B.C., First Nation sign deal aimed at fast-tracking natural gas exports

VANCOUVER – The B.C. government has struck a deal with the Haisla First Nation that the province says could help fast track a liquefied natural gas plant near Kitimat, B.C.

The agreement would allow the purchase or lease of land that will enable the Haisla to work with the industry to develop both the plant and an export terminal on Douglas Channel.

Aboriginal Relations Minister Ida Chong says the deal is the key to unlocking a whole new natural gas export industry in B.C.

The government has committed to having three terminals running by 2020, and says the plan could create more than 1,400 jobs and generate $600 billion in economic activity over three decades.

The agreement follows an announcement earlier this week from Spectra Energy and a British company on plans to build a natural gas pipeline from northeast B.C. to the coast, joining a throng of companies aiming to export Canadian natural gas to Asia.

Premier Christy Clark was also in Hong Kong earlier this week pitching the potential of B.C.’s natural gas exports.