Christy Clark Says First Nations Opposition A Bump In The Road For LNG

BURNABY, B.C. — B.C. Premier Christy Clark insists the possible rejection by a First Nation over an agreement for a liquefied-natural-gas terminal is nothing more than a bump in the road for a multibillion-dollar pipeline project.

 

Pacific NorthWest LNG wants to transport natural gas from the northeast corner of the province to an export facility on Lelu Island, just south of Prince Rupert.

 

Clarks says she believes reaching a negotiated agreement with the 3,700-member Lax Kw'allams (LACKS'-qwah-LAMBS') First Nation, on whose territory the terminal would be built, is only a matter a time.

 

First Nations band member Malcolm Sampson was present for the initial two votes on the project in Port Simpson and Prince Rupert and says both sessions resulted in unanimous rejection.

 

Sampson says he expects the same outcome for the third and final vote in Vancouver tonight.

 

Pacific NorthWest LNG has offered the band $1.1 billion over 40 years for permission to build its terminal on Lelu Island.