Three more First Nations have signed on to share benefits from LNG development.
Gitxaala First Nation near Prince Rupert, Kitselas First Nation in Terrace and Yekooche First Nation near Fort. St. James have made agreements for proposed pipeline projects.
The projects include TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink, Prince Rupert Gas Transmission and Spectra’s Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission.
Kitselas Chief Joe Bevan says these deals are consistent with their well established policies.
“The economic and financial benefits are significant,” he says. “The projects that are going to be impacting our territory and our communities are minimal as far as we can tell.”
All three First Nations will get money upfront, construction related payments and more once the pipelines are operational.
The agreements also include skills training and environmental stewardship projects.