Newsletter: Outreach LNG updates, advice, issues

Points aired by speakers at our public online Diversity and Inclusion outreach session on 17 June 2021 included these:

  • Trevor Morrison, CEO, Kyah Development Corporation, owned by the Witset First Nation:

We need to have more women employed with these projects. And this (CGL pipeline construction) project is not always going to be here. Our plan is to build some sustainable businesses, with people certified and ready to pursue other major projects that arise. We are also are pursuing BC Hydro and CN Rail opportunities. We want to be able to have that capacity, and have sustainable business, not only for major projects but for our community. Our plan is to have a grocery store here, a bank, an insurance company and have all of our amenities here.”

  • Shannon Haizimsque, chief operating officer, Yinka Dene Economic Development, Wet’suwet’en Nation:

Our Indigenous population represents a wealth of labour which is currently underused. There are so many gaps between the Indigenous population and the non-Indigenous population in Canada. It prevents us from participating in the various projects around Canada. That includes shortage of jobs, lack of quality of education and funding for education; lack of training. We have a lot of inexperienced folks out there. And lack of transportation, lack of digital infrastructure. We have a lot to work for, and a lot to work on.”

  • Robin Ewaskow, elected councillor, Blueberry River First Nations:

“As a First Nations woman in leadership, it is very important that we start to diversify, to open up some different avenues for our people. As elected leaders, we really need to push our young ones to get into some sort of field, when they are right out of high school, so when they get to my age they are set up; they have a plan, they are not stuck, they can build on their opportunities, they can build on their employment through education and training.”

  • Read more, including Trevor Morrison on some payment issues.

Deadline for our survey: June 30

Are you from one of the 20 First Nations along the Coastal GasLink/LNG Canada route in BC?

If so, there’s still a little time for you to fill in our survey. The deadline is 5pm PDT on Wednesday June 30.

We want to shed light on some of the impact and results you’re getting from LNG development. And, at the same time, learn what are some of the biggest challenges you are experiencing in your community.

We hope to share our findings and try to find ways to assist communities impacted by the project.

Our next outreach session will be on Wednesday July 21. Here’s where to register. And do watch our social media channels for more info.

BC moving ever forward on LNG

Two milestones show how steadily BC is progressing toward becoming a key exporter of LNG:

First, LNG Canada reported the arrival by ship of three huge pieces of equipment for its processing plant. (One, a main cryogenic heat exchanger, MCHE,  is pictured above.) 

The MCHE that arrived in Kitimat, by ship, is some 50 metres in length. And there were two pre-cooler units, which weigh 308 tonnes and 284 tonnes.

Another MCHE is expected to arrive later this year, along with two more pre-coolers.

A day later, another milestone: Pembina Pipeline Corp. announced it would buy a 50% stake in the Haisla Nation’s proposed Cedar LNG project.

Pembina expects to invest about $90 million in Cedar LNG over the next 24 months, to cover the acquisition of its 50% share and for development costs. Then Pembina will be responsible for pre-construction, construction and operation of the facility.

“It was important for us to find a partner with the same values of environmental protection and community-centred development,” said Crystal Smith, the Haisla Nation’s elected chief councillor (and, incidentally, chair of our First Nations LNG Alliance).

Also in the news

  • Ledcor Haisla LP joined Coastal GasLink to lead some pipeline construction. Haisla Nation hereditary chiefs blessed the partnership with a powerful ceremony:

— Watch the video here: ly/omk050FcZzS

— Learn more: ly/3q3P50FcZzQ

  • Coastal GasLink completes a horizontal pull of 48-inch pipe beneath the Murray River near Chetwynd BC: http://ow.ly/XSJR50Ffw5U
  • ‘Overall global LNG demand is still estimated to nearly double, hitting 700 million tonnes by 2040.’ — Susannah Pierce, Shell Canada: ly/Umzz50Fc4NH
  • LNG: a made-in-Canada industry developed with equal participation from First Nations, and Canadians should be proud of it. — Bryan Cox: ly/3Qsp50FbesX
  • HaiSea Marine engages Markey Machinery of Seattle for deck machinery for new LNG Canada tugs: ly/DN0a50FakBr
  • Tourmaline goes bigger on BC natural gas via $1.1-billion takeover: ly/xCiz50F8Neo
    • Video: ‘We’ll be the biggest LNG player in Canada.’ ly/63jK50F8Nep
  • Did you know that Woodfibre LNG is actively working to meet 13 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) conditions for the LNG project to go ahead? ly/NwZg50FaVJR
  • Poll confirms that a majority of Indigenous people support resource development to/3gn1rad

And our CEO, Karen Ogen-Toews, introduced a panel discussion on ‘Prosperity and Inclusion through Communication’ at the Northern Resources – Creating Energy Conference, hosted by the Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce:

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First Nations LNG Alliance Newsletter