Just days removed from signing a taxation agreement with Port Edward, Pacific NorthWest LNG announced on Thursday it had signed a term sheet for an impact benefits agreement with the Metlakatla First Nation.
The term sheet, which came following "intensive negotiations" between the company, the province and the Metlkatla Development Corporation and Stewardship office, outlines benefits that will come to Metlakatla over the course of 40 years should the Lelu Island terminal proceed and includes commitments from the company to mitigate economic concerns.
The band will receive an initial payment for signing the term sheet and providing a letter of support for the project. Other benefits include access to employment, training and capacity development, financing for cultural support, lump sum annual payments based on the number of LNG trains operating, and Metlakatla participation in ongoing environmental monitoring.
"We have weighed the potential benefits, with the impacts of the terminal proposed for Lelu Island and have worked to negotiate the best agreement for Metlakatla," said Chief Harold Leighton.
"Metlakatla has arrived at an agreement with Pacific NorthWest LNG that will benefit our members for the lifetime of the project."
Pacific NorthWest LNG president Michael Culbert said the agreement is another milestone for the company as it moves toward a final investment decision.
"Pacific NorthWest LNG would like to commend and thank Metlakatla leadership and staff for the time and effort that led to today's announcement. This agreement exemplifies the constructive dialogue we have engaged in to-date and what can happen when we work together to achieve common goals," he said.
Specific details on payments and other opportunities remains confidential.