Two more First Nations have reached pipeline benefits agreements with the B.C. government to bring increased economic development and further prosperity to their communities.

Doig River First Nation and Halfway River First Nation are signatories to Treaty 8 in northern B.C. and have traditional territories that include the routes for TransCanada’s proposed Prince Rupert Gas Transmission and Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline projects. The agreements signed with the Province ensure the economic growth generated by the pipelines and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry in B.C. will benefit their membership.

Doig River First Nation will receive approximately $1.29 million as Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project milestones are reached. Halfway River First Nation will receive approximately $2 million as Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project milestones are reached.

The Province will also provide Doig River First Nation with approximately $1.35 million as Coastal GasLink project milestones are reached. Approximately, $2.4 million will also be provided to Halfway River First Nation as Coastal GasLink project milestones are reached.

In addition to construction-related milestone payments, the two First Nations will receive a share of $10 million a year in ongoing benefits per project. The ongoing benefits will be available to First Nations along the proposed natural gas pipeline routes.

Pipeline benefits agreements with First Nations are part of the B.C. government’s comprehensive plan to partner with First Nations on LNG opportunities. This includes working in partnership to develop skills training through a new $30-million fund for community-based programs and working collaboratively with First Nations and industry on environmental stewardship projects.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“These agreements with the Halfway River and Doig River First Nations are an important step towards sharing the prosperity that comes with natural gas development. The growth of the LNG sector is bringing substantial financial benefits, jobs and new business opportunities to First Nations communities throughout northern B.C.”

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development -

“Benefit agreements with First Nations are a path to greater economic activity and prosperity for all British Columbians. They offer First Nations the opportunity to partner in economic development in a manner that provides industry with the certainty needed to make final investment decisions.”

Chief Norman Davis, Doig River First Nation -

“Our pipeline benefit agreements with the Province have created even greater possibilities for economic development within the Doig River First Nation. Development can’t happen at the expense of the environment, though, which is why we look forward to further work with the Province on environmental stewardship opportunities.”

Chief Darlene Hunter, Halfway River First Nation -

“Being an active partner in the LNG industry will help us safeguard our traditional values and provide benefits, including improved access to skills training and quality jobs.”

Quick Facts:

• Located northeast of Fort St. John, Doig River First Nation has approximately 300 members.
• Located in northeast B.C. near Fort St. John, Halfway River First Nation has approximately 260 members.
• The B.C. government issued environmental assessment certificates for the proposed Coastal GasLink (CGL) and Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) projects in the fall of 2014. In addition to meeting conditions set out in respective environmental assessment certificates, each project will now require various federal, provincial and local government permits to proceed.
• The Province has announced pipeline benefits agreements with the Nisga’a Nation, Gitxaala First Nation, Kitselas First Nation, Yekooche First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Doig River First Nation and Halfway River First Nation for TransCanada’s proposed Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project.
• For the proposed CGL project, the Province has announced benefits agreements with the Skin Tyee First Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, Wet’suwet’en First Nation, Kitselas First Nation, Yekooche First Nation, Moricetown Band, and now Doig River First Nation, and Halfway River First Nation.
• 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:

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

Environmental assessment certificate for the proposed CGL pipeline project: ow.ly/FalhH

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:

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

Chief Darleen Hunter
Halfway River First Nation
250 772-5058

Chief Norman Davis
Doig River First Nation
250 827-3776