Written by Gordon Hoekstra
Citizen staff
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Friday, 26 June 2009 |
Ridley Terminals Inc. and the Tsimshian communities of Lax Kw'alaams and Metlakatla First Nations have signed an agreement that gives the First Nations a chance to bid on business contracts.
Ridley Terminals, a key transportation link in northern B.C., has agreed to give the First Nations a chance to bid on contracts by breaking down larger contracts into smaller ones. The terminal will have no obligation to break down contracts to contracts smaller than $500,000.
"There is nothing that Canada can do to create more wealth for the nation than to constructively engage the aboriginal population and their assets in forward-looking development," said John Elin, chief councillor of the Lax Kw'alaams First Nation.
Elmer Derrick, an aboriginal leader from the Gitxsan First Nation, and board member of Ridley terminals noted that aboriginal people in Prince Rupert make up over half the population of the city. "These basic steps greatly assist the aboriginal population on its path to self-sufficiency," said Derrick.
Ridley Terminals chairman Daniel Veniez said that forging a new relationship with the Coast Tsimshian simply makes good business and economic sense. "The opportunities agreement provides a concrete framework for us to do business together. It's also in keeping with our mandate to build value for our shareholders-the Canadian taxpayer," he said.
Veniez added that since its the first of its kind, the agreement between a Crown Corporation and First Nations could act as a protocol for similar arrangements across Canada.
Ridley Terminals, located on Kaien Island near Prince Rupert, is a bulk terminal which moves coal and other commodities from trains onto ships.
The terminal is part of the growing port facilities in Prince Rupert, which also included the recently started $170-million container terminal. The port facilities are part of what economic developers in northern B.C. hope will become part of a growing northern transportation corridor.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 26 June 2009 )
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