New LNG agreement with Saulteau First Nations

Partnering with Saulteau First Nations is part of the B.C. government’s efforts to build meaningful relationships and partnerships with First Nations. — Photo: news.gov.bc.ca

Saulteau First Nations and the B.C. government have reached a new agreement on the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline project to help ensure that the Saulteau community can participate in and benefit from B.C.’s LNG opportunity.

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

As part of the agreement, Saulteau First Nations will receive approximately $3.9 million in funding as construction related milestones are reached. In addition, Saulteau and other First Nations along the natural gas pipeline route will share $10 million per year in ongoing benefits once the pipeline is in service.

Partnering with Saulteau First Nations is part of the B.C. government’s efforts to build meaningful relationships and partnerships with First Nations. In 2015, the government and Saulteau signed a New Relationship and Reconciliation Agreement which will help to protect areas of traditional importance and guide natural resource development in the province’s Northeast.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“This is another example of how responsible resource development can coexist with treaty rights to build a better economic and sustainable future in First Nations communities and the province as a whole. Chief Nathan Parenteau and his council are showing leadership in the Northeast as they create economic development opportunities while also preserving their culture, traditions and treaty rights.”

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development –

“Benefits agreements are an important step towards sharing the prosperity that comes with natural gas development. We are building partnerships that are creating jobs and business opportunities while protecting First Nations cultures and the prospects of new investment.”

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“I congratulate Saulteau First Nations, all of the members and their Chief and council, for all their hard work, leadership and perseverance. Together we can create opportunities and build a brighter future for communities, for youth, and for the northeast region as a whole.”

Chief Nathan Parenteau, Saulteau First Nations –

“This agreement is part of a growing recognition of our long-held treaty rights. It has the potential to help our community achieve its goals, and it represents another step towards a more balanced and respectful relationship between the Province and our Nation. Everyone must respect our treaty rights and work with us to find solutions.”

Quick Facts:

• Saulteau First Nations is located 100 km southwest of Fort St. John, near Chetwynd.
• Saulteau is the largest Treaty 8 First Nation, with approximately 1,000 members.
• Treaty 8 First Nations are members of Canada’s historic Numbered Treaties, a series of 11 treaties negotiated between the federal government and First Nations from 1871-1921.
• Treaty 8 First Nations in B.C. include: Saulteau First Nations, Blueberry River First Nations, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Prophet River First Nation, and West Moberly First Nations.
• Pipeline benefits agreements between the Province and First Nations are separate from industry-led impact benefit agreements. Industry proponents are working directly with First Nations on their own agreements.
• B.C. has reached 62 pipeline benefits agreements with 29 First Nations for four proposed natural gas pipelines – Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT), Coastal GasLink (CGL), Pacific Trail Pipeline (PTP) and the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission (WCGT) natural gas pipeline project.
• The Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline is proposed to run from the Montney gas-producing region near Dawson Creek in northeast B.C. to LNG Canada’s proposed export facility near Kitimat.
• The Province issued environmental assessment certificates for the Coastal GasLink and Prince Rupert Gas Transmission projects in fall 2014. In addition to meeting conditions set out in environmental assessment certificates, the projects also require various federal, provincial and local government permits to proceed.
• In July 2015, the B.C. Legislature received Royal Assent for the Liquefied Natural Gas Project Agreement Act, which provides the legislative authority for government to enter into LNG project agreements.

Learn More:

Saulteau First Nations: http://www.saulteau.com/

Pipeline benefits agreements between the Province and First Nations: ow.ly/VIXP2

More information on LNG in B.C., including the province’s latest news, frequently asked questions, and links to LNG skills and training can be found at: engage.gov.bc.ca/lnginbc/

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