The Wet'suwet'en First Nation stands to benefit from development of B.C.'s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry after signing an agreement with the Province for the proposed Coastal GasLink (CGL) pipeline project.

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 working with First Nations to develop skills training and environmental stewardship projects.

The Wet'suwet'en First Nation will receive approximately $2.8 million from the Province at three different stages in the CGL project:  $464,000 upon signing the agreement, $1.16 million when pipeline construction begins, and $1.16 million when the pipeline is in service.

The Wet'suwet'en First Nation will also receive a yet-to-be-determined share of $10 million a year in ongoing benefits per pipeline. The ongoing benefits will be available to First Nations along the natural gas pipeline routes. The B.C. government anticipates signing similar agreements with other First Nations in the near future.

Provincial benefit-sharing offers First Nations resources to partner in economic development, complements industry impact benefit agreements that provide jobs and business opportunities, and is a way for government and First Nations to work together to help grow the LNG industry.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"Too many First Nation communities have been left out of economic growth in B.C. for far too long. It's exciting to be able to partner with First Nations like the Wet'suwet'en so they can share in the benefits of a new LNG export industry - stronger economies, good-paying jobs and collectively working to establish environmental legacies made possible by LNG development."

Chief Karen Ogen, Wet'suwet'en First Nation -

"Pipeline benefits agreements are just one vehicle driving our participation in LNG development. While these agreements ensure First Nation communities share in the economic benefits of LNG, we are working collaboratively with the Province and other First Nations to ensure environmental priorities are addressed as well."

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development -

"Our government continues to build strong partnerships with First Nations as LNG development gains momentum. Pipeline benefits agreements like this one pave the way for job creation and economic growth as we work together to further the potential of our natural gas sector."

Quick Facts:

• Located near Burns Lake, Wet'suwet'en First Nation has approximately 240 members.
• Wet'suwet'en First Nation is among the 15 First Nations located along the Chevron/Apache Pacific Trail Pipeline route that have already signed agreements that will provide $32 million in benefits to First Nations once construction has started.
• The Province issued an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed CGL project this fall. In addition to meeting conditions set out in the environmental assessment certificate, the project will now require various federal, provincial and local government permits to proceed.
• The Province has also reached pipeline benefits agreements with the Skin Tyee First Nation and the Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band for the proposed CGL project, and with the Nisga'a Nation for the proposed Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline project.
• Pipeline benefits agreements are separate and different than industry impact benefit agreements. Pipeline benefits agreements are made between the Province and First Nations, exclusive of proponents. Impact benefit agreements are made between proponents and First Nations, exclusive of the Province.

Learn More:

Wet'suwet'en First Nation: wetsuwetenfirstnation.ca

Information on environmental assessment certificate for the proposed CGL pipeline project: ow.ly/FalhH

Liquefied Natural Gas Income Tax Act: ow.ly/DYOXm

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 and the conversation on LNG can be followed using the hashtag #LNGinBC

Media Contacts:

Lisa Leslie
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 213-7724

Chief Karen Ogen
Wet'suwet'en First Nation
250 698-7307