The Lax Kw’alaams band voiced strong opposition against the proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG project on the Lelu Island near Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
The First Nations group was reportedly offered $1 billion for its consent for exporting natural gas in liquid form, but the members of the group strongly declined the offer in a vote, The Globe and Mail reports.
The group fears the project would threaten the salmon habitat in the estuary of the Skeena River and the $1 billion offer that is supposed to be spread over 40 years is not worth exchanging for the traditional life.
Besides the money offer, the government of British Columbia is reportedly willing to transfer $108 million worth of Crown land in Prince Rupert harbour area.
The offer is to be reviewed by Lax Kw’alaams Mayor Garry Reece and 12 elected councillors on behalf of the members after the voting closes on Tuesday.
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LNG World News Staff; Image: Pacific NorthWest LNG