Can Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) developments in Northwestern BC contribute to social and financial sustainability in First Nations communities?

This thesis seeks to investigate initiatives that address the enhancement of benefits to indigenous people in northwestern BC while minimizing socioeconomic effects from LNG construction phase developments through to operations. Detailed education, training, employment, housing, health, mobility and business aspirations data and information from one community provides an example of the necessary detailed information is required for good baseline characterization for future monitoring and for the development of target specific programs to enhance benefits for First Nations and minimize socioeconomic effects. Interviews with industry, government, First Nations and special interest groups resulted in a list of common approaches to modify and add to the tools developed by others to address the very important issue of working towards reconciling past colonization effects and improve First Nations overall standard of living and financial and economic sustainability. The partner company is trying to increase local participation in its workforce and expand or establish new business opportunities with leverage provided by the LNG construction phases anticipated to occur in the near future in the Region.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marcello Veiga

Student:

Debra Stokes

Partner:

Kitsumkalum Economic Development Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Oil and gas

University:

University of British Columbia