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First Nations fear being cut out of LNG windfall – Vancouver Sun

OCTOBER 28, 2013

First Nations fear they are being cut out of a potential $2.5 billion windfall from the development of B.C.’s liquefied natural gas and mining sector and want the provincial government to mandate at least a quarter of those projects to use energy from B.C.’s independent power producers.

The income could flow to more than 100 First Nations and up to 9,500 spinoff jobs could be created through equity stakes in the mostly run-ofriver hydro projects, royalties from the private sector and revenue sharing with the provincial government, according to a study being presented today at the Clean Energy Association of B.C.’s annual conference.

Judith Sayers, chair of the association’s First Nations committee, said BC Hydro’s draft plan projects the majority of B.C.’s liquefied natural gas boom will be powered by gasdriven compressors and not independent power producers, which can offer long-term stable revenue for First Nations. “All of a sudden we’re being cut out,” the former chief of the Hupacasath First Nation said. “If they want to rejuvenate the economy, including First Nations in this is a key part of that.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/First+Nations+fear+being+windfall/9090927/story.html

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