Lake Babine is the latest First Nation in northern B.C. to welcome benefits from natural gas pipeline development and the emerging LNG sector by signing a pipeline benefits agreement with the Province.

Lake Babine Nation has traditional territory along the proposed route for TransCanada’s Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) natural gas pipeline project. The agreement signed with the Province ensures the economic growth generated by the pipeline, and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry in B.C., will benefit their membership.

If the proposed project proceeds, Lake Babine Nation will receive approximately $3.56 million in one-time payments from the Province as milestones are reached:  $324,000 when the agreement takes effect, $1.62 million as construction begins, and $1.62 million when the pipeline is operating. Lake Babine Nation is also entitled to a share of $10 million a year in ongoing benefits for First Nations along the pipeline route.

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 developing skills training and environmental stewardship projects.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“We are witnessing increasing First Nations’ support for LNG because of the transformational opportunity it represents for their communities. In addition to financial benefits agreements, we’re working with nations throughout the North on related opportunities. This includes working with nations on environmental stewardship projects and a new Aboriginal skills training fund developed as part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.”

Chief Wilf Adam, Lake Babine Nation -

“This project meets Lake Babine Nation's conditions for consent:  it can be built in a way that is safe for our territory and resources; it has been developed and will be built with our meaningful involvement; and it will bring significant economic benefits to our people. Lake Babine Nation looks forward to a successful PRGT project.”

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development -

“Sharing the benefits of natural gas pipeline projects with First Nations offers them resources to partner in economic development and complements industry impact benefit agreements that provide jobs and business opportunities. These partnerships are a powerful way for government and First Nations to work together to help grow the LNG industry.”

Quick Facts:

• Located in several communities on Babine Lake and in and around Burns Lake, Lake Babine Nation has approximately 2,440 members.
• The Province issued environmental assessment certificates for the proposed PRGT project in fall 2014. In addition to meeting conditions set out in respective environmental assessment certificates, the project requires various federal, provincial and local government permits to proceed.
• The Province has achieved agreements with 28 First Nations regarding various proposed pipeline routes.
• Pipeline benefits agreements between the Province and First Nations are separate from industry benefit agreements. Industry proponents are working directly with First Nations on their own agreements.

Learn More:

Pipeline benefits agreements the Province has signed with First Nations: ow.ly/FHpL0

B.C. environmental assessment certificate for the proposed PRGT pipeline projects: ow.ly/FrMGW

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

Follow the conversation on LNG using this hashtag: #LNGinBC

Media Contacts:

Edward Hill
Communications
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 356-5831