B.C. First Nation signs benefit deal over natural gas pipeline

TERRACE, B.C. – The company planning to build a 900 kilometre natural gas pipeline across northern B.C. has signed a benefit agreement with the Kitselas (KIT’-sell-us) First Nation.

TransCanada (TSX:TRP) announced the deal, when signed, will provide financial and other benefits related to the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project.

Project president Dean Patry says the agreement is an important milestone and reflects his firm’s commitment to engage with First Nations.

Kitselas Chief Joe Bevan says it gives his members economic benefits and employment training and also ensures environmental concerns have been adequately addressed.

TransCanada has signed similar agreements with the Nisga’a and Gitanyow First Nations.

The pipeline, which has yet to receive regulator approval, would deliver natural gas from near Hudson’s Hope in northeastern B.C. to the proposed Pacific Northwest LNG facility at Lelu Island, off the coast near Prince Rupert.