Two more B.C. First Nations approve GasLink pipeline project

Russ Girling, president and CEO of TransCanada Corp., addresses the company's annual meeting in Calgary, Friday, April 27, 2012.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

VANCOUVER -- One of the companies that wants to ship natural gas by pipeline across northern British Columbia says two more north-central B.C. First Nations have given their approval for the Coastal GasLink project.

TransCanada Corp. (TSX:TRP) says the Nadleh Whut'en First Nation, west of Prince George, and the West Moberly First Nation north of Chetwynd, have signed project agreements.

Coastal GasLink says it now has approvals from 11 First Nations communities along the length of the 670-kilometre proposed pipeline and progress is being made with the remaining First Nations groups.

Coastal GasLink president Rick Gateman says the agreements outline benefits and commitments that will be provided for the life of the pipeline, and mark the beginning of continued discussion and feedback.

West Moberly First Nation Chief Roland Willson says members have worked closely with the company to ensure culture, environment, safety and economic benefits are respected.

Coastal GasLink wants to build and operate a natural gas pipeline from the Dawson Creek area in northeastern B.C. to the proposed LNG Canada liquefied natural gas export facility on the central coast, near Kitimat.