B.C. pushing ahead with LNG proposal despite objections from First Nations

The prospect of a liquefied natural gas industry in B.C. would be a game-changer for aboriginal communities, Premier Christy Clark said on Wednesday. But she sidestepped the question of what happens if some of those communities continue to say no to the developments.

Instead, Ms. Clark’s announcement about a major step along the path toward securing the Pacific NorthWest LNG plant – a proposal already rejected by the Lax Kw’alaams – left the door open to pushing the project through, despite the province’s preference to avoid a confrontation over aboriginal rights and title.

“We are hopeful we will get there,” Ms. Clark said, adding that her government continues to be involved in helping address the concerns of the Lax Kw’alaams community.