B.C. Govt Mum On Future Of First Nations Benefit Agreements If TMX Canceled

The B.C. government on Wednesday sidestepped questions on the future of benefits agreements signed with First Nations on the Trans Mountain expansion, if the project were cancelled.

In the B.C. Legislature, former Haisla Chief Councillor Ellis Ross, now a B.C. Liberal MLA for Skeena, a riding in the Terrace-Kitimat area, noted that he spent 14 years working as an elected leader there.

“Typical of our band, like many bands across Canada, the number one issue that we had on our table was poverty, dependence and all the social issues that come with it,” he told the House.

The “one shining light that we had was to sign impact benefit agreements with projects in our territory. These were well thought out agreements,” he added. “We spent a lot of time on it. We spent a lot of money on lawyers, consultants, and we consult with our membership continuously.

“There is no one in this chamber that can speak to the process that I participated in, and there's no one in this chamber telling me what I should think or say about it in relation to these issues.

“Today there are 33 First Nations in B.C. who have been through the exact same process; 33 First Nations who have worked hard, in good faith, to negotiate project benefit agreements on the Trans Mountain expansion so they can address their own issues on their own terms.

“My question is to the minister of indigenous affairs. If the premier is successful in stopping this already approved project in terms of the Trans Mountain expansion, will he honour the economic terms of these already negotiated agreements?”

In responding, Scott Fraser, minister of Indigenous affairs and MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, said there are different perspectives from First Nations around the province on Kinder Morgan and “only nations can speak on their own behalf.

“People of B.C. expect this government to defend our province from the devastating consequences of a bitumen spill on our coast. The risks are too great for our economy and for the environment and for our coast, and we will continue to defend B.C. and stand up for our interests.”

Ross, though, asked again: “In regards to the 33 First Nations who have signed on to the Trans Mountain expansion — will he commit that these agreements will be honoured?”

Fraser said: “As the member knows, there are 203 nations in this province. They have differing opinions on this project, and I will not speak on their behalf. As the member knows, he's heard from Indigenous leaders in this province that certainly have different perspectives than some of the nations he's referring to. Again, I will not speak on their behalf either.

“We will continue to protect the environment and the coast and the economy from the impacts of a catastrophic oil spill. That's our job, and we will continue to do that.”


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