Ep. 240: How energy companies can and do work with First Nations?

Guest: Susannah Pierce, LNG Canada

When LNG Canada announced its final decision to go ahead with the massive LNG facility in Kitimat, it not only announced the largest industrial project in BC history – it also demonstrated that industry and First Nations can find agreement in energy projects.

The project meets a wide range of objectives that include, but are not limited to, the supply of natural gas to Asia which needs it to replace coal in the production of electricity. Thousands of construction jobs will be created and perhaps the most important component of the project is the model of engagement and agreement between natural resources producers and First Nations.

The Haisla, where the plant will be built, and the elected councils of 20 First Nations that will host the pipeline that will deliver gas from the northeast of the province to the LNG plant in Kitimat had to work together to develop long-term agreements. Chief Crystal Smith of the Haisla says this agreement provides jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs and resources to the community that allow her nation to take control of their destiny.

We invited Susannah Pierce of LNG Canada to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the opportunity the liquified natural gas project offers to the Haisla and the other partner First Nations, BC and Canada.