipeline projects: the Pacific Trail Pipeline, Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project, Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project and Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission Project.

The Pacific Trail Pipeline is a proposed 480-kilometre natural gas pipeline that would deliver gas from Summit Lake to the Kitimat LNG facility site at Bish Cove on the northwest coast. All 16 First Nations located along the proposed route have come together to form the First Nations Limited Partnership. The province has an agreement with the FNLP that will provide an estimated $32 million in direct benefits during the construction phases of the project, as well as a further $10 million in annual payments to the partnership during the operational life of the project.

The Coastal GasLink Pipeline is a 670-km natural gas pipeline from the Dawson Creek area to the proposed LNG Canada facility near Kitimat. The province has reached natural gas pipeline benefits agreements with 17 of the 20 First Nations along the proposed pipeline route.

The Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project is a proposed 900-km natural gas pipeline that would run from the Hudson’s Hope area to the proposed Pacific North-West LNG facility near Prince Rupert. To date, 16 of the 19 First Nations along the proposed route have benefits agreements with the province.

Here’s another measure of the strong and growing support among First Nations for responsible LNG development: The Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission Project is a proposal to build a natural gas pipeline about 850 km in length to carry natural gas from production areas in northeast B.C. to BG Canada’s proposed LNG export facility on Ridley Island near Prince Rupert. So far, B.C. has reached natural gas pipeline benefits agreements with 14 of 19 First Nations along this proposed route.

First Nations have been left out of economic growth in B.C. for far too long. We’re committed to changing this, particularly in the context of developing a new LNG export industry. As we work to bring the LNG opportunity to life in British Columbia, many First Nations leaders have told me that they want to participate so they can improve the quality of life for their people. They want to grow the economy in ways that are respectful of the environment, their traditions and values, and that provide social and economic benefits to their communities. We share those goals.

Natural gas pipeline benefits agreements with First Nations are a vital part of government’s comprehensive plans that have us working in lockstep with First Nations on all aspects of LNG opportunities, including increasing access to community — driven skills training and environmental stewardship projects.

A year ago, our province committed up to $30 million over three years in new training funds for aboriginal communities to help meet First Nations’ skills-training needs. The Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund supports needed community-based skills training for aboriginal people in B.C.’s LNG sector. The fund is focused on ensuring aboriginal people share in the jobs and prosperity the emerging LNG industry is creating. So far, more than 1,000 First Nations members have been trained through programs funded by this initiative.

We’ve also allocated additional funding support for environmental stewardship projects to be developed along the LNG corridor in northern B.C. with First Nations and LNG proponents.

As we continue to grow our partnerships with First Nations, we’re working hard to ensure all British Columbians, aboriginal and non-aboriginal alike, benefit from the tremendous prosperity and economic opportunities that LNG development is bringing to our province.