Canada reaches agreement with Coast Tsimshian

General Forums Northern BC Forum
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newswire.ca/en/releases/arch … c2650.html

[quote]OTTAWA, March 14 /CNW/ - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Don Krusel, chair of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, today announced that an agreement to expand the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia has been reached with the Lax Kw’alaams Indian Band and the Metlakatla Indian Band, known together as the Coast Tsimshian.

“Our government is pleased to announce this agreement, as it offers economic opportunities for these First Nations groups and supports the continued development of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor, including the expansion of port operations in Prince Rupert,” said Minister Strahl. “It also contributes to the overall economic stability of the region. We remain committed to ensuring First Nations communities have access to economic development, as well as employment and training opportunities, which is key to creating sustainable communities.”

This agreement is in addition to agreements reached with two First Nations groups located near Terrace, the Kitselas First Nation and the Kitsumkalum First Nation.

“Our government wishes to express its gratitude to Mr. Douglas Eyford, Canada’s Chief Negotiator,” said Minister Strahl. “Mr. Eyford’s tireless efforts, along with his vision and professionalism, have brought a fair and balanced agreement for the First Nations and for all Canadians.”

“We are extremely pleased to have reached these landmark agreements with our Coast Tsimshian partners,” said Mr. Krusel. “The agreements align our interest toward the continued growth and expansion of the Port of Prince Rupert through creation of economic opportunities for their communities. Negotiators for the Coast Tsimshian, Canada and the Prince Rupert Port Authority overcame many obstacles to get this deal done. This new partnership between the Prince Rupert Port Authority and Coast Tshimshian sends a clear message to the market that Prince Rupert is open to investment.”

The Government of Canada invested $30 million in the construction of Phase 1 of the new Port of Prince Rupert container terminal and is investing a further $28 million to establish a state-of-the-art container-screening program to help ensure secure and efficient border services for the terminal. [/quote]

Must be an election coming.

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Any details as to the financials of the agreements? Wonder what Kitkatla’s move will be over this?

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The federal minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Chuck Strahl, came to the Fairview Terminal in Prince Rupert on Monday to announce a new agreement between the federal government, Prince Rupert Port Authority and the Cost Tsimshain First Nations of Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams. The new agreement “guarantees participation” of the Tsunshian Nations in all aspects of port expansion at the Fairview terminal.

bclocalnews.com/bc_north/the … 70359.html

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[quote=“sandimas”]

Must be an election coming.[/quote]

Yep. That is a safe bet. :smile:

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Kind of shocked that they announce finally announce phase 2 is to begin in a year or so, and not much discussion.
Guess everyone in Rupert has a believe it when we see it philosophy.

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Yeah I have to agree with sandimas on this one Election coming. Back to shaking babies and kissing hands.

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why not just be happy progress is happening ?

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Cause people like to bitch on this forum. I might faint, if there came a time where a thread had NO complaints in it…

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[quote=“chookie”]Kind of shocked that they announce finally announce phase 2 is to begin in a year or so, and not much discussion.
Guess everyone in Rupert has a believe it when we see it philosophy.[/quote]

Where did you read or hear that phase 2 is to begin a year or so ??

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bclocalnews.com/bc_north/the … 70359.html

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[quote=“Gracies Mom”]

[quote=“chookie”]Kind of shocked that they announce finally announce phase 2 is to begin in a year or so, and not much discussion.
Guess everyone in Rupert has a believe it when we see it philosophy.[/quote]

Where did you read or hear that phase 2 is to begin a year or so ??[/quote]

Thank You Decker for posting the link…
in the link it says ,
“The agreement has been under negotiation for the past three years and will last for 40 years after it is signed. The purpose of the agreement is to give the Tsimshian more control over, and access to the economic benefits coming out of the port in exchange for the infringements to their land rights and title caused by phase I and phase II of the port expansion. It was also announced that phase II is scheduled to begin sometime in early to mid 2012.”

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yes they might have a right for phase 2 but for phase 1 they sold that land to the port except for an acre or so, can’t remember the actual amount so technically they had no claim for that, but whatever as long as the parties stop sueing and actually get Rupert economic development guess it is all for good