Setback for BC LNG opponents

Gary Park

Petroleum News

Environmentalists and the green movement got slapped down in a joint British Columbia government-First Nations report for their constant claim that indigenous communities are opposed to fossil fuel projects.

“There have been many positive impacts to First Nations communities related to LNG development, prior to any construction,” said the report. “Much capacity has been created due to these projects. However, expectations have also been raised. Now, First Nations leaders are trying to deal with their constituents’ frustration because of the delays or cancellation of these projects.”

The report’s findings were based on a consensus view from meetings held last fall with aboriginal groups, who believe that LNG projects “will be the most safe, environmentally rigorous, and human-rights compliant projects in the world.”

The authors urged the B.C. government to partner with First Nations to improve communication, information sharing and ongoing engagement on the LNG industry, while proposing that the government should do more to improve investor confidence in the sector.

Karen Ogen-Toews, president of the First Nations LNG Alliance, formed by six First Nations at the forefront of LNG projects, said many aboriginal communities view LNG as an opportunity to improve socio-economic conditions in aboriginal communities through jobs and training.

“Too many people have been told that First Nations oppose LNG development,” she said. “That’s not true.”

One example of what First Nations might be bypassing in the form of economic benefits came in late March when the Canadian government provided C$1.6 billion for a project to bring reliable power to 16 remote communities in northwestern Ontario in what is billed as Ontario’s largest indigenous-led infrastructure project.

Federal Minister of Indigenous Services Jane Philpott said the hydro transmission project will bring dual benefits to 14,000 people: reliable power supplies and the chance to showcase a First Nations-led business.

- GARY PARK