Lax Kw’alaams bank sent a letter to the Canadian minister of environment and climate change voicing its conditional support to the Petronas-led Pacific NorthWest LNG project.
According to the letter signed by Lax Kw’alaams major, John Helin, the First Nation is working to make sure the development of the LNG facility near Prince Rupert does not harm the environment, especially fish, fish habitat and Flora Bank.
However, Helin added that in case the government approves the development of the Pacific NorthWest LNG project, the First Nation will extend its support only under certain conditions.
It seeks that Pacific NorthWest LNG reports to an environmental performance committee, including Lax Kw’alaams Band, CEAA and other federal representatives on all environmental monitoring work and follow-up programs required in the government’s final decision.
Additionally, it requires Pacific NorthWest LNG to respond to any compliance or enforcement actions being proposed or recommended by an Environmental Performance Committee.
Helin also noted that the Lax Kw’alaams band is willing to negotiate terms and work towards a conclusion by May 13, 2016, but if the conditions are not met by the deadline, the First Nation will retract its support to the project.
LNG World News Staff