The Wet'suwet'en First Nation has signed a benefits agreement with the province for the proposed Coastal Gaslink (LNG) pipeline project.
Under the agreement, the Wet'suwet'en First Nation will receive approximately $2.8 million from the province 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 B.C. government says 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 said it anticipates signing similar agreements with other First Nations in the near future.
Chief Karen Ogen said pipeline benefits agreements were just one vehicle driving Wet'suwet'en participation in LNG development.
“While these agreements ensure First Nation communities share in the economic benefits of LNG, we are working collaboratively with the province and other First Nations to ensure environmental priorities are addressed as well,” Ogen said.
Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad said First Nation communities had been left out of economic growth in B.C. for too long.
“It's exciting to be able to partner with First Nations like the Wet'suwet'en so they can share in the benefits of a new LNG export industry - stronger economies, good-paying jobs and collectively working to establish environmental legacies made possible by LNG development."