West Moberly First Nations are partnering with the provincial government to ensure that their community benefits from the prosperity the emerging liquefied natural gas industry (LNG) is bringing to the North.

West Moberly has signed a Natural Gas Pipeline Benefits Agreement with the provincial government related to TransCanada’s proposed Coastal GasLink pipeline. The agreement provides West Moberly with direct financial benefits to the community, which is located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Chetwynd. West Moberly is the third Treaty 8 First Nation to sign an agreement with the Province in support of the Coastal Gaslink pipeline.

Natural Gas 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 with the Province, West Moberly First Nations will receive an initial payment of $201,000. If the pipeline proceeds to construction phase, West Moberly will receive a payment of approximately $1 million, with a further $1 million once the pipeline is in service. West Moberly will also receive a yet-to-be determined share of $10 million a year in ongoing benefits when this occurs.

West Moberly will also benefit from the Province’s recent investment of $500,000 in skills training funding through the Residential Building Maintenance Worker Apprenticeship Program and the Moberly Lake academic program. The latter will provide literacy and numeracy upgrading and foundational employment skills training that is designed to lead directly to meaningful full-time employment.

Partnering with First Nations on LNG development is part of the BC Jobs Plan focus on increasing Aboriginal participation in the economy, promoting successful investment between Aboriginal people and the private sector and ensuring Aboriginal people have access to education and training opportunities. It also complements industry impact benefit agreements that provide jobs and business opportunities.

West Moberly recently signed a long-term project agreement with TransCanada related to the Coastal GasLink, which outlines financial and other benefits and commitments that will be provided to the community by TransCanada when construction starts and the pipeline comes into service.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“Participation in LNG projects provides First Nations from east to west along the LNG corridor with a significant opportunity to benefit from this emerging industry. As a member of the Treaty 8 First Nations, Chief Willson and the West Moberly First Nations should be commended for taking a positive and active part in shaping the future of British Columbia.”

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development –

“Our natural gas and LNG industry will offer great opportunities for job training and long-term employment. Working in partnership with First Nations and proponents makes sense to ensure as many people as possible across B.C. benefit from the opportunities available both now and in the future.”

Chief Roland Willson, West Moberly First Nation –

“Securing the future of our community through good jobs and skills training is a key responsibility between one generation and the next. Our Nation has taken a leadership role in identifying and recognizing the impacts from LNG through initiatives like the Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment. Our early and meaningful participation in this developing industry has given us the opportunity to ensure that we play an active role in shaping if, when, or how LNG develops in British Columbia.”

Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South –

“We need good jobs in the North to ensure people want to stay here, bring up their families and support the communities that make this region a great place to live and work. I believe we have an opportunity with LNG to create the kind of economic and social stability that will sustain the region for generations to come.”

Quick Facts:

• West Moberly First Nations is located 90 km southwest of Fort St. John. They have approximately 280 members and are a member of the Treaty 8 First Nations.
• The Province has now achieved 62 agreements for natural gas pipeline benefits with 29 First Nations.
• Of the six Treaty 8 First Nations, West Moberly is the third Treaty 8 First Nation to sign an agreement with B.C. in support of the Coastal Gaslink pipeline. The others are Doig River First Nation and Halfway River First Nation.
• Pipeline benefits agreements between the Province and First Nations are separate from industry-led impact benefits agreements. Industry proponents are working directly with First Nations on their own agreements.
• The Coastal GasLink 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.
• As a member of the First Nations Limited Partnership, West Moberly First Nations will also receive benefits related to the construction and operation of the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline. The First Nations Limited Partnership consists of 16 First Nations that will share in benefits under an Economic Partnership Agreement with B.C. once construction on that natural gas pipeline project has started.
• 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:

West Moberly First Nations: www.westmo.org/

View pipeline benefits agreement: ow.ly/WcGO3

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

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

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 the hashtag #LNGinBC