The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, has approved the Ksi Lisims LNG – Natural Gas Liquefaction and Marine Terminal Project to proceed to the next stage of permits and authorizations. This decision follows a “one project, one review” approach, where a substituted impact assessment was conducted by the Government of British Columbia in cooperation with the Nisga’a Nation, fulfilling both federal and provincial requirements.
Federal Justification and Conditions
The federal assessment found that while the project is likely to have significant adverse effects on some areas of federal jurisdiction, such as on fish and birds, these effects are considered limited once mitigation measures are implemented. The Minister determined that these effects are justified by the public interest, which includes factors like economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the Nisga’a Nation’s self-determination, diversification of Canada’s trade, and potential economic benefits for regional communities. The project’s proponents—the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG Limited Partnership, and Western LNG LLC—must adhere to legally binding conditions to reduce adverse effects on the environment and safeguard Indigenous rights, health, and cultural heritage.
The Role of Indigenous Reconciliation
This project is a key example of Canada’s commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and sustainable development. The assessment process was conducted in partnership with the Nisga’a Nation and incorporated requirements from the Nisga’a Final Agreement (the Treaty). The federal decision aligns with the government’s broader goal of fast-tracking nation-building infrastructure that supports Indigenous economic development and strengthens Canada’s long-term competitiveness in global energy markets.
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Source: Government of Canada
