Environment & Referral

All of the LNG projects in the Prince Rupert/Kitimat area are at varying levels of permitting and investigation at the moment. Some are at the beginning of feasibility, while others are awaiting the approvals to proceed and final investment decision from their respective companies. This was generally covered at the community meeting but if you have specific questions regarding specific projects please contact Rina Gemeinhardt.

YES! Kitsumkalum will continue to review environmental concerns and activities throughout the life of the project. This ranges from on the ground monitoring, direct employment, to referral reviews as conditions change. In addition to the environmental certificates, there are many conditions for monitoring and compliance attached to the project and its permits. If the IBA is signed, Kitsumkalum will continue working to protect the environment and Kitsumkalum environmental interests. Any agreement that Kitsumkalum makes are in addition to existing rules and regulations. The proponent will still be required to follow all the applicable environmental rules.

View latest Environmental Assessment Conditions on these websites:

http://ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=80032

http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/html/deploy/epic_project_home_396.html

The proponent has performed extensive research regarding life and stability surrounding flora banks. DFO, CEAA, Kitsumkalum, and other first nations still have conditions regarding works in that area. The Proponent has been very active in trying to address these issues as they arise. We have been working with Government and the proponent to understand and mitigate issues surrounding Lelu. There are still unresolved issues that the proponent is working to address.

There will be a range of positions available. If the projects move ahead the majority of direct positions with LNG will be in the trades. There will likely be many positions in the service industry. Pursuing skills training and education as soon as possible will greatly improve job opportunities for members.

If Kitsumkalum has signed agreements which include an upfront signing bonus, Kitsumkalum keeps those monies. If the project does not proceed then there will be none of the proposed impacts and thus the Impact Benefit Agreement will not apply. There would be no additional funding or social programs such as training provided to Kitsumkalum from the proponent.

Kitsumkalum has been negotiating procurement contracts and possibilities. Although small companies will likely not be able to work directly for the proponent, there will be many subcontracting opportunities as sub-contractors and service providers.

Portions of the IBA money will be earmarked for specific programs and projects within Kitsumkalum. General IBA funding will be through the band.

Signing an IBA provides an avenue for members to benefit in the form of training opportunities, improved infrastructure and elevation of our people. Monies from the IBA will be invested in the community for long term Kitsumkalum gains. IBA’s do not allow the direct granting of money to individual band members.

Kitsumkalum Leadership and the Negotiating team has been given a mandate to negotiate on behalf of Kitsumkalum (available on the Kitsumkalum web page). In addition, the team is constrained by extremely tight timelines which will not allow the time necessary for a vote. More community meetings are anticipated to keep members informed. Members are encouraged to bring forward concerns and ideas so that staff can try to address issues as much as feasible.

Yes. Various bands have signed agreements regarding LNG with the Government and Industry. Kitsumkalum has not yet signed.

The new LNG facilities are proposing very high standards of safety and security. This is not like the old days of logging. Safety infractions are the quickest way to be removed from a job site and lose your job. Security on the plant site will also be high, the exact implementation at this time is unknown but in discussions with proponents, both of these issues are taken extremely seriously!