Background Content

Environment

Pacific Northwest LNG

September 27, 2016

Indigenous Group: Haida Nation

Business: Petronas, a Malaysian national energy company is project lead

Issue: The $11.4B Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminal near Prince Rupert in BC and associated pipeline subject to conditions to mitigate the environmental impact on salmon and climate.

Latest Updates: Sept. 27, 2016: Haida Nation – Approved by federal government. The 2015 House of Assembly, the legislative body of the Haida Nation, passed a resolution expressing opposition to British Columbia’s LNG agenda and demanding that the mass export of any fossil fuel through its territory be prohibited. The main areas of concern are:

  1. Waterway Management: The existing regime does not provide for adequate Haida inclusion in the management and planning of vessels travelling through Haida waters, and current vessel management does not reflect the globally significant, ecological and cultural values of the region. In addition, the current management of vessel traffic is not aligned with the Haida Gwaii Marine Use Plan.
  2. Environmental Stewardship: There is no environmental assessment or stewardship process that reflects emerging science and policy regarding the cumulative impact of the proposed LNG and oil pipeline projects.
  3. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Emergency response capacity in the region has lagged as major vessel traffic continues to grow. Comprehensive emergency plans that increase regional and sub-regional response capacity are urgently needed