Five North Coast First Nations are being offered the opportunity to take a major ownership role in LNG infrastructure through a new agreement with LNG Canada.
Announced Tuesday in Kitimat, LNG Canada and its Joint Venture Participants signed an equity option agreement with MNT Investments LP, a limited partnership representing the economic development organizations of Gitga’at First Nation, Gitxaała Nation, Haisla Nation, Kitselas First Nation, and Kitsumkalum.
The agreement would allow MNT Investments LP to invest up to $1 billion to acquire majority equity ownership in a company that would purchase LNG Canada’s planned liquefied natural gas storage tank as part of the proposed Phase 2 expansion.
The infrastructure would then be leased back to LNG Canada, which would continue operating and maintaining the facility.
The agreement is conditional on approval of LNG Canada’s proposed Phase 2 expansion in Kitimat, located in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation. A final investment decision is expected by the end of 2026.
Gitxaała Nation Chief Councillor Luugagwelks Linda Innes says the agreement represents a different approach to major resource development, where Indigenous Nations are involved as equity owners and partners.
LNG Canada says the potential investment would create one of the largest Indigenous ownership positions in major Canadian infrastructure.
The proposed Phase 2 expansion could include two additional LNG processing units and increase the facility’s capacity to up to 30 million tonnes per year.
The five Nations say the agreement reflects a growing role for Indigenous communities in ownership, decision-making, and long-term economic opportunities connected to development in their territories.
