B.C. Government Backs Ksi Lisims LNG Export Terminal Despite Opposition

The British Columbia government is moving forward with the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal project, despite opposition from several First Nations. Premier David Eby expressed confidence in the Nisg̱a’a Nation’s ability to garner support from neighboring Indigenous groups, emphasizing the potential economic benefit of nearly $17 billion to the Canadian economy over the next 30 years. On September 16, 2023, Eby stated that the provincial government would not allow this opportunity to pass, even if challenges remain.

The Ksi Lisims project, backed by the Nisg̱a’a Nation, aims to establish a floating LNG export terminal approximately 50 kilometers north of Prince Rupert. The project has received approval from both B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office and the federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. Despite this progress, the initiative faces substantial criticism from other northern First Nations, particularly the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs and the Gitxsan Nation, who are concerned about the impact of the pipeline on their traditional territories.

Concerns have been raised regarding potential harm to local ecosystems, especially salmon populations that are crucial to the region. Tara Marsden, representing the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, criticized the push for increased support among First Nations, arguing that it undermines the principle of prior informed consent. She stated, “It’s completely contrary to the reconciliation commitment that we have through the agreements with the provincial government around shared decision making and co-management of land and resources.”

Eby acknowledged the complexities involved in balancing competing interests from various parties. The Nisg̱a’a Nation views the project’s approval as a validation of their treaty rights. “The treaty gives us constitutionally protected rights over our lands and lays out a pathway towards our goal of economic independence,” Nisg̱a’a President Eva Clayton said during a press conference alongside Eby.

Marsden highlighted that the environmental impacts of the project extend beyond the Nisg̱a’a Nation’s interests. She expressed concern regarding the potential destruction of juvenile salmon habitats, particularly for Sockeye and Chinook salmon, the latter of which is currently in decline. “We had to go to court because we were being excluded from the Ksi Lisims environmental assessment process,” she noted, referring to the legal challenges faced by the Gitanyow.

The issue of foreign investment has also sparked discontent. The Ksi Lisims project is supported by a consortium based in Texas called Western LNG. The B.C. Green Party has criticized the provincial government for endorsing a project with U.S. ownership, arguing that it benefits foreign investors while placing the financial burden on British Columbians. “This desperate search for short-term revenue is the result of years failing to invest in the clean economy of the future,” said Jeremy Valeriote, interim leader of the B.C. Green Party.

In response to these concerns, Eby defended the project, asserting that British Columbia employs less fossil-fuel intensive techniques compared to other regions. He emphasized the importance of local production over relying on facilities in Alaska, stating, “British Columbians are not going to stand by and watch Donald Trump build a dirty LNG facility on the coast of Alaska when we have the opportunity to build a low-carbon LNG facility in partnership with Indigenous people.”

As the Nisg̱a’a Nation prepares to advance the project, the Gitanyow are evaluating their next steps. Marsden confirmed that they are considering all legal options and will maintain a presence on their territory should any construction activity commence. “We will share our decisions when they become available,” she said, underscoring the commitment of the Gitanyow to protect their rights and environment as the situation unfolds.