Halfway First Nation gets pretenure agreement from province

FORT ST. JOHN – A new agreement signed between the Province, the Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) and the BC Oil and Gas Commission will support economic development and provide greater land use certainty in northeast British Columbia.
The Oil and Gas Consultation Agreement defines the process and timelines for engagement activities between the HRFN – a member of the Treaty 8 First Nations – and the Commission for proposed oil and gas activities, as well as the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas for pre-tenure related engagement.
The agreement benefits the region by establishing a collaborative approach to oil and gas development. Industry has the confidence to invest and conduct business in the area knowing a formal process is in place to assess proposed activities.
During the life of the agreement, HRFN will receive funding to support the review of tenure and oil and gas activity referrals. The entire cost of the agreement is provided through industry application fees to the Commission.
Negotiating new consultation agreements with Treaty 8 First Nations was a commitment made in British Columbia’s Natural Gas Strategy: Fuelling B.C.’s Economy for the Next Decade and Beyond. Interim agreements are in place with other Treaty 8 members while negotiations advance on new agreements.
Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas  said, “British Columbia and First Nations are working together to create economic opportunity and a prosperous future for Aboriginal citizens. This agreement is a commitment to work together to further environmentally responsible oil and gas activities that create jobs and supports families.”
Chief Russell Lilly, Halfway River First Nation said, “These negotiations have improved the relationship between Halfway River First Nation, the Commission and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas, resulting in a better consultation process for oil and gas activities and pre-tenure sale applications that addresses key issues for our community.”
Pat Pimm, Peace River North MLA said, “Agreements such as this one are beneficial to all of the parties involved. They set out clear guidelines and encourage a collaborative approach that will bring economic rewards for the Halfway River First Nation, for industry, and for our province.”

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