First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership ("FNLP") appoints new independent Directors

VANCOUVER, March 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Podlasly and Mr. Bruce Watson to the Board of Directors of its corporate general partner.

"The proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline (PTP) remains the only major pipeline project in Canada that has the support of all impacted First Nations," stated Joe Bevan, Chief Councillor of the Kitselas First Nation. "FNLP is the reason why this support was obtained and why it continues - it also points the way to how industry and First Nations can cooperate in the successful development of major projects."

PTP is the pipeline component of the proposed Kitimat LNG project, owned jointly by Chevron Canada Limited and Woodside Energy International (Canada) Limited. The 16 limited partners in FNLP are the First Nations over whose territories PTP would deliver natural gas from Summit Lake to Bish Cove on the northwest coast of British Columbia.

"The eventual construction of PTP and the related Kitimat LNG facility is of primary importance to our communities," noted Roland Willson, Chief of the West Moberly First Nations. "FNLP will continue to work with Chevron and Woodside to develop these projects to completion."

In acknowledging the new appointments, Alan Dunlop, General Manager, Kitimat LNG and Vice President, Chevron Canada Limited commented,

"Chevron and our co-venturer Woodside commend all parties for their efforts to create this unique partnership between industry and First Nations that is based on trust, mutual respect and positive collaboration," He added that, "we look forward to continuing to develop long-term relationships with our First Nations partners and to building the Pacific Trail Pipeline in a manner that places the highest priority on protecting people and the environment."

FNLP also wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the Honourable Bob Rae, who is retiring after a three-year term as Director. FNLP thanks Mr. Rae for his guidance and counsel through a critical period in the organization's development and extends to him best wishes for the future.

About FNLP

The First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a commercial partnership built by, and for, 16 First Nations in British Columbia whose territories are situated along the planned Pacific Trail Pipeline (PTP) route. Together, these First Nations negotiated, and concluded, a ground-breaking commercial benefits agreement regarding the PTP project, a proposed 480-kilometre pipeline that will transport natural gas from Summit Lake in BC to the anticipated Kitimat LNG export terminal at Bish Cove, near Kitimat BC. The PTP project is owned jointly by Chevron Canada Limited (Chevron) and Woodside Energy International (Canada) Limited (Woodside). The total economic benefits within the PTP commercial structure, from all sources, to FNLP Nations will likely approach $CDN1 billion.

No other proposed natural gas pipeline project in BC has achieved a similar level of First Nations support, or has completed such a broad-based First Nations commercial agreement. FNLP and PTP have cooperated to address First Nation concerns by adjusting PTP plans, amending permits, modifying the pipeline route, funding environmental studies, and creating economic opportunities through the FNLP Agreement. As a result, all 16 First Nations bands (represented collectively by FNLP) have signed the PTP-FNLP commercial benefits agreement. This agreement is without precedent in the Canadian energy industry; it is a true commercial benefits sharing arrangement, not simply compensation for impacts.

The 16 Nations are limited partners in FNLP and are: Haisla Nation, Kitselas First Nation, Lax Kw'alaams Band, Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Metlakatla First Nation, Moricetown Indian Band, Nadleh Whut'en First Nation, Nak'azdli Band, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, Saik'uz First Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation, Stellat'en First Nation, Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation, West Moberly First Nations and Wet'suwet'en First Nation.

SOURCE First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP)

Image with caption: "First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP) (CNW Group/First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160317_C5294_PHOTO_EN_645548.jpg

For further information: Alexandra Ballard, General Manager, First Nations Limited Partnership, [phone]