Enbridge Inc. provided more details on how it plans to entice First Nations to support its $5.5-billion Northern Gateway project, but received a cool reception Wednesday from a group representing eight First Nations west of Prince George.
The Canadian Press reported Enbridge Inc. plans to set up a community trust to help aboriginal groups who live along the proposed route of its controversial Northern Gateway pipeline.
The Calgary-based company has already offered the groups a 10 per cent equity stake in the 1,170-kilometre project, which chief executive Pat Daniel recently said has been "well received."
On top of that, Enbridge says it will put one per cent of Northern Gateway's pre-tax earnings into a trust, which is expected to generate $100 million over 30 years.
As well, the pipeline giant says it expects roughly 15 per cent of the project's construction labour force to be aboriginal.
No Enbridge officials were available for an interview on Wednesday.
The project has faced stiff opposition from First Nations in northern British Columbia, largely over concerns that a pipeline spill would damage salmon-bearing rivers and a tanker spill would harm the coast.
Carrier Sekani Tribal Council vice-chief Terry Teegee said he doesn't believe the additional benefits, which he had only been made aware of through media reports, will sway First Nations communities opposed to the project. "The message has been pretty clear: We're not interested," said Teegee.
The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council represents eight bands west of Prince George, which were included in a Citizen review published last week Saturday that examined support for Enbridge's ownership offer.
Of the eight Carrier Sekani bands, seven oppose the project, while the remaining community was lukewarm to the project.
The review showed a vast majority of 22 First Nations west of Prince George are opposed to the ownership idea, largely because of environmental concerns.
The Northern Gateway project, which would pass just north of Prince George, is meant to open up new markets in Asia for crude from Alberta's oilsands.
Enbridge has touted the economic benefits to northern B.C., and also said the pipeline will be built to the highest safety standards.
The project is just beginning a federal review led by the National Energy Board expected to take two years.
With files from Canadian Press
