Another First Nation has completed a deal that supports B.C. Hydro's proposed $404 million Northwest power line, which is touted as a catalyst to opening up northwest B.C. to mining and hydro-electric projects.
The Tahltan Nation voted 82 per cent in favour of an agreement with B.C. Hydro and the B.C. government. More than 1,700 Tahltan members registered to vote, and more than 770 did so.
"This is an exciting and pivotal time for our Nation. We are pleased the majority of Tahltans support the agreements our leadership team worked hard to achieve in the best interests of our people and our Nation," said Annita McPhee, tribal chair of the Tahltan Central Council.
"This historical decision has come after months of substantial outreach with Tahltan members across the province, in Whitehorse and Alberta, and the agreements we reached reflect the input they provided," she said.
The agreement provides economic benefits, such as cash, direct training, and employment and sub-contracting opportunities. It also provides a role for the Tahltan to help manage and minimize impacts.
Agreements that accommodate First Nations' interest along the 335-kilometre power line are considered critical to getting the project off the ground.
While the transmission line and associated industrial projects are located in northwest B.C., the development, if it gets off the ground, is expected to have benefits for Prince George, a supply and service centre in northern B.C.
A 2008 report commissioned by the Mining Association of B.C. and the Northern Development Initiative Trust highlighted the power line has the potential to attract more than $15 billion in investment and create 10,700 jobs from 10 mines.
Other First Nations have also signed benefit and impact agreements, including the Nisga'a.
However, the Gitanyow hereditary chiefs have cried foul over the power line, saying B.C. Hydro is refusing to address outstanding issues with the project on the band's traditional territory.
The power line was approved by the B.C. government last month following an environmental assessment.
The federal government has already committed $130 million to the project, and Alberta-based AltaGas Income Trust is providing $180 million towards the power line.
