First Nations group criticizes Woodside Petroleum’s move to sell Kitimat LNG stake

The First Nations Limited Partnership, which represents 16 First Nations in northern B.C., says the decision to sell is both disappointing and poses a threat to its members’ commercial interests.

Woodside’s announcement comes after Chevron Canada Ltd., the operator of the project, said earlier this year that it would stop funding further feasibility work on the project.

The company put its interest up for sale in December 2019, but has failed to find a buyer.

Mark Podlasly, the partnership’s chair, said he believes the energy project has national benefits and the latest news hurts the group’s members.

“We are incredibly disappointed by this setback. The (First Nations Limited Partnership)

Mark Podlasly

stands ready to support the right buyers who will treat us as a genuine partner and recognize the unique value we can bring to the table,” he said.

The FNLP was created more than a decade ago becoming  a ground-breaking partnership of 16 First Nations in Northern British Columbia all of whose traditional territories were impacted by the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline. The FNLP’s structure allowed the First Nations to speak with a unified voice on commercial issues related to the project.

“FNLP’s unique arrangement makes us a highly effective partner for the proponents,” commented Chief Roland Willson, West Moberly First Nations. “Through the years, our steady partnership has been absolutely vital to advancing the project, particularly through the complex regulatory process. We’ve helped them navigate many related obstacles along the way.”

Woodside says it will keep a position in the Liard Basin upstream gas resource.

It did not immediately return a request for comment on the partnership’s statements.

Chief Roland Willson

At one time, about 20 LNG terminals were proposed for the West Coast, but the $40-billion LNG Canada project headed by Shell Canada is the only one to reach the construction stage.

Woodside acting CEO Meg O’Neill said the decision to sell will allow the company to focus on higher-value opportunities in Australia and Senegal.

The First Nations Limited Partnership (FNLP) was formed specifically to secure significant, reliable and long-term benefits from the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline (PTP). PTP is a proposed 480-kilometre natural gas pipeline that would run from Summit Lake to Kitimat, British Columbia. It is the pipeline component of the proposed Kitimat LNG project. -COMMAND NEWS-

The FNLP Member First Nations