Wet’suwet’en First Nation signs benefits agreement with B.C.

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

Pipeline benefits agreements with First Nations are part of the B.C. government’s 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 British Columbia 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.

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Press Release; Image: gov.bc.ca